Introducing the 2020 PINK Shark Pin!

Goal: Donate 5,000 Pairs of Socks

$5 = 1 Pair of Socks + Gift to the NSU Cares Fund

Be a Part of #Socktober!

Donate by October 31, 2020 and Check our Progress! tinyurl.com/NSUsocktober

Symplicity is NSU College of Law’s online portal for many of the Career and Professional Developments’ career-related services for students, alumni, and employers. Through Symplicity, students and alumni can search job postings, apply to opportunities, and download helpful career resources. In addition, employers can post positions.

Dean Beto Juárez, Jr., Associate Dean of International Programs and Professor of Law Shahabudeen K. Khan along with the NSU Law community welcome three visiting professors that will be teaching virtually during October and November as guest lecturers in LAW 1071 Introduction to European Union Law. LAW1071 is a pre-requisite for the dual degree program at Charles University, Roma Tre University, and the University of Barcelona. NSU Law Dual Degree Programs

Professor Amanda Foster is seeking tenure. If you were a student of Professor Foster, please take a moment to provide comments to assist the Committee on Retention, Promotion and Tenure. COMMENT LINK

Kenneth L. Lewis, Jr. (J.D. 2005)

Interviewed and quoted in the article, “Some Older Americans Committed to Voting in Person Due to the USPS Crisis,” by ABC News published online on September 8, 2020. LINK

Published, Hassle-Free Travel: Myrie v. Barbados and Freedom of Movement in CARICOM, 8 PENN. ST. J.L. & INT’L AFF. 536 (2020). LINK

Published, Time for Greater Change: The Bar Exam in Black and White, 3 ACCESSLEX RAISING THE BAR 2 (Fall 2020). LINK

Published the op-ed, Do Black Lives Matter? Look at Florida Children in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice, in the September 29, 2020 issue of the Sun Sentinel. LINK

Published, Pandemic Bar Exam Challenges Exacerbate Barriers for First-Generation Law Students, 3 ACCESSLEX RAISING THE BAR 2 (Fall 2020). LINK

Moderated “Engaging in Anti-Racism Work for the Long Haul: Avoiding Fatigue and Burnout,” sponsored by the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT) on September 18, 2020. More than 140 people attended the event. LINK

Published the op-ed, Kill These 3 Toll Roads to Nowhere Before they Do Real Harm, in the September 5, 2020 issue of the Tampa Bay Times. LINK

Interviewed for the topic, Environmentalists Thought They Stopped An Airport Near The Everglades Decades Ago. Could Amazon Put It back In Play?, by WLRN Jenny Staletovich on September 30, 2020 LINK

Published, Law School Exams during a Pandemic – One Law School’s Experience, SSRN (WPS): 16 Law Educator: Courses, Materials & Teaching eJournal 34 (Sept 2020) LINK forthcoming in SEATTLE J. OF TECH., ENVTL & INNOVATION L., Vol. 11, Issue 1 (2020). Featured in TaxProf Blog.

Congratulations to the following NSU Law alumni who were honored with the 2020 Up & Comer awards by South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) at a virtual awards ceremony on October 14, 2020:

Alison Smith (J.D. 2003), Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman

Chad Van Horn (J.D. 2009), Van Horn Law Group

Rebecca Rodriguez (J.D. 2013), GrayRobinson, P.A.

Jeff Wank (J.D. 2009), Kelley Kronenberg  

Dan Cytryn of Cytryn and Velazquez in Coral Springs, was named to the 2020 Super Lawyers® list. This information was published in the July 2020 NSU Law Alumni Newsletter, but the graduation year was incorrect. Cytryn graduated in 1981, not 1980.  

Roberta Stanley, managing partner at Brinkley Morgan, has been selected as a finalist for the Daily Business Review’s 2020 Professional Excellence award in the category of “Lifetime Achievement”. Stanley is board certified by Florida Bar in marital and family law. She specializes in handling complex marital and family law cases for high-profile and high-net-worth individuals and business owners, including the preparation and enforcement of intricate prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, paternity and adoption issues, and dissolutions of marriage dealing with equitable distribution, business valuations, taxation issues, alimony, child support, and parental responsibility and timesharing. 

The Honorable Robert Diaz was honored in two events sponsored by the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association (BCHBA) and the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The first event was on September 10, “Behind the Gavel: A Celebration of Broward Hispanic Judges”. This event was in celebration of Broward County’s Hispanic judges and magistrates. The second event was on September 17, 2020, “The Florida Jurist: Recognizing Hispanic Excellence”. Judge Diaz embodies absolute commitment to the community and was recognized for his desire to invest in the future of the legal profession. From speaking to high school and college students, to mentoring law students getting ready to take the Bar exam, all of the judges honored at these special events are all eager to help what they view as the next generation of Hispanic and Latino lawyers, judges and leaders. Judge Diaz also serves as a member of the Board of Governors of the Shepard Broward College of Law.  

The Honorable Helene Daniel won her seat as Circuit Court Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Judge-Elect Daniel’s commission will be effective on January 5, 2021.  

Elisa DePalma has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Head of Commercial Closing, Credit Risk Management for Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: PGC) and Peapack-Gladstone Bank. Working out of the Bank’s Teaneck location, DePalma oversees management of the Commercial Closing Department.

Mary Lisa Bobotas is the founder of her new firm, Mary Lisa Bobotas, PLLC, in Miami. 

The Honorable Frank Ledee was honored in an event sponsored by the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association (BCHBA) and the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event took place on September 10 and was titled “Behind the Gavel: A Celebration of Broward Hispanic Judges”. This event was in celebration of Broward County’s Hispanic judges and magistrates. Judge Ledee is a wonderful mentor to all and can always be counted on to volunteer when called upon by the Shepard Broad College of Law.   

The Honorable Alberto Ribas was honored in an event sponsored by the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association (BCHBA) and the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event took place on September 10 and was titled “Behind the Gavel: A Celebration of Broward Hispanic Judges”. This event was in celebration of Broward County’s Hispanic judges and magistrates.    

Kari Niblack, ACS Benefit Services’ President and CEO, was featured on the national leadership podcast, Leading From the Front, with Dr. Gary McGrath, discussing accountable leadership, the importance of mentors, gratitude, perspective and self-awareness. Niblack is a frequent, national speaker on innovative cost containment in the health insurance industry, legal and human resource strategies.

Ron Herman of Herman Law, P.A., participated as a Criminal/Juvenile Law Session Chair at the Bench Bar 2020 Virtual Conference held by the Palm Beach County Bar Association in August, 2020. Herman’s practice is focused on defending complex cases. Herman is experienced in representing companies and professionals before the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and federal and state courts. 

Bonita (Bonnie) Herrmann Navin, a partner in Rubenstein Law, has shared that 2020 has been a great year. Navin has become Board Certified in Civil Trial by Florida Bar; Board Certified in Medical Malpractice by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys; member of American Board of Trial Advocates; accepted member of Litigation Counsel of America; awarded 2021 Best Lawyers – Plaintiff; and 2020 Top Lawyers - ALM. All honors were based on proven civil trial results, testing and peer recommendations. 

Neil Rambana of Rambana & Ricci, P.L.L.C. in Tallahassee was recently inducted into the Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame by the Tallahassee Community College Alumni and Friends Association. Nominations to the TCC Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame are solicited from the entire community each year and honorees are then selected based on professional achievement, service to society, and service and support to the college. Rambana is one of only nine notable alumni to receive this prestigious honor this year. Rambana now concentrates on complex immigration and deportation defense with almost 20 years of experience. He previously served as a Congressional Liaison for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and currently serves as Treasurer for the Tallahassee/St. Maarten Sister City Foundation, sits on the Board of Directors for Lighthouse of the Big Bend, is a member of the Governors Club Board of Directors, and a Senior Warden at the J. Edwin Larson Lodge. 

John E. Eckard, II has joined Kelley Kronenberg as partner. Eckard focuses his practice on First Party Property Insurance Defense Litigation. He is also a certified Circuit Court Mediator in Florida and a Commissioned Officer in the US Army Reserves.

The Honorable Kathleen McCarthy was honored in an event sponsored by the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association (BCHBA) and the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event took place on September 10 and was titled “Behind the Gavel: A Celebration of Broward Hispanic Judges”. This event was in celebration of Broward County’s Hispanic judges and magistrates.    

Alison Smith has rejoined Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman in Fort Lauderdale as of counsel. Smith focuses her practice on labor and employment, municipal, appellate, and administrative and regulatory matters. She regularly represents public and private entities in connection with lawsuits brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and many other labor and employment laws. Smith also acts as outside counsel to several municipalities. In addition, Smith is a member of the Board of Governors for NSU Shepard Broad College of Law.  Smith has also been honored at a virtual awards ceremony for the 2020 Up and Comers by South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW). The Up & Comer Awards were created to honor young professionals who have achieved excellence in their careers, shown a commitment to their community and demonstrated leadership.

Scott W. Atherton of Atherton Galardi Mullen & Reeder PA has been selected to serve as Chairman of Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee D. Atherton concentrates his practice in the areas of complex business litigation, shareholder disputes, employment law and professional liability disputes.

Joseph Fitos has been promoted to equity shareholder with GrayRobinson in the firm’s Orlando office. Fitos focuses his practice in the areas of commercial and construction litigation as well as professional liability defense.

Kimberly Gessner was promoted to vice president, deputy general counsel at Moss Construction in Ft. Lauderdale. In her new capacity, Gessner will provide strategic business counseling and advice to the company’s executive team as a key member of the legal leadership team. Additionally, she will conduct negotiations with clients and subcontractors, estimate risk, train staff in all aspects of compliance with federal, state and local regulations as well as be integrally involved in all methods of dispute resolution for matters involving the company.

Matthew McKim has joined Loeb & Loeb LLP as a partner in the Trusts and Estates department in the firm’s Chicago office. McKim advises clients on a wide range of U.S. tax planning matters, with a particular emphasis on income tax structuring for inbound U.S. investments.

Shannon J. Sagan of the Law Offices of Shannon J. Sagan, P.A. in Lake Worth has been chosen Vice Chair of the Leadership Glades Board of Directors. Sagan focuses his law practice exclusively representing injured clients.

The Honorable Maxine Cheesman participated as a Guardianship Session Chair at the Bench Bar 2020 Virtual Conference held by the Palm Beach County Bar Association in August, 2020. Judge Cheesman will also be participating as a panelist on November 4, 2020 in the virtual presentation from the Palm Beach County Bar Association Committee on Diversity and Inclusion “Road to the Bench: A Candid Discussion on Pathways to the Bench”.  

Jennifer Diaz, President of Diaz Trade Law, participated in the NCBFAA Educational Institute's 6th Annual Global Trade Educational Conference on a panel titled "Forced Labor Enforcement and TFTEA: Enforcement is Here; How Does COVID-19 Play Into It?" 

Alen H. Hsu has been named an On The Rise honoree in the September 28, 2020 Law.Com | dbr Daily Business Review. Hsu is Of Counsel with Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Hsu represents startups, multinational businesses and publicly traded companies with respect to domestic and international legal issues. Hsu has been recognized multiple times for his exceptional legal work and involvement in the South Florida community.  

Keith Sonderling has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate Tuesday to help enforce laws protecting workers from discrimination. In a 51- to- 42 vote, Keith Sonderling was approved to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Sonderling previously served as the acting administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour division. Sonderling will serve on the commission through 2024.  

Shera E. Anderson is featured in the Pro Bono Attorney Spotlight in the October issue of The Advocate, published by Legal Aid Service of Broward County. Anderson and her firm, Broward Debt Defense in Weston, were spotlighted because she has generously accepted several new cases to represent Legal Aid clients being sued by debt collectors and is helping them reach a fair resolution. Anderson has always focused her practice in the collection and consumer law sector.  

Valerie Barnhart, partner in Perera Barnhart Aleman, has been selected as an Honoree for the First Annual South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) Prestigious Women Awards 2021. This award is given to South Florida’s most distinguished female professionals.  

Mary E. Corbin is rejoining Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin as an associate and is a member of the Professional Liability Department. Corbin assists insurers in all aspects of a coverage dispute, including responses to civil remedy notices of insurer violations, pre-suit investigations, coverage opinions, first- and third-party litigation in state and federal courts, and bad faith litigation.

Mark Sawicki was a presenter in the August 4, 2020 CLE titled “Assisted Reproductive Technology Law 101: Practical and Advanced tech tips in Zoom for Trial Presentation”. The event was through the Broward County Bar Association B-Connected™ platform. Sawicki, managing partner of Mark E. Sawicki, P.A., focuses his practice on handling all types of matrimonial related matters for South Florida.

Nazarena Rosales Hauser had her article “Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration - Noche Latina (with a Twist!): COVID-19 Style” published on page 10 of the October 2020 issue of the Broward County Bar Association Barrister publication. Hauser is a partner with Family Matters Law Group, PA in Plantation. The areas of practice that Hauser focuses on are family law and dependency.  

Jessica Daley Marra had her article “Wellness: Just Keeping Going – Returning to Work and Mental Health” published on page 11 of the October 2020 issue of the Broward County Bar Association Barrister publication. Marra is an attorney in the Fort Lauderdale office of Kelley Kronenberg, focusing her practice on General Liability and Third Party Insurance Defense Litigation with a background in Criminal Law, Workers’ Compensation, Contract Disputes, and Administrative Matters.

Marc Marra had his article “Zooming Forward: A Salute to the Broward County Bar Association” published on page 12 of the September 2020 issue of the Broward County Bar Association Barrister publication. Marra is a partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Kelley Kronenberg, focusing his practice on assisting banks and other financial service providers with regulatory, enforcement, transactional, and litigation matters. He also handles representation of Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations throughout South Florida in areas including collections, foreclosures, estoppel, enforcement of covenants, vendor negotiations, and day-to-day management.

Lindsay Massillon, shareholder of Fowler White Burnett in the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Employment Practice Groups co-published “DOL Issues Final Rule on Fluctuating Workweek Method of Calculating Overtime,” in the Daily Business Review. Massillon also co-published, “Post-Pandemic Employer — Five Tips for Management to Avoid Liability,” in the Daily Business Review.  

Ayelet Faerman is the founder and managing partner of Faerman Law, PA. Faerman focuses on influencer relations including a specialization in contract negotiations.

Alexia L. Hudson has joined Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin as an associate. Hudson practices in the firm’s Casualty department where she handles matters involving Personal Injury Protection (PIP) litigation and Special Investigations Unit (SIU)/fraud cases on behalf of insurance carriers evaluating cases for various issues.

Rebecca A. Rodriguez has been promoted to shareholder with GrayRobinson in the firm’s Fort Lauderdale/Miami office. Rodriguez focuses her practice on state and federal litigation, appeals, and general compliance matters for corporate clients, financial institutions, and government entities. Rodriguez currently serves as special counsel to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.

Ryan Abrams had his article “Legal Health Center” published on page 19 of the September 2020 issue of the Broward County Bar Association Barrister publication. Abrams is the founder and managing partner of Abrams Law Firm, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale. He focuses his practice on transactional and litigation matters in many different areas of law. Abrams serves as Vice-President of the Lake Worth Waterkeeper, a nonprofit group whose mission is to monitor and protect the critically important watershed known as the Lake Worth Lagoon.

Leeza Newman participated as a Construction Law Session Chair at the Bench Bar 2020 Virtual Conference held by the Palm Beach County Bar Association in August, 2020. Newman is an associate with Ciklin Lubitz in their Construction Litigation practice group. Newman primarily represents developers, general contractors and subcontractors in a wide variety of complex construction defect defense litigation. 

Kristen L. Palacio had her article “Enlightenment Through Engagement – Community Policing and Law Enforcement” published on page 21 of the October 2020 issue of the Broward County Bar Association Barrister publication. Palacio is an associate with Kim Vaughan Lerner LLP in Fort Lauderdale. Palacio focuses her practice on commercial litigation matters and insurance-related matters, involving property damage and premises liability.

Augusto Perera, managing partner of Augusto Perera, P.A., has been sworn in as the new President of the South Miami Kendall Bar Association. Perera focuses his practice in the area of intellectual property, trademarks, copyrights, litigation, and business law.  

Emily Pineless has been promoted to Senior Associate with GrayRobinson in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Pineless focuses her litigation practice in the areas of commercial and business torts, contract litigation, insurance defense, and personal injury defense, in addition to labor and employment matters for governments and small businesses.

Elisabeth Rodriguez co-authored the article “Hispanic Heritage Month” which was published in the September 2020 issue of the Broward County Bar Association Barrister. The article can be found on page 10.  

Eric Sprechman participated as a Commercial Litigation Session Chair at the Bench Bar 2020 Virtual Conference held by the Palm Beach County Bar Association in August, 2020. Sprechman is an associate with Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. in the firm’s West Palm Beach office, and generally practices in the area of Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Law, Legal Malpractice, Directors and Officers Liability, Trademark and Copyright Litigation, Miscellaneous Professional Liability, and Community Association Law.

Novera H. Ahmad joined the law firm Carlton Fields in Orlando. Ahmad is a member of the firm’s Property and Casualty Insurance Practice. She handles all aspects of litigation, including motion practice, discovery, depositions, court appearances, mediation, and trial preparation.

Stefanie A. Salomon of Peckar & Abramson in Miami has been appointed a board member of Rebuilding Together Broward County. Salomon is an associate focusing on construction dispute resolution and construction defect litigation. 

Henry Norwood has joined Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck in Orlando as an associate attorney. Norwood focuses his practice primarily on general liability and labor & employment law. He represents and advises clients regarding personal injury disputes, construction defect claims, employee allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and FMLA claims, as well as healthcare compliance.

Sophia Huda has joined Baumann, Gant & Keeley, P.A. as an associate attorney.  

Alexander J. Mendez has joined Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin as an associate. Mendez is a member of Marshall Dennehey’s Casualty Department where he handles matters involving automobile litigation, premises liability, and general casualty matters. Additionally, he is a member of the firm’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Fraud/Special Investigation Practice Group.

Richard Piepes has been promoted to attorney supervisor with Robertson, Anschutz & Schneid, P.L. Piepes has also been accepted as a member of the Craig S. Barnard Inn of Court.

Ashley Ciccosanti has joined Warren Law Firm, PLLC in St. Petersburg as an associate attorney.  

Fredrick Givens has joined Baumann, Gant & Keeley, P.A. as an associate attorney. 

Patricia Margaret Kennedy (J.D. 1989) died unexpectedly on May 30, 2020 from complications of multiple myeloma, a disease she fought with grit and grace for the past five years. She was 72 years old. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, “Patsy” to her family, loved books, music from the 50's and 60's, and could “name that tune” in two notes. She cherished vacations she lovingly planned with her friends and most important to Pat was her family, and her chosen family of friends – her “posse”. A highly respected lawyer, Pat harnessed her razor-sharp mind and southern charm to fight for fairness and equality inside and outside of the courtroom. Pat chaired the National Organization for Women – (NOW) Convention in Miami Beach, Florida in 1984 which was attended by over five thousand women and men from across the country. There she introduced Geraldine Ferraro, the first female Vice-Presidential Candidate in U.S. history. In her years with NOW Pat worked tirelessly in the fight to pass the ERA, meeting and hosting such woman pioneers as Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug, and Patricia Ireland who became a lifelong friend. Pat is survived by Danica Campbell, her devoted partner of nearly thirty years who lovingly cared for Pat through her illness; her longtime, fiercely protective best friend, former Circuit Court Judge Ellen Leesfield; her partner’s adoring grandchildren Ashley and Isabella Campbell; her heartbroken family, including sisters Jackie Buchanan, Cindy Lockerman and brother Billy Kennedy; her nieces and nephews Kelly, Robin, Blayke, Joshua, Eric and Ariel. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, arrangements for a service honoring Pat are not yet formed, but upon her insistence, the gathering in her honor will be JOYFUL.

Hollis Salzman (J.D. 1992) died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3, in Upstate New York, following a car accident. She was 55 years old. One of the nation’s leading antitrust attorneys, Ms. Salzman spent more than 25 years litigating some of the world’s largest cases and recovered over $2 billion in settlements for victims of antitrust cartel and unfair competition practices. Last year, Hollis was named Managing Partner of the New York Office of Robins Kaplan. She was with the firm since 2013. As a prominent female litigator, Ms. Salzman was a champion of gender equality and diversity in the profession. She embraced her role as a mentor and role model to other female attorneys, helping to inspire them to shine on their own merit: “Women can succeed and lead blockbuster investigations, even in a male-dominated field, without losing their identity or acting in a way that is not true to themselves.” Her tireless dedication to advocating on behalf of women included an extensive pro bono practice representing indigent women and victims of domestic violence. Hollis is survived by her 

Joseph David Swiderski (J.D. 1979) passed away on March 18, 2020 in Coral Springs, Florida. He was 68 years old. We were made aware of his passing when it appeared in a publication from the Florida Bar.  

Louis Henry “Skip” Weber (J.D. 1987) passed away on April 2, 2020 in Coral Springs, Florida. He was 76 years old. We were made aware of his passing when it appeared in a publication from the Florida Bar. Skip was survived by his wife Carol.  

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E: kr550@nova.edu | P: 954-262-6303 | C: 954-203-1762

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