2002 News Index
Washburn University School of Law held a recognition ceremony and reception for December 2002 graduates on Friday, December 20, 2002 in Robinson Courtroom and Bianchino Technology Center. See full story.
Governor Bill Graves recently announced the appointment of two Washburn Law alumni to the Kansas Supreme Court. Marla J. Luckert, Chief Judge of the 3rd Judicial District in Shawnee County, will replace retiring Justice Fred N. Six. Robert L. Gernon, Judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals, will replace retiring Justice Tyler C. Lockett. Both Luckert and Gernon will be sworn in on January 13, 2003. (Posted December 16, 2002)
Professor Nancy G. Maxwell presented a paper entitled "Unification and Harmonization of Family Law Principles: The United States Experience" at the inaugural conference of the Commission on European Family Law, in Utrecht, The Netherlands held December 11-14, 2003. (Posted April 14, 2003)
Washburn Student Bar Association and the Non-Traditional Students Organization hosted Santa Claus at Washburn Law on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 for children of law students. Santa arrived in his super-charged, neon-lighted, smoke-blowing, music-blasting sleigh. Santa read a Christmas story to the kids, then spent one-on-one time with each child to learn what they wanted and pictures could be taken. Afterwards, he handed out gifts to all the children. One parent exclaimed it was by far the best Santa experience her kids ever had, and the adults had just as much fun. (Posted February 14, 2003)
Washburn Business Law Society hosted Kathleen W. Selvidge, Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at Washburn Law. Selvidge is a local transactional law attorney. She discussed trends in the transactional law environment, the social and business skills needed to be a successful transactional attorney, and ethical issues facing transactional lawyers. (Posted February 14, 2003)
Professor Nancy G. Maxwell, together with third year student Lawrence Williamson (Class of 2003) and second year student Tim Dupree (Class of 2004) presented "Law as a Career Choice" to the Careers Class at Topeka High School on November 26, 2002. (Posted: April 14, 2003)
The Barrister's Ball and Charity Auction Committee presented donations in the name of Washburn Student Bar Association (WSBA) to the Topeka Battered Women's Task Force and the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 in the Robinson Courtroom and Bianchino Technology Center at Washburn University School of Law. See full story. (Posted February 17, 2003)
The Tax Law Society hosted local tax attorney Doug Fincher Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at Washburn Law. Mr. Fincher spoke about the realities of practicing law as a tax attorney. He works at the firm of Newberry & Ungerer. (Posted February 17, 2003)
Equal Justice Works and the Hispanic American Law Student Association sponsored the forum "Attack on Civil Liberties," on November 7, 2002 at Washburn University School of Law School. Panelists were: Pedro Irigonegary, local attorney; Tom Luedke, Assistant United States Attorney in the terrorist division; Dick Kurtenbach, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri; and law professor Bill Rich. A videotape, with interviews with people affected by the 9/11 tragedy was shown. Following the video, the panel discussed personal privacy issues raised by the video and responded to audience questions. (Posted February 17, 2003)
The Black Law Students Association, in conjunction with the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, held a public debate, Wednesday, October 30, 2002 on the issues of a potential war with Iraq. Debate penalists were Retired Marine Colonel and Washburn professor of Applied Military Studies Frank Hicks, law professor Bill Rich, and Washburn political science professors Dr. Bill Beatty and Dr. Mark Peterson. Eric Gamble, law student, moderated the event. The debate was held at the Washburn Memorial Union. (Posted February 14, 2003)
Washburn University School of Law dedicated the Bianchino Technology Center on October 25, 2002. This Bianchino Technology Center is housed in Robinson Courtroom at the law school and is made possible through a generous donation by Bernie Bianchino, Class of 1974. See full story. (Posted October 25, 2002)
The Black Law Students Association hosted Dr. Andrea F. Greenhoot, Wednesday, October 23, 2002. In her presentation, "The Credibility of Child Eye-witness Testimony," Dr. Greenhoot discussed the accuracy of child memory and testimony. Dr. Greenhoot is an assistant professor in the Cognitive Psychology Program at the University of Kansas. (Posted February 14, 2003)
Washburn Student Bar Association sponsored a debate between candidates for Kansas Attorney General on October 15, 2002 at Henderson Hall on the Washburn campus. Phill Kline and Chris Biggs appeared before an audience of approximately 175 students and the general public to answer questions presented by a four-member panel. Professor Ronald Griffin, Washburn Law School, was moderator. Additional details of the debate are reported in the Topeka Capital-Journal. (Posted October 16, 2002)
The first in a series of Academic Success Programs at Washburn Law School was sponsored on Monday, October 14, 2002 by Hispanic American Law Student Association, Black Law Student Association, and Asian American Law Student Association. During the first program Professor Megan Ballard shared with students techniques and strategies for preparing study outlines, briefing of cases, and exam writing. Portions of the program were teleconferenced to students at Texas Tech University. (Posted October 16, 2002)
The International Law Society (ILS) sponsored two events at Washburn Law on Wednesday, October 9, 2002. ILS hosted John Washburn, currently Convener of the American NGO for the International Criminal Court, who spoke to students about his experiences in the Foreign Service. In the evening, ILS hosted the forum "International Criminal Court: Should the United States Participate?" See full story. (Posted October 10, 2002)
The Environmental Law Society hosted Robert V. Eye, Friday, October 4, 2002 at Washburn Law School. Mr. Eye is a local attorney who has been involved in issues related to nuclear energy production and regulation and the controversy surrounding the South Lawrence (Kansas) Trafficway. He discussed factors involved when entities attempt to develop wetland areas, such as Boyd County, Nebraska and Haskell/Baker south of Lawrence. Wetlands are subject to extensive regulatory oversight, as well as extensive civic, political, and judicial interests. Mr. Eye also assessed the spectrum of problems that accompany disposal of nuclear waste and showed how oversight in this area is similar to that related to wetlands. (Posted October 4, 2002)
The International Law Society hosted Mike Heston, Director of the Kansas City office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at Washburn Law School. Mr. Heston spoke about changes at INS and discussed the role of lawyers in the immigration process. (Posted September 23, 2002)
The J. Reuben Clark Law Society hosted William F. Atkin, International Chair of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, on Saturday, September 21, 2002. Atkin briefly described the Clark Law Society (JRCLS), his work as Associate General Counsel-International for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and discussed the concomitant rights and resonsibilities of nations and citizens in fostering religious liberty. See full story. (Posted September 27, 2002)
The Black Law Students Association held their annual car wash on Friday, September 6, 2002. Approximately 15 law students took part in the car wash and numerous faculty, staff and students supported the organization's efforts by bringing their vehicles in for washing. A portion of the proceeds go to the BLSA High School Scholarship fund. This fund awards one or two scholarships to seniors at Topeka High School to assist with their college education expenses. (Posted September 11, 2002)
The Fall 2002 Ahrens Tort Symposium: Genomic Torts will be held September 28, 2002. See full story. (Posted August 23, 2002)
Washburn Law Library welcomes Mildred J. Baker as the Computer Services Coordinator. She has a bachelor's degree in computer systems from Florida Atlantic, a master's degree in technology from Eastern Illinois, and a master's degree in library information technology from Central Missouri State. She begins her duties on Monday, August 12. (Posted August 12, 2002)
Washburn Law Library welcomes Brent L. Johnson as the Instructional Technology and Legal Reference Librarian. He is slated to begin work on Monday, September 9. Brent previously served as the Electronic Resources & Reference Librarian at Oklahoma City University School of Law. In 2001 he received a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. His J.D. is from OCU and he passed the Oklahoma bar in 1996. (Posted August 6, 2002)
Washburn Law Library welcomes Andrew Evans as the Government Documents Librarian and Legal Reference Coordinator. He is slated to begin his duties on Tuesday, August 20. Andrew is a 2001 graduate of Washburn Law School (top 10%) and is enrolled in the Master of Library Science program at Emporia State University. He is currently the electronic licensing coordinator for Kansas State University Libraries. (Posted August 6, 2002)
Gerald L. and Shannon Michaud presented a life-size bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson to Washburn University School of Law on Saturday, May 18, 2002. The presentation, held in conjunction with the Law School's 97th Commencement, was in recognition and honor of the Class of 2002. The Class of 2002 includes Cameron Michaud Drumright and Greg Drumright, Shannon Michaud's daughter and her husband. See full story. (Posted May 21, 2002)
Washburn University School of Law held its 97th Commencement on May 18, 2002 at White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus to recognize the Class of 2002. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) was conferred upon more than 120 students during the ceremony. Carla J. Stovall, Kansas Attorney General, gave the commencement address. See full story. (Posted May 21, 2002)
Carl Walter and Dominic Anderson, first year law students, are both participating in Blackstone Fellowship Legal Internships during the summer 2002. The fellowships are sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund and are designed to train Christian lawyers who will assume positions of leadership. Interns have the opportunity to closely interact with some of the nation's top Constitutional experts. Mr. Walter's internship will be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he will work at the Louisiana Family Forum. Mr. Anderson's internship is in Washington, D.C. where he will work on pro-life issues. More information about Blackstone Fellowships is available at the Alliance web site. (Posted May 16, 2002)
The Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court in Topeka has been chosen to receive the award for 10th place in the 2002 National Program Awards of the American Inns of Court Foundation. Third year law student Shawn Lindsay was a member of the team of lawyers and judges that developed the September, 2001 program entitled "A Jury of Her Peers." See full story. (Posted May 7, 2002)
The Sports and Entertainment Law Society hosted two Washburn Law School alumni Monday evening, April 29, 2002, to discuss their careers in the sports industry. Les Pico '92 (shown on the right in the photo), has worked for the NCAA and the NFL. He is currently with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in player development. Mr. Pico's duties include assisting players who become involved with business ventures, reviewing NFL polcies and procedures as they apply to the team, and compiling background information about potential draft picks. Earl Greene '97, began his career with the Nike Tour and now works as an Event Coordinator for the Futures Golf Tour, the official developmental tour of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Mr. Greene's duties include contract management, public relations, and problem solving. (Posted May 1, 2002)
Professor Ronald Griffin recently visited Sarajevo and other portions of Bosnia. An interview he gave during his visit appeared in the newspaper Oslobodenje. Read an English translation of his interview. (Posted May 1, 2002)
The Washburn Law Clinic held an Ice Cream Sundae Monday to celebrate the end of the semester for clinic interns and faculty. The Irvine E. Ungerman Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice was presented to Jeff Heinrichs and Amy Winterscheid during the event. The Ungerman Award is a cash award which can be used toward the purchase of law books. (Posted April 29, 2002)
Professor Ali Khan participated in a teach-in on the current conflict in the Middle East, Monday, April 22, 2002, in Henderson Hall at Washburn University. Professor Khan spoke about the morality of suicide bombers. He observed "For some Americans, suicide bombing is a barbaric act with no redeeming value. For many others, the act is understandable, though not laudable. But for most Palestinians and Arabs, suicide bombing is morally justified in light of unbearable oppression." Other speakers from Washburn University included Thomas Prasch, Washburn Department of History, speaking on the historical background to the conflict, and Robert Beatty, Department of Political Science, speaking on President Bush's Middle East policy. Rabbi Karol, of Temple Beth Shalom, offered a Jewish perspective. The event was sponsored by Washburn's history honorary society, Phi Alpha Theta. (Posted April 26, 2002)
Washburn Law welcomes Joel A. Lauer as the Assistant to the Dean and Director of Development. Joel received his BA in Speech Communications and Political Science from Washburn University in 1995, and has earned an MA in Communications Studies from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He served as an assistant debate coach both at UNLV and at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. From 1998 until March 2002, Joel was the Financial Development Director for the YWCA in Topeka where he was responsible for all areas of fundraising, grant research, the annual fund, and, during the past two years, was coordinator of the $3.5 million YWCA capital campaign. (Posted April 19, 2002)
The Fourth Annual John F. Kuether Memorial Golf Tournament was held April 14, 2002, at Lake Shawnee Golf Course in Topeka. This charity event is held each spring for members of the Washburn Law community and is sponsored by the Washburn University School of Law Student Division of the Kansas Bar Association. See full story. (Posted May 3, 2002)
Professor Rachel F. Moran presented the 2002 Foulston & Siefkin Lecture on April 19, 2002. Titled "Law and the Construction of Fear," Professor Moran's lecture was a reply in part to Professor Cass Sunstein's paper "The Laws of Fear". Sunstein's paper puts forth the idea that fear should be discounted in the formulation of law and policy. See full story. (Posted April 22, 2002)
Washburn University School of Law held its Ninth Annual Washburn Law Journal / Moot Court Council / Trial Advocacy Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 18, 2002 at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. See full story. (Posted April 19, 2002)
Washburn University School of Law rates a Very Good Value by the National Jurist in their March 2002 cover story, "Best School for Your Money." The survey compared tuition, bar pass rates, unemployment rates, median grants, clinic slots and faculty student ratios. Only 10 public schools were rated higher than Washburn, and only one of these is in the Law School Admission Council's Midwest Region. See full story. (Posted April 4, 2002)
Washburn Law School alum U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten, class of 1976, is featured in the April 2002 American Bar Association Journal lead story, "Challenges of Jury Selection." The article discusses how veteran litigators ignore stereotypes, knowing that venire members will weigh the facts against a lifetime of experiences. Judge Marten was appointed to the federal bench in 1996 and is an active member of the Board of Governors of the Washburn Law School alumni association. (Posted April 4, 2002)
Judge Deanell Reece Tacha, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, talked to the Legal Analysis, Research & Writing classes about appellate brief writing and oral advocacy on March 28, 2002. She gave the students tips on how to argue effectively, shared her brief writing and oral argument "pet peeves," and entertained the audience with war stories from her years on the appellate bench. (Posted March 29, 2002)
The Hispanic American Law Students Association sponsored the guest speaker Tina DeLaRosa, Executive Director of the Kansas Advisory Committee on Hispanic Affairs (KACHA). Ms. DeLaRosa discussed how attorneys can address the needs of Latino clients and expand their practice into the Latino community. KACHA is dedicated to improving the economic, social, and political position of the Hispanic community in Kansas. (Posted March 27, 2002)
Professor David Pierce presented "Custom and Usage Evidence in Oil and Gas Litigation" on March 22, 2002 at the 28th Annual Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute in Houston, Texas. His talk focused on the various ways custom and usage evidence is used by litigants and managed by judges. The Institute was co-sponsored by the University of Texas School of Law and the Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Section of the State Bar of Texas. (Posted March 26, 2002)
Professor David Pierce presented "Recent Developments in Nonregulatory Oil and Gas Law: Unfinished Business" on February 21, 2002 at the 53rd Annual Institute on Oil and Gas Law in Houston, Texas. Professor Pierce used the recent decision from the Kansas Supreme Court, Smith v. Amoco Production Company, as a jurisprudential guide for reconciling conflicting holdings by the Texas Supreme Court in Yzaguirre v. KCS Resources, Inc. and the Colorado Supreme Court in Rogers v. Westerman Farm Co. The Annual Institute is sponsored by The Institute for Energy Law, part of The Center for American and International Law (formerly the Southwestern Legal Foundation). Professor Pierce is also an Editor for the Center's Oil and Gas Reporter published by Matthew Bender. (Posted March 26, 2002)
Teri Canfield-Eye, third-year student at Washburn University School of Law, conducted the oral argument before the Kansas Supreme Court on a case in which the Washburn Law Clinic represents the appellant on Monday, March 4, 2002. The argument addressed whether either a defense attorney or the trial court should be required to advise a non-citizen defendant that a plea of "no contest" to a criminal offense may adversely impact the defendant's immigration status. See full story. (Posted March 8, 2002)
Moot Court Council recently held a competition to select new members. George Budd, Eric Gamble, and Joshua Perkins have been selected and accepted invitations to join Moot Court. They will be representing the law school in future competitions. (Posted March 5, 2002)
The Environmental Law Society sponsored a talk by Dr. Bob Angelo of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on March 4, 2002. Dr. Angelo discussed environmental issues and policy in Kansas, including pre-settlement water quality and how the rise of agriculture, urban areas, and mining (ore, salt, and petroleum) have impacted the state's flowing waters and wildlife. (Posted March 4, 2002)
The Black Law Student Association, in association with the Kansas Humanities Council, presented the History Alive! program "Zora Neale Hurston, Queen of the Harlem Renaissance" at Washburn Law School on Thursday, February 28, 2002. Zora Neale Hurston was a black writer in Harlem during the 1920s and helped create a renaissance of African American culture. Dr. Carmaletta M. Williams, Associate Professor of English at Johnson County Community College, portrayed Hurston, sharing her stories, her life's joys, and tragedies. (Posted March 4, 2002)
Professor Alex Glashausser spoke at the Law School to a group of undergraduate students visiting Washburn University from Washburn's sister school in Japan, Fukuoka University. Professor Glashausser talked about the differences in legal education between the United States and Japan, observing that law schools in the United States more often teach using interactive techniques. He also conducted a mock class in which the students discussed how to resolve a conflict between a U.S.-Japan treaty and domestic employment discrimination law.
Professor Ron Griffin presented at the Brown Bag Luncheon in the International House on February 27, 2002. During his talk to students and faculty, "What Lecturing and Research Abroad Contribute to Education," Professor Griffin highlighted and discussed how lecturing abroad has sharpened his image of the United States, made him more aware of dominant and subordinate relationships, provided him with countervisions of the United States, and helped him with his human rights work.
Douglas Wilder, the first elected black governor in the United States (Virginia), visited informally with students and faculty at Washburn Law School on February 26, 2002. Governor Wilder answered questions about the National Slavery Museum he is helping to develop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, his thoughts on running again for President (he has no intention of doing so), his life in politics versus being a lawyer, and reparations. The Governor's visit to Washburn University was sponsored by The WU Institute for the Study and Practice of Leadership and the Brown v. Board 50th Anniversary Coalition, as a part of the WU Leadership Lecture Series.
Washburn Law Journal is pleased to announce the Volume 42 (2002-2003) editorial board: Editor-in-Chief -- Gregory C. Graffman; Executive Editor -- Angelee R. Gregory; Articles Editors -- Randolf G. "Chip" Shaner and Duston J. Slinkard; Comments Editors -- Amy M. Jurgensmeier and Kari R. Nelson; Notes Editor -- Andrew T. Snyder; Research Editors -- Michelle L. Burns, Jeremiah C. Humes and Amanda J. Kiefer.
Lawrence Williamson was elected 10th Circuit Governor for the American Bar Association Law Student Division this past weekend at the 10th Circuit meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to Washburn University, other law schools in the Circuit include University of Kansas, University of Oklahoma, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma City School of Law, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, and University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Williamson is one of fifteen Circuit Governors on the Division's National Board of Governors.
Washburn Law Clinic students on February 6, 2002, won a Motion to Reconsider a trial court ruling that erroneously gave the father a substantial reduction on the amount of his child support, based on the misconception that the father would never be able to claim the child as a tax dependent because he had not been married to the mother. See full story. (Posted February 13, 2002)
Women's Legal Forum held its Spring Semester Chili Cookoff. Deans Honabach and Vizzier judged the dozen enteries. Congratulations to the winners: First Place - Paul Maurin; Second Place - Phil Goetz; Third Place - Scott Hill and Jenny Conkling
The Washburn Student Bar Association is pleased to announce the Class of 2002's selections for the William O. Douglas Professors of the Year Awards. Richard Lavoie has been selected at Professor of the Year and Terri Bezek has been selected as Adjunct Professor of the Year.
Kelli Waters, Tina Murphy, Jeff Wells and Robert Collins competed in the Washburn University / University of Kansas Client Counseling Competition held at the KU School of Law on Saturday, February, 2, 2002. The Waters-Murphy team placed first and the Wells-Collins team placed second. The top two teams from each school competed. Both Washburn teams will travel to Denver, Colorado for the February 16, 2002 American Bar Association Regional Client Counseling Competition.
