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Law Students Jasmine Harmon and Grayson Lanza Defend the First Amendment In true Ratters for Justice style, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Law Racial Justice Fellows Jasmine Harmon and Grayson Lanza joined the Legal Clinic in writing an amicus brief in support of a constitutional challenge to Daytona Beach’s anti-panhandling ordinance. The students worked with the Director of Legal Clinics and Field Placements Mark Dorosin to help research and develop the legal document.
“Our students take seriously their responsibility as the next generation of civil rights lawyers in this state” Dorosin said.
The plaintiffs won a preliminary injunction at the District Court and the city’s appeal of that order is now pending at the 11th Circuit.
"The attempts to ban panhandling in municipalities is part of a broad campaign to remove what society deems 'undesirables' from the public eye,” said second-year law student Lanza. “Cities like Daytona Beach that are concerned with panhandling should stop wasting taxpayer money on litigating brazenly unconstitutional ordinances in the court system and instead spend that money on providing affordable housing, community infrastructure, and decent-paying jobs to their residents."
According to Dorosin, the plaintiffs are represented by Southern Legal Counsel. “Our “friend of the court” brief submitted on behalf of FAMU Law professors and instructors focused on providing additional context and insight into the relevant First Amendment jurisprudence that relates to the issue before the court.”
The brief discusses the First Amendment precedents from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal (and particularly this court), and the federal district courts (particularly in Florida) regarding content-based restrictions on speech whose enforcement necessarily depends on the particular message or expression of the speaker, and the evaluative analysis those courts had applied to determine whether such restrictions are constitutional.
“I think it’s important to understand and remember this is more than an attack on panhandlers, but an attack on First Amendment rights and an attack on individual rights,” said second-year law student Harmon. “If we allow this encroachment on free speech in public spaces, imagine what other rights the government will slowly chip away at. Unfortunately, we know who that will disproportionately impact: minorities and those in disadvantaged communities.”
The brief was submitted on behalf of eighteen law professors and instructors (fifteen from FAMU College of Law) who are committed to ensuring that the constitution is properly interpreted and fairly applied, including the protection of the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment from abridgement by the government.
The 15 FAMU Law faculty who signed on as Amici are as follows: Robert Abrams, Patricia Broussard, Jeff Brown, Eunice Caussade-Garcia, Ann Marie Cavazos, Kara Consalo, Kim Crag-Chaderton, Areto Imoukhuede, Darryll Jones, Deidré Keller, Lundy Langston, Cynthia Ramkellawan, Rhonda Reaves, Ali Tal-Mason, and Mark Dorosin.
“Their experience, research, teaching, and perspective is particularly critical in assessing government actions that may adversely impact citizens that have been historically and continually marginalized by existing racial, political, social, and economic policies and practices,” said Dorosin.
According to Dorsoin, professors from Barry Law School, Ave Maria Law School, and Stetson Law School also signed on.
Amicus curiae (“friend-of-the-court”) briefs are briefs written by individuals or groups who are not directly involved in a legal case but have expertise or insight to offer a court to assist in making its decision.
Student Spotlights Archive
ORLANDO, Fla – Three Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law students are recipients of the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship. Pedro Juarbe, Rosalyn Monroe, and Lauryn Pruitt received the awards.
First generation graduate student and Puerto Rican native Pedro Juarbe has a summer internship with the Office of the State Attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
“I have always wanted to find a way to help my community and I believe I found the perfect way by working for public interest organizations,” said Juarbe.
Marietta, Georgia native Lauryn Pruitt is honored to be named a John Paul Stevens Fellow. “I am passionate about advocating for people whose voices have been historically silenced,” said Pruitt. “I am currently employed as a certified legal intern at the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and I plan to work in the public interest sector in the future.”
The Justice John Paul Stevens Fellowship Program provides grants allowing students at participating law schools to work in unpaid public interest law positions during the summer.
Rosalyn Monroe is interning with the Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network and is passionate about helping victims. “Prior to starting law school, I worked as a domestic violence victims advocate. It was rewarding providing assistance and safety support resources to individuals navigating family trauma,” said Monroe. “Providing legal support to victims of violent crimes gives me the opportunity to be a safe source of support.
As Rattlers for Justice, the FAMU Law recipients are deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of those needing legal help.
“Our Rattlers for Justice are perfect for the John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship because they are using their legal skills to address institutional inequities while serving those too often excluded from or ignored by the legal system,” said FAMU Law Clinic Director Mark Dorosin.
In 2021, the John Paul Stevens Fellowship Foundation expanded the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship program in partnership with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with law schools. The partnership includes Florida A&M University College of Law, Howard University School of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Southern University Law Center, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.
These law schools are among the nation’s most diverse in terms of faculty and students. They are well-known for their commitment to public interest and preparing a diverse group of law students for leadership.
The Paul Stevens Fellows from the HBCUs are committed, talented individuals who are working at a wide range of public interest organizations in both the public and nonprofit sectors this summer, and they join a national cohort of Stevens Fellows.
"It is an absolute honor and privilege to be a LexisNexis African Ancestry Network and Rule of Law Foundation Fellow. My project is titled, "Law Clinic Support Tools & Resources to Combat Systemic Racism in the Legal System," where we will focus on increasing access to the legal system by providing tools and resources related to equity in building wealth, equity in the courts, and equity in the criminal justice system."
"I am beyond honored to have been selected as a LexisNexis Fellow. My project’s mission is the development of “The Gavel League,” a mobile application designed to increase literacy and comprehension of critical legal concepts for youth in the United States, as well as for their parents and guardians. This project hits home to me as an educator. "
Maria and Eyesenia Reyes enjoy attending law school together. Check out their unique story here.
Alba Suarez is a 3L from San Cristobal, Venezuela.
Alba has been accepted as a member of the George C. Young American Inn of Court. Alba's career goal is to practice Immigration law.
Sofie Barrett, third-year student from Orlando, FL
“Economic justice advocacy is important to me because I believe everyone deserves to be represented equally in a way that is feasible and accessible. Programs such as this allow for people to not only gain access to valuable information, but to take charge of their futures.”
Brianna Bell, third-year student from Bronx, NY
“I am interested in economic justice advocacy because I want to do my part as a law student and future attorney to help address the numerous wealth disparities and economic injustices affecting our community. I am currently an Orange County resident, and I plan to remain in the Central Florida area after graduation. It is very important to support the community.”
Ana Cook, third-year student from Miami, FL
“I am interested in economic justice advocacy because I believe we all deserve a chance to succeed and pursue economic opportunities. I hope to be able to contribute to community advancements by being involved with the Economic Justice Clinic.”
Christina Epperson, third-year student from Gore, VA
“I believe economic justice advocacy is an integral part of creating equal opportunity and the ability to live fulfilling lives for all outside the constraints of an economic system built to benefit the few.”
Merjan Kareem, third-year student from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
“I am interested in economic justice advocacy because I believe that everyone, particularly minorities, deserves the assistance and guidance that the Economic Justice Clinic can offer. I want to use my knowledge and experience to assist those in our community who are economically disadvantaged and to provide resources that are not otherwise available to them.”
Helin Nagib, second-year student from Nashville, TN
“I am interested in the Economic Justice Clinic because I come from an immigrant household that struggled to keep our business due to the lack of education and available resources. I want to help families like mine succeed and provide them with the necessary resources.”
L-R: Darryl Harris (2L), Amanda Hunter (3L), Alexander Reaves (2L), Professor Mark Dorosin, Zsa’Queria Martin (3L), Torvari Williams (3L), Jenifer (Rodriguez) White (4L).
ORLANDO, Fla – For the first time, Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law has a royal court representing the law school. Samuel Porter is serving as Mr. FAMU Law, along with Zsa’Queria Martin who is serving as Miss FAMU Law.
Porter is a first-year law student from northern Virginia. He graduated from Howard University, summa cum laude, with degrees in political science and geography. Porter plans to practice civil rights and constitutional law with an interest in appellate advocacy.
“It is a high honor to be nominated and selected as the first Mr. FAMU Law,” said Porter. “My colleagues are some of the most remarkable people in the world and I’m thankful for the chance to be able to represent us. I plan to do so to the best of my ability.”
Porter is a retired US Navy airman, has created and helped maintain non-profit organizations in his hometown and the surrounding areas, and has gotten a critical referendum question placed on the ballot of his hometown, all while running a campaign as mayor for the town of Front Royal. His motto is Be Positive on Purpose Always.
“We’ve all heard the quote, “if you see something, say something”. And it's a good one. But I'd like to submit, if you see something wrong, do something right. Service is important. I can't wait to work with our various campus organizations and individuals to see how we can continue to serve this community and those nearby.”
Martin is from Greenville, South Carolina. Her goal is to practice civil rights law. “As Miss FAMU Law, I plan to bring more public interest opportunities to the College of Law and continue serving the community by partnering with student organizations on community outreach."
Martin has worked with many student organizations including the Black Law Students Association, Women’s Law Caucus, Stonewall LGBQ Law Association, Marshall Bell Law Society, Moot Court, and the Advocacy Mock Trial Team. Martin is a Wells Fargo Economic Justice Fellow, Phi Alpha Delta Gilbert-Wilson Scholarship recipient and is in the United States Army Reserves.
Martin also interned with a host of civil rights organizations including the NAACP and the Southern Poverty Law Center. This past summer she interned with the American Civil Liberties Union where she worked directly on case preparation for challenging the STOP WOKE Act and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The royal court will represent FAMU Law at public and private functions, promote school spirit and initiate and maintain community service projects.
“A part of my “Bridge the Gap” initiative is to implement more main campus traditions at the College of Law and this royal court is one of many traditions I plan to bring during my term,” said Student Bar Association President Tracy Guervil. “We could not have picked a better Mr. and Miss FAMU Law. Mr. Porter and Ms. Martin's passion for service embodies what Mr. and Miss FAMU Law is all about.”
For more information about the FAMU College of Law, please visit law.famu.edu.
ORLANDO, Fla – Tameila Mompoint is the 2022-23 recipient of the Rattlers for Justice Scholarship provided by Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law.
“I feel extremely honored to be the recipient of the Rattlers for Justice Scholarship,” said Mompoint. “Since I was 15 years old, I've always had a passion for helping my community. This scholarship is just proof that I am on the right path.”
The Pompano Beach, Florida native is dedicated to community service. Mompoint’s commitment to public service began when she was a teenager growing up as the daughter of parents who immigrated from Jamaica and Haiti. While in law school, she worked with the Department of Children and Families to help ensure that youthful voices were heard, and with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Immigration Justice Project to advocate for immigrants.
This is an excerpt from Mompoint’s scholarship application: “I have this huge goal inside of me to change the world, I do not know how I will do it, but I know I will somehow make a difference. I recognize that my desire to save the world or help enormous numbers of people sounds unrealistic. However, my various community service endeavors and internships have taught me that although I may not be able to do it on such a grand scale, I can change what is within my reach.”
FAMU Law established the Rattlers for Justice Scholarship about five years ago to recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the underserved while in law school. The scholarship provides full in-state tuition.
A Rattler for Justice is someone who strives to shake up the status quo to encourage positive growth; someone who seeks to rattle a few cages to ensure justice is served; or someone who serves as a catalyst for change while assisting others in need.
ORLANDO, Fla – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law announces the 2022-2023 Law Review Editorial Board. The team is led by third-year student Ankevia Taylor from Miami, Florida.
“I am honored to fill the role of Law Review Editor-in-Chief,” said Taylor. “As Editor-in-Chief, I am working with a team of phenomenal editors to create a journal that will inspire this nation to be better and do better.”
The FAMU Law Review Editorial Board also consists of Executive Editor Tiana Loving, from Los Angeles, California, Executive Articles Editor Brandon José, from Lake Mary, Florida, Notes & Comments Editor Laura Krivickas, from Deltona, Florida and Business Managing Editor Castillana Duvernay, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Law Review is a student-run organization at FAMU Law. Its main purpose is to publish
journals of legal scholarship for use by practitioners, judges, professors and students.
Law Review is functionally independent from FAMU Law, with the student editors making
all editorial, organizational, and daily operational decisions.
ORLANDO, Fla – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law second-year student Rachel Smith is the recipient of the Joel Stern Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship.
"I am extremely grateful to have received this scholarship,” said Smith. “It has been a challenging year for me. This award is special because it will allow me to focus on my education, and will grant me the opportunity to continue to be a part of a plan to foster diversity in the legal field. I am beyond grateful."
The Plant City, Florida native attended the George Floyd memorial service in Minnesota and was inspired to pursue a career in law. After experiencing major health challenges within her family, Smith considered pursuing a legal career to focus on inequities in social justice and healthcare.
The $10,000 award is sponsored by the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). The Joel Stern Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship provides financial support to students who contribute to the diversity of their law school student body as they pursue their legal career.
“Meeting lawyers at the George Floyd memorial service taught Rachel that each lawyer was a storyteller for their community when they advocated for the needs of their clients,” said Marie Maurice, scholarship committee chair. “She strives to tell someone’s story through advocacy work. Rachel’s sincerity and openness about her struggles and goals was inspiring. We are happy to support Rachel on her journey with the NAMWOLF Joel Stern Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship.”
The scholarship program is open to second- and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, LGBT and female students. Any other second and third-year law students who come from backgrounds that would add to the cause of diversity, regardless of race or gender, are eligible to apply.
Ray Benson and Sydny Arneaud (both Class of 2022) are crusading Rattlers 4 Justice, exemplifying the College of Law’s commitment to provide legal advocacy to underserved individuals and communities. Both are working at the Office of Regional Conflict Counsel, which provides legal representation to indigent persons in criminal matters, dependency cases, civil commitment proceedings, appeals and post-conviction motions.
The Inn presented a $1500.00 scholarship award to Hernandez for his writing on the "Word Is My Bond" as part of the George C. Young Scholarship.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law student Michelle Wanamaker is the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Holland & Knight Scholarship and Internship. As the 2022-2023 Holland & Knight Scholar, Wanamaker will receive full in-state tuition and a summer associate position with the law firm.
“It is an honor to be named the Holland & Knight Scholar for 2022,” said Wanamaker, who will work out of the law firm’s Orlando office. “I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
The Willingboro, New Jersey native is a mother and non-traditional student who is eager to advance in the legal field. “Holland & Knight is an international powerhouse. To gain experience under their tutelage is invaluable. It is incredibly affirming to have a firm like Holland & Knight see value in you. I can’t wait to show them and the world what I have to offer!”
The Holland & Knight Summer Associate Program is an opportunity for a select number of law students from across the nation to gain real-world law firm experience, where associates work with experienced lawyers on complex matters for their clients. Holland & Knight Scholars have strong academic records at their law schools.
Holland & Knight Scholars will be exposed to a wide range of legal experience such as attending client meetings, building relationships with attorneys, working with peers, meeting top leaders of the firm, improving substantive and practical legal skills through customized training programs and more. Many law students are offered employment at the end of the Holland & Knight Summer Associate Program.
Rattlers for Justice are passionate about using legal profession to help others
ORLANDO, Fla – Four Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law students are recipients of the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship. Alba Manuela Suarez, Jai’Ehir Jackson-Hawkins, Derrick Gaiter and Seana-Jahan La Coa received the monetary awards.
The program provides grants allowing students at participating law schools to work in unpaid public interest law positions during the summer. As Rattlers for Justice, the FAMU Law recipients are deeply passionate about practicing law and making a difference.
This opportunity is extra special for Alba Manuela Suarez who is from San Cristobal, Venezuela. The third-year law student has memories of how challenging the immigration system was for her family and friends. Suarez is dedicated to pursuing a career in law to make a difference in the public interest field.
“I desire to become a lawyer because I want to assist those individuals that continue to be suppressed by our legal system,” said Suarez. “I am determined to use my legal skills to fight for important matters and help those who would otherwise have little chance of succeeding in our judicial system due to lack of compassionate representation.”
With the John Paul Stevens Fellowship, Suarez works with the Department of Children and Families where her passion for public interest law continues to grow.
The dream to become a lawyer started in the third grade for Jai’Ehir Jackson-Hawkins. The Wheeling, West Virginia native credits her teacher Barbara Brooks for igniting her passion for law.
“We had a career week where we researched careers and had a mock job fair where we were able to speak to different professionals about their careers,” said Jackson-Hawkins. “During our silent reading time, my teacher provided me with books geared towards history and law. She also helped me research the steps necessary to become an attorney and motivated me to keep my grades up to do so.”
As a John Paul Stevens Fellow, Jackson-Hawkins is assigned to FAMU Law’s Legal Clinic where she works with the Virgil Hawkins Fellowship. “We are providing services to indigent clients in the areas of housing, family, and domestic violence. The program is designed to ensure access to the justice system for the underprivileged and disadvantaged,” said Jackson-Hawkins. “I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and appreciate the John Paul Stevens Foundation for providing the funding for me to complete this experience.”
Derrick Gaiter is a third-year law student from Clearwater, Florida who also appreciates the opportunity to be a John Paul Stevens Fellow.
“Earning the John Paul Stevens Fellowship is a phenomenal investment in my legal career. I am beaming with Rattler pride,” said Gaiter. “As a legal intern at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and the Federal Public Defender’s Office in the Southern District of Florida, I am receiving hands-on experience in the preparation of criminal cases in both state and federal court while being able to attend pre-file conferences, court hearings, jury and bench trials, and depositions.” Gaiter recalls always wanting to become a lawyer to ask the tough questions and help the underserved.
Seana-Jahan La Coa is a third-year student from Palm Beach, Florida. “I am currently participating in the Guardian ad Litem Legal Clinic, facilitated by College of Law professors,” said La Coa. “The John Paul Stevens Fellowship allows me to participate fully in the benefits of the legal clinic, specifically working closely with professors as I explore my passion for public interest work.”
FAMU Law students have embraced the label Rattlers for Justice because of their dedication to shaking up the status quo. “Our Rattlers for Justice are perfect for the John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship because they are using their legal skills to address institutional inequities and serve those too often excluded from or ignored by the legal system,” said FAMU Law Clinic Director Mark Dorosin.
In 2021, the John Paul Stevens Fellowship Foundation expanded the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship program in partnership with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with law schools. The partnership includes Florida A&M University College of Law, Howard University School of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Southern University Law Center, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.
These law schools are among the nation’s most diverse in terms of faculty and students. They are well-known for their commitment to public interest and preparing a diverse group of law students for leadership.
The Paul Stevens Fellows from the HBCUs are committed, talented individuals who are working at a wide range of public interest organizations in both the public and nonprofit sectors this summer, and they join a national cohort of Stevens Fellows.
The following students received scholarships:
Edward Lavant, Lindjee Noziere, Richard Ryles, Jr & Suwana Janvier received the William Holland Scholarship.
Suwana Janvier received the Shannoya C. Robinson Memorial Scholarship.
The F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association hosted the 21st Annual Holland Bar Prep Scholarship Program. The awards were announced during a virtual ceremony on Friday, February 18, 2022. The scholarships are for well-deserving African American law students scheduled to take the bar exam in July 2022. The scholarships offset the bar examination preparation expenses for students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
“I admire the mission of the F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr. Bar Association which is to promote the personal and professional development of Blacks within the legal profession and to promote improvement in the law and in the method of its administration,” said Lindjee Noziere, scholarship recipient. “I am humbled, grateful and honored to be one of the recipients of this award.”
Suwana Janvier received the Shannoya C. Robinson Scholarship for overcoming adversity. The third-year student from Lake City is a mother of three, the President of the Student Bar Association and is actively involved in multiple activities. “I am pleased and honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and appreciate the Cunningham Bar Association’s forethought to consider the path of becoming a practicing attorney and reaching back to help bring others along,” said Janvier.
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law has announced its 2021-2022 Law Review Editorial Board. The team is led by Law Review Editor-in-Chief Shanice Cameron, a third-year student from the Bronx, New York.
“Being a member of Law Review is one of the most prestigious accolades that a student can achieve,” Cameron said. “Law Review helps to further the legal profession through publishing scholarly works. Students benefit immensely from reviewing and editing articles.”
In addition to Cameron, the 2021-2022 Law Review Editorial Board includes:
Executive Editor: Benjamin Kaufman, 3L, West Palm Beach, Florida
Executive Articles Editor: Valerie Chant David, 3L, Orlando, Florida
Notes & Comments Editor: Sara Jensen, 3L, Sparta, New Jersey
Business Managing Editor: Olivia Garcia, 3L, Orlando, Florida
Faculty Advisor: Professor Omar Saleem
Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law student Lacresha Pierre is one of 50 interns selected for the Universal Music Group’s Summer Internship Program. Pierre is assigned to East Coast Shared Services in the Business & Legal Affairs Department.
“I am ecstatic about beginning this position with Universal Music Group with support from FAMU Law and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), which provided this summer employment opportunity,” said Lacresha Pierre. “I know this opportunity will make a huge difference in getting me a step closer to my goal of employment in the Sports, Media and Entertainment field.”
Two Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law students are recipients of the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship.
Destiny Hibbler is working this summer with the Southern District of Florida Federal Public Defender’s Office in Miami. The Fort Worth, Texas, native aspires to become a federal public defender after law school. “I am blessed to have been selected for the Summer Fellowship because it shows someone’s generous support in my future endeavors,” Hibbler said.
Sara Jensen landed a spot with the office of the public defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando. The Sparta, New Jersey, native is excited to be part of the program, named for the former U.S. Supreme Court justice.
“I am thrilled to be selected for a 2021 Stevens Fellowship and grateful for the support of the foundation in pursuing a career in public service,” Jensen said.
This summer, Amanda interned at the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office in Mays Landing, New Jersey. She worked under the supervision of Assistant Prosecutor Erika Halayko and Marisa McGarvey. She was assigned to the Special Litigation and Screening Unit. As a legal intern, Ms. Hunter drafted pretrial motions to detain defendants, motions to suppress evidence brief, and memorandums of law for the Appellate Unit and Special Victims Unit. She also conducted research and observed grand jury hearings, sentencing hearings, and status conferences.
Amanda Hunter truly learned the daily responsibilities of a member of the prosecutor's office. My time at the prosecutor's office has enhanced my writing and research skills. This opportunity also further solidifies my goal of becoming a prosecutor.