Greetings,
 
As we head into the heart of the summer, I'm fortunate to continue my travels across the country to reconnect with Arizona Law alumni from coast to coast. 

Last week I met with friends of the college in Eugene, and alums and friends in Portland and Seattle. Events included breakfast with our Seattle alumni, including Omar Vasquez ('14) (pictured at right), Gabe Galanda ('00) and Ryan Dreveskracht ('09).

This week we share exciting news that pays tribute to Judge Stephen McNamee, someone many of you have worked with and learned from. Judge McNamee truly exemplifies what's special about the Arizona Law community. 

Wildcat Wednesday -- Letter of the Law will, like many faculty, staff, students and alumni, take a vacation in July -- and return in August. During the break, I hope to see you on the road at one of our alumni receptions!

Until the footnotes,

Marc
Announcing the Stephen M. McNamee Endowed Scholarship
 
Senior United States District Judge Stephen McNamee ('69) is a devoted Arizona Law alumnus who has spent countless hours throughout his career mentoring students and young lawyers. This week we're thrilled to announce an initiative fueled by those who wanted to give back in honor of his dedication: the Stephen M. McNamee Scholarship.

The fundraising effort was led by Nicole Ong ('08) and Paul Charlton ('88), both of whom say they have benefitted enormously from Judge McNamee's mentorship.

Nicole, who clerked for Judge McNamee and is now general counsel for the Arizona Department of Administration, sums up the motivation behind the scholarship drive this way:

"As Judge McNamee has touched my life and the lives of so many others, we wanted to show him our appreciation and honor his legacy by celebrating his love of the law school. Through this endowed scholarship, Judge McNamee will continue to impact the lives of aspiring attorneys and serve as a role model to all attorneys."

Paul, managing partner of Steptoe & Johnson's Phoenix office, followed in McNamee's footsteps as the U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona. He adds:

"I and my practice have benefitted greatly by hiring Judge McNamee's outstanding former clerks. It seemed a perfect way to match Judge McNamee's mentoring with his desire to help Arizona law students by supporting a scholarship in his name."

Judge McNamee began his career in private practice before becoming an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona in 1971. He has spent the rest of his career in the public sector and is now the senior U.S. district judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. 

As U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona (1985-90), he helped develop a model program for assisting victims and witnesses of federal crimes, especially Native American victims. Serving in a district that included 19 Native American reservations, he made prosecuting violent crime committed against Native American children a top priority.

We know that hundreds of attorneys have benefitted from Judge McNamee's support and guidance over the years, and now, because of the generosity of his friends and colleagues, generations of Arizona Law students will benefit, too. 

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the scholarship fund! If you wish to contribute, please visit www.law.arizona.edu/give, and select "Stephen McNamee Scholarship." 
Upcoming Receptions

Washington, D.C. Alumni Breakfast
June 29
8:30-10 a.m.
Association of American Veterinary Medical College
655 K St. NW, Ste 725
Washington, D.C. 20001

Phoenix Alumni Reception
July 25
5-7 p.m.
Squire Patton Boggs
1 E Washington Street,  Ste 2700
Phoenix, AZ  85004

LA Alumni Reception
Aug. 3
5:30-7 p.m.
The Library Bar
630 W 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA  90017

Denver Alumni Reception
Aug. 8
5-7 p.m.
The Corner Office
1401 Curtis Street
Denver, CO  80202



New Pascua Yaqui Tribe Partnership Appoints Diamond as Special Prosecutor, Allows Clinic Students to Argue in Court
 
Professor of Practice and Tribal Justice Clinic Director James Diamond has been appointed as a special prosecutor in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe court system, and clinic students will soon have the opportunity to appear in tribal court and argue cases.

The Tribal Justice Clinic is a cornerstone of our Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy program's clinical work.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe's Office of The Prosecutor will assign Professor Diamond as a special prosecutor in cases where the office has a conflict of interest. Starting in fall 2017, Tribal Justice Clinic students who pass the tribal court bar exam will appear in tribal court under Jim's supervision.

The new arrangement will allow students to gain vital experience in trial advocacy analyzing cases, honing their legal writing skills, preparing and examining witnesses, filing court motions, and practicing oral argument. The Tribal Council is also considering a student practice rule that would allow clinic students to appear in tribal court under Jim's supervision without passing the tribal court bar exam.

Read the full story to learn more.
We Want Your Opinion!
 
With our summer hiatus upon us and a new academic year around the corner, we are taking stock of Wildcat Wednesday -- Letter of the Law

To help inform the discussion, we would love to hear about your opinions, preferences and reading habits. Your feedback will help us improve how we serve and connect to the Arizona Law community!

If you'd like to help, please fill out our anonymous survey here. It should only take a few minutes. Or if you would prefer, you can send suggestions to Tracy Mueller ( tracymueller@email.arizona.edu). Thank you in advance for your help.
FOOTNOTES
A Wildcat in Training
 
Joe Ezzo ('12) shares this snapshot of his grandson Chaya sporting U of A gear in honor of his first birthday. (Mom Gina is a 2009 Wildcat graduate.) Thanks for sharing, Joe. And Happy Birthday, Chaya!

Arizona Law Reunions and Homecoming, October 26-28, 2017
 
Arizona Law is in the midst of helping our 2017 reunion committees plan a weekend of reunions, Homecoming events, BBQs, and seats for the UA homecoming football game.
 
Reunion committees have so far been formed by the Classes of 1967, 1977, 1992, 1997, and 2007. 

We invite members of other classes from years ending in 2 or 7 -- in other words, from 1957, 1962, 1972, 2002, and 2012 -- to form reunion committees and receive logistical support through the Alumni and Development Office. The deadline for forming a committee to work with the college is June 30.
 
The college will also host an all-year reunion reception on Friday, October 27.
 
For more information or to participate in a class reunion committee for your year, please contact Marissa White in the Alumni and Development Office by calling 520-626-8132 or via email at mwhite@email.arizona.edu.

Support Future Lawyers With Your Gift  to the Law College Association


Alumni are the hallmark of the College of Law. Your participation and support -- in events, mentorship, and giving -- provides opportunities for the next generation. 

As we prepare to close our fiscal year on June 30, 2017, we ask you to consider making a gift to the College of Law -- In Favor of Students. All gifts matter, regardless of size, and help us deliver on our promise of a high-value, top-quality education, in a small, supportive community.

I look forward to meeting you out on the road throughout the coming months. For those who are unable to attend a reception, I encourage you to send us a note about your latest activities, personal and professional. Hearing from and talking with our alumni is one of the great joys of serving as dean of Arizona Law.
 
Warmly,




 
Shaping the next century of legal education 
 
Arizona NOW campaign button

 

 
   Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter    Find us on Pinterest    View our profile on LinkedIn     View our videos on YouTube


Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Join Our Mailing List button