FSU Law Focus newsletter
October 12, 2018

From the Dean

(L-R) Annino and Laroche
Congratulations to Paolo Annino, our Glass Professor of Public Interest Law and Director of the Public Interest Law Center, on receiving the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Raeder-Taslitz Award! The award is given in memory of Myrna Raeder and Andrew Taslitz to a professor at an ABA-accredited law school who exemplifies ethical and professional conduct, demonstrates excellence in scholarship, teaching or community service, and has made a significant contribution to promoting public understanding of criminal justice, justice and fairness in the criminal justice system, or best practices on the part of lawyers and judges. We are honored that Paolo is once again being recognized at the national level for his many contributions to the law school and impactful advocacy on behalf of Florida’s children. Thank you to Clinical Professor Carla Laroche for nominating Paolo for this prestigious award. In her nomination letter, Laroche wrote, “Paolo not only seeks to protect children’s rights, but teaches law students how to be better lawyers. Future and current law students aspire to be taught by Paolo because of his mentorship, his trust in their abilities, and his passion for social justice. During their conversations, their in-class and in-court lessons, and their readings, students learn how to represent clients effectively and responsibly.” Thank you also to alumni Bruce Blackwell (’75), Ashley Hamill (’18) and Haley Van Erem (’13) for their letters in support of the nomination. Paolo will be honored by the ABA Criminal Justice Section in Washington, D.C., on November 2.

- Dean Erin O'Connor
Alum Profile: Jeanne Curtin (’02)
Jeanne Curtin
Jeanne Curtin is deputy general counsel at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Her responsibilities include representing the department in litigation and other legal matters, drafting and promulgating administrative rules, reviewing legal documents, and reviewing legal aspects of proposed legislation. Curtin previously served as assistant dean for development and as a legal writing professor and professor of law practice management at FSU Law, and was in private practice. In addition to earning her law degree from FSU, Curtin also holds a bachelor’s degree and an M.B.A. from the university. She serves on our Board of Visitors and has given generously to the law school to create the Larry and Jeanne Curtin Endowed Scholarship. In July, Curtin began a three-year term on the FSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors. She has also been involved in many other community and professional organizations, including Leadership Tallahassee and the American Red Cross Capital Area Chapter.
“I appreciate the opportunity to continue to engage with the law school. The caliber of the professors, librarians and staff of the Research Center, and administration and staff throughout the college is impressive and the fact that these talented individuals make themselves available to help ensure student success speaks volumes. In addition, the opportunities available to students – ranging from clerking opportunities with highly respected law firms, internships with top companies as well as executive agencies at the state and federal level, and gubernatorial fellowships – are second-to-none.

Student Profile: 3L Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas
Desired Practice Location: Tampa, Tallahassee or Washington D.C., but not opposed to anywhere in Florida
Expected Graduation: May 2019
Specialization: Administrative and business law
Field of Law Sought: Litigation or transactional practice

Originally from Riverview, Fla., Andrew Thomas lived in Tampa most of his adult life. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a dual major in criminology and psychology. He will graduate from FSU Law in May 2019. The summer after his 2L year and through his 3L year, Thomas is clerking for Bass Sox Mercer, where he conducts research relating to franchise law and business transactions, drafts pleadings, and has worked on federal, state and Florida Division of Administrative Hearings cases. During the spring of his 2L year, Thomas participated in the Veterans Legal Clinic, working under Professor Jennifer LaVia. He performed client intakes; drafted legal documents, including promissory notes and powers of attorney; tracked billable hours; filed documents with the clerk; and performed record searches and other forms of fact finding. Thomas also assisted clients in filling out family law legal forms. Last summer, he continued to work on veteran cases, and as a certified legal intern he represented a client on an uncontested motion to convert fees and fines to community service. Thomas was also a research assistant for Professor LaVia and participated in the annual Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative Stand Down event to provide legal counsel and referrals to local veterans. During the summer after his 1L year, Thomas clerked for Judge Claudia Isom in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Circuit Civil Division. Thomas also has served in the Army National Guard. If you are interested in hiring Thomas after graduation, visit his LinkedIn profile.
“I went out of my way to gain as much practical knowledge and legal exposure as possible. I have real-world experience working cases from start to finish, and I look forward to the excitement and challenges of the legal profession.
GET INVOLVED
SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE
SHARE MY TORCH MOMENT
MAKE A GIFT
Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.