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May, 2025 | Newsletter Volume 3

The BLI hosted eight distinguished speakers in its unique spring seminar, including Dr. Kevin McDonald, Senior VP and General Counsel at Volkswagen Financial Services, Mr. Joseph Rubbone, Deputy General Counsel at Purpose Brands, and Ms. Hannah Reynolds, Corporate Counsel at Chicos FAS. The BLI was particularly honored to host our own Dean John Czarnetzky in a presentation that examined the relationship between Catholic Social Teaching and business law.

The Ave Business Law Herald experienced tremendous growth this academic year. The Herald published fifteen articles, one of which was written by 2L BLI Fellow John Wright. His article titled, "A New Era: Understanding the Historic NCAA v. House Settlement" was cited in a Forbes Magazine article covering the same topic. The Herald plans to build off this success in the coming year by continuing to publish interesting, informative articles analyzing all aspects of business law.

If you would like to be featured as a guest writer, please reach out to Editor-in-Chief John Wright (jwright@avemarialaw.edu) or Managing Editor Caroline Funk (cfunk@avemarialaw.edu).

Three BLI Fellows, Tara Powers, Sabrina Martinez, and Megan Howard, competed in the 2025 Duke Law Interscholastic Transactional Law Competition. The tournament simulated a real-world contract negotiation related to mining and environmental rights. The first round involved marking up and editing a term sheet for a complex transaction under significant time constraints. The second round featured a real-time negotiation of the contract terms with the opposing side. Our team placed first in the mark-up/editing round and third overall in the tournament! They also received excellent feedback and praise from the judges. This is a wonderful achievement for these students, the BLI, and our law school, and we look forward to competing in more of these tournaments in the future.

In April 2025, BLI Fellow Vince Martino attended the Financial Markets Association’s Securities Compliance Seminar, a national conference that brings together attorneys, compliance officers, and financial and banking professionals. Spanning three days of panels, the event explored the current state of securities regulation, enforcement trends, and practical compliance strategies. The panels were very on point with national issues facing the industry and highlighted the importance of off-channel communications monitoring, evolving cybersecurity issues, and the never-ending question of how artificial intelligence is changing the game at every turn. It provided a valuable opportunity to learn from practitioners across the industry and to connect classroom knowledge with real-world issues shaping the future of business law. 

This semester, Moot Court competed in five external competitions around the country, including the Notre Dame Religious Freedom Tournament, where our team advanced to the quarterfinals, and the John J. Gibbons National Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition, where our team advanced to the octofinals. Each team continued to uphold the excellence of the Ave Maria Moot Court Board and represented our school in an extraordinary way.

Stay Tuned! The forthcoming issue of The Gavel is centered on the theme of Election Law!

Robert H. Bork Appellate Competition

Final Round: Anthony Thompson and Victoria Porter/Maddie Dietz and Maddie Maring

Winning Team: Maddie Dietz and Maddie Maring

Best Oralist: Maddie Maring

Best Brief: Heather Ochs & Catherine Rieke

Scalia Law School National Criminal Trial Advocacy – Arlington, VA

Competitors: Mallory Fernandes, Emily Feyerabend, Wendell Powell

Coaches: Dean Maureen Milliron and Professor Kirk Miller

Tulane International Baseball Arbitration Competition – New Orleans, LA

Competitors: Ben Dellacono, Victoria Kelly, James Mrnacaj, Quinten Zak

Coach: Joe Garagiola, Arizona Diamondbacks

NYC BAR – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Competitors: Tim Carver, Corwin Hooley, William Horth

Coach: Mark Bonner

University of Buffalo Law – Buffalo, NY

Competitors: Bri Pritts, CJ Trunkett

Coach: Professor Timothy Tracey

Seton Hall School of Law

Competitors: Victoria Porter, Lili Rodriguez, Emily Winter.

Coach: Dean Emeritus Eugene Milhizer

Notre Dame Law School Religious Freedom – South Bend, IN

Competitors: Brendan Coughlan, Vincent DeStefano, Ethan West

Quarter-finalists: Sawyer Lecius, Shannon Stamp and Miller Whitten Coach: Professor Antony Kolenc

Scholarly Achievements

“Is God Pro-Choice as a Matter of Law?” was accepted for publication in the Fall 2025 issue of the Journal of Law and Civil Governance at Texas A&M. The article explains why religion-based legal attacks on new pro-life state limitations on abortion should fail under the Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment and of various state constitutions.

Special Event Highlight:

Meeting with Church Leaders in Washington, D.C.

On March 11, Professor Brian Scarnecchia and his wife, Victoria, attended a gala at the Embassy of the Holy See in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election. During the evening, they had the distinct honor of meeting His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Organization of American States.

The event brought together members of the Catholic community to honor the Holy Father’s leadership and to strengthen ties with Church representatives in the United States and beyond.

Published

Professor Bruce Connolly published two law review articles this past academic year. 

His first article titled, “The Core of Harvey Weinstein’s Big Apple Reversal: A Closer Look at the Controversial Yet Correct Application of Molineux and Sandoval by the New York Court of Appeals” was published in Volume 51 of the American Journal of Criminal Law at the University of Texas School of Law. 

His second article titled, “Ave Maria School of Law’s Business Law Institute: A Unique Solution to a Longstanding Problem” was published in Volume 23 of our very own Ave Maria Law Review.

Professor Connolly coached a group of students in the 2025 Duke Law Interscholastic Transactional Law Competition in March. He is also coaching the annual Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition this summer in Boca Raton. In Fall 2025, he looks forward to working with students in both Business Organizations and Commercial Law.

Professor Connolly was privileged to sponsor and admit nine Ave Law alms into the United States Supreme Court in February 2025. (Watch the video below.)

After serving his country deployed in a combat zone in Iraq, an Army infantryman returned home to increased symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His deteriorating mental health condition led him to leave his post on four occasions without leave, putting him in an AWOL status. Instead of treating this soldier’s condition, however, the Army discharged him in 2006 with an “other-than-honorable-conditions” discharge, which deprived him of all VA benefits, including compensation for his PTSD. After extensive research and collaboration with witnesses, the students of Ave Maria’s VSLC submitted a lengthy legal brief and multiple documentary exhibits to the Army Board for the Correction of Military Records (ABCMR). In September 2024, the ABCMR completely adopted the students’ arguments and upgraded the veteran’s discharge to “fully honorable”—a victory that will have positive life-changing impacts on this veteran for the rest of his life. The students are now working with the VA to obtain upgraded veterans benefits for this member.

After deploying with the U.S. Marines to one of the most dangerous combat zones in Afghanistan, a Navy corpsman returned home to increased symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His deteriorating mental health condition led him to self-medicate with Adderall on one occasion without a prescription. Instead of treating this sailor’s PTSD, the Navy discharged him in 2009 with an “other-than-honorable-conditions” discharge, which deprived him of all VA benefits,

including compensation for his PTSD. After extensive research and collaboration with witnesses, the students of Ave Maria’s VSLC submitted a lengthy legal brief and multiple documentary exhibits to the Navy Discharge Review Board (NDRB). After receiving an initial denial from the Board, the students requested a personal hearing on behalf of the sailor. The students then conducted this full administrative hearing, including an opening and closing statement, as well as a witness examination before a panel of three Navy Board members. Praising the students’ advocacy, the NDRB agreed and upgraded the sailor to a “fully honorable” discharge. While the servicemember’s family is very appreciative for the upgrade that has redeemed the sailor’s character of service, the sailor himself unfortunately did not live to see this result as he passed away unexpectedly earlier in 2024.

A retired Air Force enlisted member, now disabled due to his military service, opened his home to a woman who claimed to need a place to live. They agreed that she would help out around the house for the disabled veteran in exchange for a room without paying rent. Unfortunately, the woman did not fulfill her side of the bargain and caused damage and disarray in the household. When the veteran asked the woman to leave, she refused, requiring him to get a court order to make her go. The veteran sought the assistance of the VSLC, and the students at Ave Maria investigated the facts and law to best advise the client.

The students then assisted Professor Kolenc with filing an “unlawful detainer” complaint in Florida state court. After filing several motions in the case, the students convinced the judge to find in favor of the veteran and issue a Writ of Possession. The sheriff’s office executed the writ at the residence, and the woman was evicted successfully from the residence without incident.

An honorably discharged Army veteran was unable to get certain types of jobs because an old Army law enforcement investigation indicated that she had been a suspect in a barracks theft while in the Army. She had never been arrested or charged for any crimes, and the Army had no probable cause to list her as a suspect. After coming to our clinic, we intervened and worked with the Army to delete those references so that she would not be improperly “titled” with that suspect designation. Our efforts eventually paid off, and the Army agreed to her requests, removing all references to her as a suspect.

An honorably discharged Coast Guard veteran sought reentry into the Coast Guard, but had concerns about whether he would be forced to use certain transgender pronouns with persons of one biological sex who identified as the other. When the Coast Guard told him not to bother continuing the accessions process, he came to our clinic and we intervened. We demanded that the Coast Guard respect his rights to freedom of speech and religion, and we sought a religious accommodation so that he could serve again. After the Trump Administration took office, the Coast Guard informed us that our efforts had been successful and that the individual could now continue the accessions process if he wished.

LLSA Donation Drive a Success!



LLSA recently delivered the generous donations collected to Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. It was a privilege to support our community, tour their impressive facility, and meet the dedicated staff and volunteers who carry out their vital mission.



Thank you to everyone who contributed to the drive — your generosity made a meaningful impact. We are also grateful to the members who traveled to Immokalee to assist with the delivery and participate in the inspiring tour.

Ave Maria Law Families Hop Into Easter Fun

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Ave Maria School of Law hosted a lively Family Easter Picnic at the Cancro Center courts and turf in Naples, Florida.

Families gathered for an afternoon of egg-citing activities, including an Easter egg hunt, lawn games, and a festive BBQ. Laughter, sunshine, and plenty of sweet surprises made it a joyful way for the Ave Maria community to celebrate the Easter season together.

Mark Moore Shares Insights on Law and Athletics with Ave Maria Law Students

On March 20, 2025, Mark Moore, former professional ice hockey defenseman and current professor at the University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, spoke to students at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida.

A former NHL draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Moore transitioned to academia after injuries ended his athletic career. He went on to earn his doctorate in law from Oxford University, where he specialized in the intersection of law, ethics, and sport.

At UBC’s Allard School of Law, Professor Moore teaches courses in Sports Law, Contract Law, and Law and Ethics. During his talk, he shared how his unique journey—from professional sports to legal scholarship—shaped his perspective on leadership, professionalism, and the role of law in society.



Moore encouraged students to embrace diverse experiences and to recognize the broader ethical dimensions of legal practice.

Justices on Campus!

On April 11, 2025, the Ave Maria School of Law community was graced with the presence of distinguished legal professionals, including Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz of the Florida Supreme Court, District Judge Thomas Barber of the Middle District of Florida, and the Honorable Joseph M. Tompkins, a proud alumnus and judge of Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.

This remarkable gathering not only highlighted the esteemed stature of these judicial figures but also underscored the invaluable connection between our students, faculty, and the broader legal community.

The insights shared during their discussions resonated deeply with Ave Maria's commitment to fostering ethical legal practice and community service, inspiring all in attendance to engage wholeheartedly in their legal journeys. The collaborative spirit showcased by our successful alumni serves as a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment at Ave Maria, encouraging students to actively participate in future events and to build meaningful connections with these influential leaders in the field. As we reflect on the key takeaways from this inspiring occasion, let us remain steadfast in our mission to cultivate future legal leaders grounded in Catholic values and unwavering ethical principles.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki Challenges Students to Serve Both Church and State Faithfully

On February 19, 2025, the Knights of Columbus at Ave Maria School of Law hosted Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois.

Bishop Paprocki, an expert in both civil and canon law, spoke to students about the profound challenges Catholic lawyers face in serving two sovereigns — the Church and the state — with fidelity. Drawing from his episcopal motto, "Lex Cordis Caritas" ("The law of the heart is love"), he encouraged future attorneys to practice their profession with integrity, balancing their legal duties with their faith.



Ordained a bishop in 2003 and appointed to Springfield in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Paprocki offered students an inspiring vision for living out their dual commitments to both civil society and the Gospel. Bishop Paprocki is currently an adjunct professor at Ave Maria School of Law.

Interim U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. Visits Ave Maria School of Law



On March 24, 2025, Edward R. Martin Jr., Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, visited Ave Maria School of Law to speak with students about internship opportunities within his office.

Appointed on January 20, 2025, shortly after President Donald J. Trump's inauguration, Martin discussed the vital role young legal professionals can play in federal service. He encouraged students to consider internships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., highlighting the valuable courtroom experience and mentorship opportunities available.

Martin’s visit reflected his commitment to recruiting and developing the next generation of legal talent for public service.

Elena Stephenson Honored with CCLGLS 2025 Law Student Award

The City, County, and Local Government Law Section of The Florida Bar has selected Elena Stephenson, a second-year student at Ave Maria School of Law, as the recipient of its 2025 Law Student Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding students committed to pursuing careers in local government law.

Elena’s passion for public service began early, inspired by attending civic association meetings as a child. At Ave Maria Law, she serves as an Associate Editor of the Ave Maria Law Review and is a clinician with the Veterans and Service Members Law Clinic, where she advocates for veterans in legal matters.



This summer, Elena will continue her public service journey with an internship at the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit.

Ave Maria School of Law is pleased to announce Mr. Leonard Leo, Chairman of CRC Advisors and Chairman and Trustee of Marble Freedom Trust, as the 2025 Commencement Speaker. Student Graduation Speaker: Mr. William Galvano

Commencement Schedule 2025

Baccalaureate Mass

Friday, May 16, 2025, 6 PM, St. Agnes Catholic Church

Commencement Exercises

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 1 PM, Artis-Naples

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