UNIVERSITY OF AKRON SCHOOL OF LAW
Akron Law news archive
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8/29/2014
Akron Law students get practical legal experience
The University of Akron School of Law held another of its monthly outreach clinics on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Local citizens who attend the clinic have the opportunity to complete applications for the Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) or applications for expungement (the court sealing of their criminal record). The purpose of the clinics is to increase employment opportunities for those who have a criminal record. Eighty-four people attended the clinic held on Saturday at the Mount Haven Missionary Baptist Church. During the 3-hour clinic, law student volunteers completed twenty-nine CQE applications, and twenty-six expungement applications. Twenty University of Akron law students staffed the clinic, including 8 first year students who had not yet attended their first official law school class. The law student volunteers raved about their volunteer experience at the clinic. First year student Kyle Cramer stated, “I greatly enjoyed the experience. It was very satisfying helping people. Most of the clients were very grateful.” Fourth year part-time student Kristen Guappone commented: “I truly felt I made a difference. [I helped] clients who [had] acknowledge[d that] they ... made a serious mistake in the past, and were now actively trying to turn their lives around. Frustrated that their past mistake was keeping them from employment or housing, the CQE petition we filed helped them demonstrate and show to the court that they were making a sincere[] . . . effort to remain a ... law-abiding citizen and to maintain those positive choices in their lives. The clients were overly thankful, some near tears, that [the] granting of this CQE might finally allow them . . . to leave some of their past behind, and have a second chance.” Third year student Dave Garnier had similar comments about his experience. The “ CQE Legal Clinic is a way for law students to help these people take steps to improve their lives and those of their family members. The CQE application process is not difficult for a law student, but our help makes a real difference in the lives of many Summit County residents with prior convictions. As students at the University of Akron School of Law, aware of the responsibilities of those entering the legal profession to the community ... we welcome such a wonderful opportunity to bring together a need and a possible way to meet that need.” Third year student Justin Burns also observed that “Akron Law's CQE Clinic is an example of how the University of Akron School of Law can partner with our community to facilitate ex-offenders' re-entry into society. Personally, I found it frustrating to hear of how our clients' past offenses, some [with] convictions over 15 years ago, still faced obstacles in finding employment based on their criminal record. Since the individuals with whom I worked had already demonstrated the ability to lead law-abiding lives in order to become eligible for the certificate, it was inspiring to become part of their journey as they apply to become active, engaged citizens in our community.” To date, the University of Akron School of Law has hosted 14 outreach clinics. 709 people have attended the clinics and they have been helped by 295 law-student volunteers. The law students have completed 225 CQE applications and approximately 191 expungement applications. The CQE clinic is supervised by Professor Joann Sahl, and the Expungement clinic is supervised by Attorney Russel Nichols. -
8/15/2014
Professor Katharine Van Tassel to speak at AALS annual Meeting on issues of law and policy arising from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
The 2014 West African outbreak of the Ebola virus is the most severe epidemic attributed to this pathogen since 1976, when international health officials began keeping records on Ebola. As of August 2014, the total number of suspected cases has approached 2,000, and the number of suspected deaths has exceeded 1,000. The World Health Organization has designated the health crisis as one of international concern. The law has a strong stake in containing this outbreak and preventing future episodes of this kind. Professor Katharine Van Tassel will be speaking on a panel at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Association of Law Schools addressing issues of law and policy arising from the Ebola outbreak. Professor Van Tassel is the Director of the Public Health Law & Science Center and Health Law Program at the University of Akron School of Law.
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7/30/2014
New dean named to lead School of Law at UA
Matthew J. Wilson brings a wide range of experience to this leadership role, including his time spent teaching and living abroad. -
7/9/2014
Future legal eagles start early at UA
Sixty area high school students are getting a bonus as they learn about the law at UA. They're getting preparation for college and life as well. -
7/1/2014
Wilson Huhn, professor of law, is quoted in a Bloomberg story on a U.S. Supreme Court decision
Wilson Huhn, professor of law, is quoted in a Bloomberg story on a U.S. Supreme Court decision on contraceptive coverage regulations -- http://www.bna.com/forprofit-closely-held-n17179891700/. -
6/27/2014
Professor Emerita Elizabeth Reilly featured in Akron Legal News
Professor Emerita Elizabeth Reilly, who will retire June 30, is featured in an Akron Legal News story available at http://www.akronlegalnews.com/editorial/10541# . -
6/26/2014
Professor Emeritus, Jeffrey Samuels takes a look at Redskins name controversy
Professor Emeritus, Jeffrey Samuels recently spoke to Ray Horner on his WAKR radio show about the recent controversy regarding the Washington Redskins name. -
6/26/2014
Akron Law Alumna, Taryn Heath, sworn in as president of the Stark County Bar
Taryn Heath (’82) was recently sworn in as president of the Stark County Bar Association. -
6/24/2014
Akron Law duo earns highest ranking for 2L team in Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition
Two law students from The University of Akron School of Law placed sixth overall in the Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition, held June 5-8, 2014. The invitation-only Top Gun competition is sponsored by Baylor Law School and is limited to 16 of the best law schools in trial advocacy. The University of Akron has been invited every year since the tournament's inception in 2010.
Akron Law second years Justin Workman and Scott Kamenitsa represented Akron Law, arguing a case involving copyright law. Workman was selected to be lead counsel and was in charge of presenting both sides of the case. Kamenitsa played a key role in preparing material and making in-trial adjustments.
The duo, coached by Dan Leister ('12) of Sutter O'Connell, went up against some of the top teams in an already stellar field of competition. They won their first two cases 3-0 against Chiacago-Kent and 2-1 against South Texas, before losing their next two in highly contested rounds, including a case against Yale in round 3 that was decided in a split decision by a single point. Akron Law's sixth place finish was the highest ranking for a 2L team.
Congratulations to Justin and Scott! Well done!
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6/17/2014
School of Law ranked ‘Best Value’ again!
Akron Law has repeatedly been named a "Best Value," including for the last three years consecutively.
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