2007 News Archives
Interim Director Named for Refugee and Asylum Law Program
An Australian expert in international and human rights law is slated to take over next fall as interim director of Michigan Law’s acclaimed Refugee and Asylum Law Program.
U-M Regents Approve Architect, Building Project for Law School
The University of Michigan Board of Regents today approved the first major instructional expansion for the top-ranked Law School since the final component of the iconic Law Quadrangle opened nearly 75 years ago.
International Environmental Law Specialist to Visit Michigan Law
Donald K. Anton, an international environmental law expert and a professor at the Australian National University College of Law in Canberra, will visit Michigan Law for a period of two years beginning next fall.
Michigan DEQ Chief to speak at Michigan Law
Among Michiganders, interest in global warming seems locked in an inverse relationship with the Great Lakes: when the lakes go down, the interest goes up.
Michigan Law joins forces with Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute
The recent addition of the University of Michigan Law School to the university-wide Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute is one more example of the law school’s continuing commitment to environmental stewardship and the development of a top-flight environmental program.
Government anti-terror lawyer to speak at Michigan Law
A senior Justice Department lawyer is scheduled to share tips and skills with Michigan Law students at a lunchtime program Oct. 18 as part of the Law School’s “Inspiring Paths” lecture series.
Michigan Law names this year’s Dean’s Public Service Fellows
Twenty Michigan Law students have been named 2007-2008 Dean’s Public Service Fellows under a program developed by Dean Evan Caminker to support students who choose careers that serve the greater good.
Michigan Law to mark Constitution Day with Sen. Debbie Stabenow
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow is scheduled to speak at Michigan Law as part of Constitution Day events planned for Monday, Sept. 17.
Michigan Law’s Jim Hathaway named Dean at Australian law school
World-renowned refugee and asylum law expert James C. Hathaway will be taking leave from Michigan Law starting this winter to become Dean of the University of Melbourne Law School.
U-M Law School receives $5 million from alumnus Christopher Jeffries for building renovation, expansion
Christopher Jeffries, founder of Millennium Partners, a New York-based real estate development firm, has provided a $5 million gift for the Law School’s building and expansion project.
Former EPA Head Carol Browner to Speak at Michigan Law on September 11th
Carol M. Browner, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1993 – 2001, and Cabinet member during the Clinton administration, has been named the inaugural speaker for the Law School’s Environmental Law and Policy Program (ELPP).
Avi-Yonah Co-Chairs Sino-U.S. Corporate Tax Law Conference at Peking University
Reuven Avi-Yonah, Michigan Law’s Irwin I. Cohn Professor of Law and Director of the School’s International Tax LL.M. Program, co-chaired “New Developments in Sino-U.S. Corporate Tax Law” at Peking University’s Law School on June 17, 2007. Avi-Yonah’s two co-chairs were Professor Jianwen Liu, Director of Peking University’s Fiscal Law Center and Director of the International Tax Law Association; and Liya Rong (Michigan SJD 2005), former publisher of the Harvard China Law Review.
U-M Law School receives $3 million from Charles T. Munger for lighting improvements
Charles T. Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., has made a $3 million gift to the University of Michigan Law School for lighting improvements in the Law Quadrangle, a campus landmark dating from 1922-33.
Michigan Law names Director of new Environmental Law and Policy Program
Evan Caminker, Dean of the University of Michigan Law School, recently announced that David M. Uhlmann will be joining the faculty where, in addition to teaching environmental law, he’ll direct the School’s newly-established Environmental Law and Policy Program (ELPP).
President's Delegation from Shanghai's East China University of Politics and Law Visit
In late June, the Law School receives a delegation from Shanghai's East China University of Politics and Law led by President He Qinhua, one of the world's most renowned legal historians and an expert in Japanese law.
Michigan Law grad earns fellowship with National Women's Law Center
Only a few weeks are likely to divide Taryn Wilgus Nulls' studies at the University of Michigan Law School from her new duties helping educate others about the effects of Title IX on female athletes.
Michigan Law student wins Israeli Supreme Court clerkship
Julie Marder has been fascinated by Israel since she returned from the first of her two trips there. Now the third-year Michigan Law student will have a chance to learn more about the country by clerking for one of its Supreme Court justices.
Two graduates from Michigan Law win Equal Justice Works fellowships
Two Michigan Law graduates will soon embark on careers in public service with a special boost from an Equal Justice Works fellowship program.
"Remembering Mr. Rickey" in Cooperstown: Michigan Law dean, professor to speak June 6 at Hall of Fame on law school's role in breaking baseball's color barrier
It's been 60 years since Jackie Robinson first took the field with the number 42 - and the weight of American history - squarely in the middle of his back.
International Judicial Conference brings high court justices from 40 nations to University of Michigan Law School this week
Judges from more than 40 countries will gather at the University of Michigan Law School later this week for the 15th Annual International Judicial Conference.
Michigan Law student takes first place in American Indian Law Review contest
The Federal Indian Law program at Michigan Law produced another published paper this year as second-year student Mark Shahinian's entry - "The Tax Man Cometh Not: How the Non-Transferability of Tax Credits Harms Indian Tribes" - took the American Indian Law Review writing competition's top prize.
Third-year Michigan Law Student captures national Burton Award for Legal Achievement
Some surprises are more pleasant than others, and graduating Michigan Law student Brian A. Hawkins would put capturing a Burton Award for Legal Achievement into the former category.
National antitrust prize goes to Michigan Law student
Second-year Michigan Law student Oliver Zhong took home a William E. Swope Antitrust Prize April 17 after his paper was one of three from across the nation honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Bruce Frier receives Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award.
Bruce W. Frier, Henry King Ransom Professor of Law and Frank O. Copley Collegiate Professor of Classics and Roman Law, was recently named recipient of the University of Michigan's Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award. Named in honor of Dean Emeritus of the School of Social Work, the award was established in 1996 to recognize faculty whose service contributes to the development of a culturally and ethnically diverse campus community.
David Westin, J.D. '77, President of ABC News, to speak at Law School commencement
Evan Caminker, Dean of the University of Michigan Law School, today announced that distinguished alumnus David Westin, President of ABC News, will deliver the invitational address for the School's May 5th Commencement ceremonies, known as Senior Day.
Robert Borton Receives ABA 2007 Pro Bono Award
Robert E. Borton, a shareholder at Heller Ehrman LLP who is based in the firm's San Francisco office, has been selected as one of three attorneys in the U.S. to receive the 2007 Pro Bono Publico Award from the American Bar Association (ABA).
Olin L. Browder, Jr. S.J.D. '41, James V. Campbell Professor Emeritus of Law, dies at 94
The Law School is saddened to announce the April 11th death of Olin Browder, friend, colleague, and teacher, who served Michigan Law with distinction from 1953 to 1984, after which he assumed emeritus status.
New clinical opportunity allows Michigan Law students to support Workers Center
A new workers rights concentration in the University of Michigan Law School's General Clinic Program, taught by Clinical Law Professor Alicia Alvarez, provides hands-on opportunities for students to support the newly-incorporated Washtenaw County Workers Center (WCWC) - a non-profit bringing together low-wage and immigrant workers, university faculty, staff, and students, and community supporters. Like the growing number of over 130 workers centers around the country, WCWC is a locally-based organization that combines legal services, advocacy, and organizing to promote the interests of low-wage workers. For law students such as 2L Joshua Ludmir (Harvard University, Newport Beach, CA) and 1L Mustafa Unlu (Swarthmore College, Istanbul, Turkey), the clinical concentration makes it possible to hone three fundamental skills necessary for future attorneys: performing legal research, analyzing legal doctrine, and doing "house calls."
Avi-Yonah named chair of ABA committee on VAT and consumption taxes
Reuven Avi-Yonah, Irwin I. Cohn Professor of Law, was recently appointed Chair of the American Bar Association's Committee on Value Added Tax and Other Consumption Taxes for a two-year term beginning July, 2007. In the words of Stanley L. Blend, Chair-Elect, Section on Taxation, the appointment reflects "a recognition by your peers of your abilities and contributions to the work of the Section."
Jennifer Hill named Michigan Law's 19th Skadden Fellow
Third-year law student Jennifer Hill was recently awarded a Skadden Fellowship to pursue her interest in practicing public service law. This nationally prestigious award will help support Hill's career in public service which begins following graduation when she joins the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center in Miami. The Center's mission focuses on direct representation and impact litigation for low-income workers experiencing workplace violations in the condominium, condo-hotel, and hotel industry in South Florida.
Jim Hathaway wins American Society of International Law 2007 Book Award
The American Society of International Law (ASIL) recently announced that Jim Hathaway is a recipient of their 2007 book awards for his The Rights of Refugees under International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2005). The citation for Hathaway's book reads: "For a work exhibiting high technical craftsmanship and of high utility to practicing lawyers and scholars." Other awardees include Oren Gross and Fionnuala Ni Aolain for Law in Times of Crisis: Emergency Powers in Theory and Practice and William A. Schabas for The UN International Criminal Tribunals: The Former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. According to ASIL Executive Director Elizabeth Anderson, "The scholarship and ideas contained in these exceptional works make a significant contribution to our field, and I commend the books to students and professionals alike."
Law School announces externship program with major international organizations in Geneva
The University of Michigan Law School recently announced the development of semester-long externship opportunities with leading intergovernmental and non-governmental (NGO) institutions in Geneva beginning in winter 2008.
Amsterdam study abroad opportunity announced by Virginia Gordan
The University of Michigan Law School has developed a new semester study abroad opportunity with the Amsterdam Law School, which can accommodate up to four students each academic year beginning in fall 2007. Students may attend either semester, although fall is preferable for curricular and scheduling reasons. The language of instruction is in English.
Three new Fiske Fellows announced
MaryAnn Sarosi, Assistant Dean for Public Service, recently announced winners of Michigan Law's Fiske Fellowships to financially support careers in public service. "This year's winners are as always impressively talented and highly capable young lawyers," said Sarosi, "and the variety of work within government that they have chosen to pursue reflects the kinds of careers Robert Fiske wants to support as well as the breadth of career choices one has graduating from Michigan Law." Applicants are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to public service values, their academic achievements, and the nature and quality of their proposed government position. Winners receive debt repayment assistance on the full amount of all college and law school educational loans for the three-year duration of each fellowship, plus a $5000 first-year cash stipend.
Rebecca Scott's Degrees of Freedom earns fourth major award
Rebecca Scott's Degrees of Freedom: Louisiana and Cuba After Slavery (Harvard University Press, 2005) was recently named winner of the 2005 Williams Prize awarded by The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Historical Association. The Williams Prize - named for Kemper and Leila Williams, founders of The Historic New Orleans Collection - recognizes excellence in research and writing on Louisiana history. Recipients receive a cash award of $1500 and plaque.
1L Kate Wagner wins U.S. Government FLAS Fellowship to study Ukrainian
First-year Michigan Law student Kate Wagner was recently named winner of a U.S. Department of Education-funded Foreign Languages and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship to pursue her study of Ukrainian at the University of Michigan. Wagner was nominated by the Law School and selected by U-M's Center for Russian and East European Studies (CREES), which is a component of the University's acclaimed International Institute. FLAS Fellowships include full tuition, mandatory fees, and a $15,000 stipend. The Law School will be providing an additionally supportive grant during her Fellowship period.
Laycock to deliver keynote address at WVU Law conference on law and religion
Doug Laycock, the Yale Kamisar Collegiate Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School, will present a keynote address on "Substantive Neutrality Revisited" as part of West Virginia University College of Law's conference on "The Religion Clauses in the 21st Century" on April 12th - 13th in Morgantown, WV.
Matt Latimer '95 named Presidential speechwriter
The President has named Matt Latimer to be Special Assistant to the President
for Speechwriting. Mr. Latimer previously served as Chief Speechwriter for the
Secretary of Defense at the Department of Defense. He received his
bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, his master's degree from
Columbia University, and his JD from the University of Michigan Law School.
Jim Hathaway's book on refugee law earns major award
James C. Hathaway's book, The Rights of Refugees under International Law (Cambridge University Press, 2005) was recently selected by the American Society of International Law to receive its Certificate of Merit. The award, initiated in 1952, is designed to recognize "the most distinguished work in the field of international law in the current year or in the immediately preceding year." Hathaway's award comes on the heels of previous Michigan Law-affiliated recipients including Harold Jacobson (2004), Christine Chinkin (2001), Steve Ratner (1998), Bruno Simma (1996), and Alex Aleinikoff (1986).
Michigan Law S.J.D. student to clerk at International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has selected Noam Wiener, Michigan Law LL.M. 2006 and current S.J.D. student, for its nine month university traineeship program beginning in September 2007. Mr. Wiener was chosen through a highly competitive process in which a select group of academic institutions are eligible to nominate student candidates. The Hague-based Court then makes a final selection of clerks, taking into consideration overall academic strength, including public international law, demonstrated ability in research and writing, and French language proficiency. Mr. Wiener has been awarded a fellowship from the Law School for his traineeship on the Court.
Michigan Law's Sherman Clark participates in March 28 panel discussion on athletes' ethical obligations
Sherman Clark, U-M Professor of Law and Adjunct Professor of Kinesiology, will speak to the question of what, if any, special obligations athletes have, given their status as public role models. Joining Clark in the March 28th forum will be James Jackson, Director of U-M's Institute for Social Research; Carol Hutchins, Head Softball Coach at Michigan; Jamie Morris, former U-M football player; and Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press sports columnist.
Assistant Dean Virginia Gordan announces new Geneva study abroad opportunity
The University of Michigan Law School has developed a new semester study abroad opportunity with the Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI) in Geneva for up to two students each academic year as part of a new student exchange. This opportunity will begin in fall 2007 and students may attend either semester. The language of instruction is English and French.
Butch Carpenter Memorial Banquet Honors Scholar-Athlete and Funds Scholarships
To honor the memory of law student leader, scholar, and varsity athlete Alden J. "Butch" Carpenter, Michigan Law's Black Law Students Alliance (BLSA) is hosting the 29th Annual Butch Carpenter Memorial Scholarship Banquet on March 24, 2007 and invites the community to attend. The event will be held at the Four Points Sheraton Ann Arbor with a 6:30 pm reception and dinner at 7:30.
Child Advocacy Law Clinic brings U.S. Senator, international experts, to its 30th Anniversary Symposium, March 29 - April 1
As the oldest such clinic in the U.S., the University of Michigan Law School's Child Advocacy Law Clinic (CALC) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a cutting-edge symposium held from March 29th through April 1st at the Law School. Events commence on Thursday evening, March 29th, with remarks by Don Duquette, Clinical Professor of Law, founding director of the Child Advocacy Law Clinic, and a leading international authority on child welfare and advocacy, followed by a talk from John E.B. Myers, Professor of Law at the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific.
Michigan Law announces formation of new Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
The University of Michigan Law School today announced the opening of its Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) - the School's eighth publicly-oriented law clinic - which will provide no-charge tax-related services to qualified low-income clients. Serving those clients will be second- and third-year Michigan Law students working under the supervision of a faculty member who is also a licensed tax attorney.
Child Welfare Law Moot Court Team places third in national competition
Michigan Law's Child Welfare Law Moot Court Team, coached by Vivek Sankaran, placed third in the national competition hosted by Capital University in Columbus, Ohio the weekend of February 17th - 18th. Just missing advancement to the final round by .6 points on a 100-point scale, the team's brief was also named third best.
Michigan Law 1L Wins Foley & Lardner Minority Scholarship
Jamie-Clare Flaherty, a first-year law student from Detroit, MI, was named one of nine winners of a $5000 scholarship from the Chicago-based law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP.
U.S. District Judge Friedman Presides at Motions Day, February 21st
Judge Bernard A. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan will hear arguments on six motions Wednesday, February 21st, 8:45 am to noon, in Room 250 of Hutchins Hall at the Law School.
U-M Law School Journal Hosts Symposium on Intelligence Gathering and the Law
The Michigan Journal of International Law (MJIL) will host a symposium on "State Intelligence Gathering and International Law," February 9th and 10th in 250 Hutchins Hall at the University of Michigan Law School. Opening the event on Friday, February 9th, at 5:00 pm is a Keynote Address by Jeffrey H. Smith, former General Counsel to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Panel discussions begin Saturday morning at 9:30 am and continue throughout the day. A schedule is attached.