Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight |
FAMU Law Alumnus Juna Pulayya Appointed to Judgeship by Governor
ORLANDO, Fla – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law alumnus Juna Pulayya was recently appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a judge on the Osceola County Court in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
“When I learned about my appointment as a judge to the Osceola County bench I was deeply humbled and honored,” said Pulayya. “I am looking forward to continuing to give back to my community in this position and to serve the citizens of Osceola County. The role of the legal system in our community is vital to our country’s democratic system and I feel privileged to be able to be a part of that system.”
Pulayya has served as magistrate for juvenile dependency, juvenile truancy, and child and family in need services for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Pulayya has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida in history, a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from Stetson University and his Juris Doctor from FAMU College of Law in 2009.
The opportunity to work while attending the evening program at FAMU Law helped him reach his career goals. “During my time at FAMU Law, I was able to make connections with my now colleagues, as well as make lasting connections with some of my professors,” Pulayya said. “FAMU Law is the school that gave me the chance to sit for the bar exam and begin my legal career. For that, I’m grateful.”
For FAMU College of Law Associate Provost and Interim Dean Cecil Howard, the alumni accomplishments are the perfect motivator for the law school student body. “It’s always great to hear about the professional accomplishments of our law school alumni,” said Howard.
Pulayya added, “I hope others will see with hard work, determination, perseverance, and faith you can achieve anything you wish in this great country. I am living proof we can achieve our goals if we are willing to put in the time. I also believe that surrounding yourself with those that love and support you is important to your individual success. I am full of gratitude and appreciation for all those that have assisted me along the way to get me to where I am today.”
FAMU Law Alumnus Jeramy Beasley Appointed to Judgeship by Governor
Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law alumnus Jeramy Beasley was recently appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a judge on the Orange County Court in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Beasley is filling the position previously held by Andrew Bain, who is also a FAMU Law alumnus. “We are always delighted to hear about the well-deserved professional accomplishments of our law school alumni,” said FAMU College of Law Associate Provost and Interim Dean Cecil Howard. The West Palm Beach native is an associate with Garganese, Weiss, D’Agresta & Salzman, P.A. and represents both public and private entities in a variety of matters including civil rights disputes, construction defect claims, first-party property claims, and personal injury claims. “In receiving notification that I was being appointed to the bench by the Governor, I was overcome with a mixture of emotions,” said Beasley. “Not only was I excited for the new journey, I was also grateful for the confidence placed in my ability to fulfill the duties of a jurist and appreciative of the opportunity to continue my public service.” Beasley earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida. Beasley attended the evening program at FAMU College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate. While in law school, Beasley also worked full-time as a judicial assistant for Ninth Judicial Circuit Judge Greg Tynan. “For me, it is indisputable FAMU College of Law played an integral role in preparing me for my legal career goals. From the first day of classes and throughout my law school career, it was consistently reinforced to think critically, remain prepared, operate with professionalism, and always strive to keep your reputation intact. It is through these lessons and experiences I was able to transcend to the point in which I am today,” Beasley said. The reestablished FAMU College of Law has produced more than 2800 graduates who are lawyers and leaders, produced more than 1100 licensed minority attorneys in Florida, produced 12 sitting judges in Florida, Georgia and Missouri, and produced one sitting state attorney.
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Dougherty County Judge Victoria M Johnson Enhances Expertise in Digital Evidence through Completion of National Computer Forensics Institute Training
Dougherty County Judge Victoria M Johnson recently completed an intensive five-day judicial training course at the National Computer Forensic Institute (NCFI) in Hoover, Alabama. The training focused on equipping judges with advanced skills in handling digital evidence, cybercrime, computer forensics, and technology-related legal issues.
Judge Johnson was selected as one of only 24 judges from across the United States to participate in this specialized training offered by NCFI, a distinguished partnership between the United States Secret Service, U.S Department of Homeland Security, and the state of Alabama. The training aims to empower judges, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors to navigate digital evidence, network intrusion, and computer/mobile device forensic matters effectively.
"Representing the State of Georgia, I am honored to bring cutting-edge judicial practices to handle cases with digital components," Judge Johnson commented. She emphasized the critical role of understanding technology in addressing crimes involving digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, the cloud, and other sources.
The five-day course covered a wide array of topics including cybercrime investigation, computer hardware, operating systems, data processing, search and seizure of digital evidence, Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) implications, evaluating expert testimony, encryption, and privacy issues.
Judge Johnson's dedication to learning and adapting to the evolving legal landscape is commendable. "Computers impact every area of our lives, including the law. This training allowed me to learn from cyber experts and fellow judges. I am excited to implement this knowledge in Dougherty County," Judge Johnson stated.
As the only judge from Georgia to attend this session, Judge Johnson is poised to bring her newfound expertise to her role. She recognizes the growing significance of digital evidence in legal proceedings and aims to make informed and legally-sound decisions in cases involving technology.
Judge Victoria M. Johnson, a graduate of the University of Florida and Florida A & M College of Law, has a distinguished career in the legal field. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served the citizens of Dougherty County in various capacities, exhibiting exceptional commitment to the community. Her participation in the NCFI training reinforces her dedication to ensuring justice is served effectively in today's digital age.
FAMU Law Alum Audrey K. Chisholm
FAMU Law Alum Selected as Hernando County Attorney of the Year
ORLANDO, Fla- Attorney Louis Okun received the Hernando County Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award from Community Legal Services. Okun graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law in 2019. In true Rattler for Justice style, the West Palm Beach native participates in countless pro bono work to give back to the community. “We have a responsibility and an obligation to help those who cannot help themselves,” said Okun. Okun assisted deserving Hernando County residents by taking on very challenging and time sensitive estate planning matters as well as other legal matters. The FAMU Law alum runs his own law firm in Brooksville, Florida. The firm specializes in estate planning, trust planning, probate, real property, and personal injury. Okun received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award during Law Week in Hernando County. U.S. Air Force Capt. Gerrod Smith serves in the sky
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Charles Gee and Kimra Major-Morris are featured in Law360's article:In Their Words: HBCU Law Grads On Finding Their Purpose
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Brianna Williams appointed as Assistant Vice President for Access & Equal Opportunity |
FAMU Law Alumnus Devin Collier appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to Judicial Post
“I am grateful and humbled, and appreciate the confidence the Governor, his staff, and the people of the State of Florida have placed in me,” said Collier following his appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Without question, I will continue to serve the people with excellence.” A native of Panama City, Collier is a 2011 honors graduate of FAMU College of Law. He has served as an assistant state attorney in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit since 2019. Previously, he served as the lead attorney advisor in the Office of the Solicitor in the U.S. Interior Department. Collier received his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida. He fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John L. Fishel, II. |
Devin Young, Class of 2021
Devin Young is super excited about graduating from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law this month. The New Brunswick, New Jersey native already has a job lined up in the legal field and is preparing to study for the Florida Bar Exam. While graduating from law school is a major accomplishment, it is rare to matriculate through law school while playing professional sports. Young was studying the law, and in his limited spare time, also studied the football playbook for Team American, Global Games International Football League During law school, Young gained legal experience with the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. He also interned at Skyers Law with FAMU Law alumnae Karen Skyers. Young recently accepted a position with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit as an assistant state attorney under State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. |
Jared Brooks, Esq. |
Judge Andrew Bain, Class of 2013 |
LaShawndra Nash, Class of 2020
Ms. Nash is a second-year tax associate at Waller, Landsden, Dortch & Davis.
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