Florida State University College of Law

FSU Law students Laura Evans and Taz Fields, under the guidance of Professor Paolo Annino, are leading the charge to require public school personnel in Florida to undergo yearly training on identifying and responding to human trafficking. The bill is gaining momentum in the legislature, stay tuned for updates.

Bill would require training in human trafficking for Florida's public educators The state already requires K-12 students to be trained in the dynamics of human trafficking, but not teachers and other school personnel — yet

Our Office of Student Advancement held its annual Pro Bono fair for students to network with a dozen pre-approved pro bono sites such as Big Bend Coastal Conservancy, the Institute for Trauma & Resilience Studies, Legal Aid Foundation, and more.

FSU College of Law offers students a wide range of pro bono opportunities and students must perform at least 20 hours of pro bono legal work during their second or third year of law school. Thank you to all the site representatives who came out to to speak with our students!

Congratulations to our five alumni who were nominated!

Governor makes 21 Judicial Nominating Commission appointments Gov. Ron DeSantis March 31 made the following appointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions: First District Court of Appeal Judicial...

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Last week, FSU Law hosted Larry and Joyce Beltz Professor of Torts, and Associate Dean for Technology Shawn Bayern for a talk featuring his new book, “Principles and Possibilities in Common Law: Torts, Contracts, and Property.”

Professor Bayern was joined by Professor Larry T. Garvin of Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Professor Mark Gergen of UC Berkeley Law for a lively discussion before taking questions from the audience of over 250 in-person and virtually.

Watch the recording at https://bit.ly/42o6Cyu.

Congratulations to our very own Kat Klepfer, research and access services librarian for the FSU College of Law Research Center, who was recently awarded the 2025 Service to SEAALL Award! SEAALL, or the Southeastern Chapter of the American Association of Law Libraries, presents this award annually to the candidate who has made special, significant, and sustained contributions to the chapter.

Congratulations to FSU Law’s very own Professor Rima Nathan for being selected as a recipient of the 2024-25 University Teaching Award for Community-Engaged Teaching! Since 2022, Professor Nathan has been a clinical professor and the director of the Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic. This award honors educators who demonstrate excellence in areas such as serving as a positive role model, fostering respect for truth and a passion for learning, and utilizing innovative teaching methods.

Save the date for Thursday, April 24! The College of Business looks forward to partnering with the Florida State University College of Law for our Atlanta Area Alumni and Friends Networking Reception. 🤝🍸

Registration information and venue details to come!

Join 2L Molly Kennedy as she takes us through a day in her life as a law student! Molly will be working at her externship today, so send her all your questions and stay tuned for her answers!

Congratulations to 3L Nicolas Lower who was selected as the 2025 Ellis Medal recipient! The Ellis Medal is awarded to a graduating student who has shown outstanding dedication to international affairs and human rights.

Lower’s dedication to these causes is evident through his experience in public international law. As a D'Alemberte Ellis Fellow, he interned at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), researching the reinterpretation of protected groups under the Genocide Convention. He also participated in outreach initiatives, educating Khmer university students on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal’s findings.

In addition to his work at ECCC, Nicolas recently shared his insights in a compelling opinion piece titled “Florida’s Proposed Bills on Solitary Confinement is a Win for Human Rights”, published in the Tallahassee Democrat. His article highlights important human rights issues and underscores his unwavering advocacy for justice. To read his article, visit https://bit.ly/4j6DiSX.

Last Friday, FSU College of Law hosted its third annual FSU Business Law Review Symposium, centered on "Encapsulating Product Packaging Trade Dress." Leading law professors from across the country joined FSU Law faculty for panel discussions on how companies protect their trade dress—distinctive product packaging, colors, or designs that set their brand apart. The symposium also delved into the consequences of trade dress infringement and the critical role of protecting unique brand identities.

Watch the recording here - https://law.fsu.edu/fsu-business-review-symposium.

Special shout out to our FSU Law Alumni in the Seminole Caucus:
Representative Jessica Baker
Representative Michael Redondo
Senator Jennifer Bradley

Thank you to all of the Florida State University alumni and friends who serve in the Florida Legislature. With the Seminole Caucus, FSU has a proud history of serving the people of Florida at the State Capitol.

Join us in wishing our Trial Team good luck this weekend in New York as they compete in the first-ever Syracuse National Military Trial Competition!

This weekend our team is going to New York to compete in the first-ever Syracuse National Military Trial Competition! In their case, Private Paul Ackerman is charged with aggravated assault and robbery. This competition is unique because advocates must follow the Rules for Courts-Martial, the Military Rules of Evidence, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Shawn Soscia and Audrey Jackson are Trial Counsel for the United States Government. Edon Saiyag and Jack Ross are Defense Counsel representing Private Ackerman. This team is coached by Alex Morris and Judge Marsh.
Good luck, team!!

Join us next week on March 26 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the D'Alemberte Rotunda (or virtually) for an engaging Book Talk featuring Professor Shawn Bayern where he will discuss his new book, "Principles and Possibilities in Common Law: Torts, Contracts, and Property," and offer fresh insights on key aspects of common law.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Shawn Bayern's Book Forum: "Principles and Possibilities in Common Law" Join us on March 26 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the D'Alemberte Rotunda for a Book Talk featuring Professor Shawn Bayern, Larry and Joyce Beltz Professor of Torts and Associate Dean for Technology at FSU College of Law. Professor Bayern will be discussing his new book, "Principles and Possibilities in Co...

FSU College of Law had a great time at FSU Day at the Capitol! It was fantastic to connect with alumni, students, and friends who stopped by to learn more about our standout programs, including the Election Law Center, the Stoops Center, and our J.D. and J.M. degrees. We loved seeing so many new faces and catching up with familiar ones.

During Spring Break, FSU Law alumnus Fred E. Karlinsky ('92) led his annual Law and Risk Management course, engaging over 30 J.D., J.M., and LL.M. students.

Throughout the course, students had the unique opportunity to hear from some of the insurance industry's leading experts, including Dr. Jack Nicholson of Catastrophe Risk Consulting, LLC; Gina Wilson, COO and senior director of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund; Florida Supreme Court Justices John Couriel and Renatha Francis; Florida House Representative Tom Fabricio; and Tony Gregory, managing director of Insurance Market Conferences.

A huge thank you to Professor Karlinsky and all the distinguished experts who generously shared their knowledge with our students!

Spring into FSU Law Connect Events! By signing up, you'll be the first to know about regional alumni events, as well as other professional and social networking events. Don't miss out, sign up today!

Last Wednesday’s Orlando alumni reception, sponsored by Conti Moore ('07) and ‌Conti Moore Law, PLLC was a wonderful time! We enjoyed connecting with so many of you. View more photos from the reception and to share your own, visit http://connect.law.fsu.edu.