Princeton Review Ranks Hamline #8

Survey finds older students feel particularly welcome at Hamline

Hamline University School of Law is one of the nation's most outstanding law schools in the most recent edition of The Princeton Review's "Best 170 Law Schools." Hamline specifically was ranked in the top ten list of law schools that are welcoming to older students. The list is based on surveys of 18,000 students attending the 170 schools profiled in the book. Survey takers also noted that at Hamline, "diverse opinions are accepted in classrooms," there are "great research resources," and "abundant externship/internship/clerkship opportunities." Hamline law students also gave high marks to the school's "supportive environment" that encourages "connections with the broader community." The complete narrative profile is available on the Law Center of PrincetonReview.com (www.PrincetonReview.com/law/). Top

National Leaders to Explore Health Care Conflicts

Joint DRI/HLI Symposium draws major national health care leaders who will lead discussions on various topics related to resolving health care conflict

An Intentional Conversation about Conflict Resolution in Health Care, scheduled for November 8-10, and co-sponsored by the law school's Dispute Resolution Institute and the Health Law Institute, promises to encourage purposeful conversation about the critical issue of conflict resolution in health care. The list of symposium theme leaders reads like a list of "who's who" in health law education and practice, including:

Mary Foarde, General Counsel with Allina Health System;

Debra Geradi, Chair, Program on Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Resolution, Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, Creighton University School of Law

Barbara Hartwick, Director, Health & Welfare Benefits, Xcel Energy

Dianne Hoffman, Professor of Law and Director, Law and Health Care Program, University of Maryland Law School

James Jacobson, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Medica Health Plans

David Matz, Founder and Director, Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution, University of Massachusetts Boston

Charity Scott, Professor of Law and Director for Center for Law, Health & Society, Georgia State University School of Law

Dr. Marty Stillman, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School; Physician, Department of General Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center

Dr. James Thompson, President and CEO, Federation of State Medical Boards

Ellen Waldman, Professor, Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Dr. Eben Weitzman, Associate Professor, Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution, University of Massachusetts Boston

Dr. William J. Winslade, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law and Associate Director for Graduate Programs, University of Houston Health Law & Policy Institute.

Symposium Theme Leaders will explore the following topics: "Building a Context for Conversation-What Makes Health Care Conflicts Different?" "Developing Guiding Principles for Addressing Patient Care Disputes," "Developing Guiding Principles for Health Coverage Disputes," and "Developing Guiding Principles for Addressing Dispute in the Area of Provider Competency."

The symposium will conclude with a Synthesis session in which the insights that emerged from earlier sessions will be discussed in the context of identifying an over-arching set of principles for addressing a wide variety of health-care conflicts. Participants also will consider whether these declared conflict resolution principles are helpful in addressing much larger policy challenges facing the American health care system. For more information on the Symposium, visit http://law.hamline.edu/adr/2007_biennial-symposium.html or contact Debra Berghoff at 651-523-2946 or dberhoff@hamline.edu. Top

BALSA Students Focus on Jena Six Incident

Student-sponsored event leads to discussion of racism in Minnesota

BALSA President Quiana Montgomery When the Jena Six incident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana made the news earlier this fall, The Black Law Students Association at Hamline seized the opportunity to sponsor a thought-provoking program about the situation. What started as a discussion about the treatment of the high school students in Louisiana expanded into an eye-opening look at issues of racial disparity closer to home. Hamline Law Professor Robin Magee lamented that "young black lives have been destroyed by a school yard fight. I hope this invites a larger conversation about race. . . we need to examine how white supremacy everywhere contributes to the situation."

Guy Gamill with the Council on Crime and Justice explained that African Americans comprise 3.5 percent of the state's Black population and 30 percent of its prison population. "Minnesota most closely resembles Detroit in terms of this discrepancy," he said. "A gross injustice has been perpetrated in the Jena Six case and we're not better in Minnesota, we're worse," he added.

Earlier in September, the Culture and Diversity Committee of the Student Bar Association hosted a reception for multicultural students and students interested in promoting diversity at the law school. Dean Garon welcomed the students and reminded them about the importance of inclusiveness. "All of the communities at Hamline are part of one community, the Hamline Community," he said. Dean Garon also encouraged students in various student organizations to attend events sponsored by other organizations and to cross-promote their events. Deepa Patel ‘3l (shown right), chair of the SBA Culture and Diversity Committee urged students to pick at least three events each year to attend and "then go to them!"

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Justices Meet Students, Hear Oral Arguments at Hamline

Suzanne M. Senecal-Hill ‘00 presents case on behalf of defendant

Hamline law students enjoyed more than just a delicious brunch at the law school on September 12; they were treated to the wit and wisdom of the Minnesota Supreme Court Justices who were on campus to hear oral arguments in the Annette K. Levine Courtroom. Oral argument in the case was presented by Hamline alumna Suzanne M. Senecal-Hill '00.

Chief Justice Russell Anderson (shown left with a Hamline student) thanked the Women's Legal Caucus for sponsoring the brunch, noting that "Students give us energy and it's truly a pleasure to come to Hamline Law School." Justice Alan Page urged students to "seek excellence in everything you do and also enjoy yourself. If you work to be the best that you can be you'll likely be successful," he said. Justice Paul Anderson told students, "You're in the right place in this law school. Hamline will give you opportunities to do many good things. . . You need to show up for those opportunities, gain experience and learn important lessons. In the process, you'll develop confidence, skills and insight," he promised. Top

Professor Romero Speaks at Blue Cross Blue Shield

Presentation explains that Hispanics face growing health care disparities

Latinos are the nation's fastest growing demographic group. Latinos will spend $700 billion this year. Latinos represented between six-and-eight million votes in the 2004 presidential election and were estimated to represent the critical swing vote in six states.

These facts were revealed by Hamline Law Professor Tom Romero during his recent presentation, "Salud para todos ("Health for all"): Latinos and Health Law in the 21^st Century" at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Professor Romero was asked to speak at Blue Cross Blue Shield by Frank Fernandez '05, vice president of government programs, as part of the company's commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Professor Romero noted that "Blue Cross Blue Shield, particularly its innovative Fuerza Azul community, has been a leader when it comes to health concerns and the Latino community." Professor Romero's presentation, which explored the issue of disparities in health between racial/ethnic groups and provided concrete action steps people can take to eliminate these disparities, can be heard at http://law.hamline.edu/conversations-law-hamline-audio/salud-para-todos-health-all.html. Top

IPMN Case Leads to Release of Innocent Man

Hamline Innocence Clinic Provides Crucial Support for the 10-year effort

Sherman Townsend was imprisoned for more than ten years for a crime he did not commit. Years ago he convinced lawyers, professors and law students working with the Innocence Project of Minnesota of his innocence, but they could not find a way to prove it. Earlier this year the true perpetrator contacted them admitting his guilt and giving a candid, detailed and chilling account of what transpired the night that changed Mr. Townsend's life. On October 2, 2007 Sherman Townsend walked out of prison a free man.

Julie A. Jonas, Innocence Project staff attorney, prepared the court pleadings with assistance from Michael Davis, adjunct clinical faculty member. The weekday Innocence Clinic at Hamline. worked on this file, including students in the current clinic. Sherman's case was a frequent topic of discussion during class time.

Two students deserve special credit: Jessica McKinney, and Tonya Dugree (formerly Tonya Dugree-Pearson). Jessica and Tonya met with Sherman at least twice at the prison, interviewed possible new witnesses, tracked down promising leads, located and interviewed trial counsel to get his insights on the case, examined the court record and court exhibits, and never doubted his innocence.

"Over the years, I've used a variation of Sherman's case as a teaching exercise. The case presents many of the common causes of wrongful convictions: mistaken identification, false accusations, poor police work, statements of an accused that are misconstrued as an indirect confession, and the emergence of new forensic techniques by which to prove actual innocence," Davis said.

"That David Jones - the only witness who claimed that Sherman committed the crime - turned out to be the person who actually committed the crime is a real eye opener. Students and I always believed that his identification of Sherman was both mistaken and false; he was not, however, high on our list of suspects. Jones' detailed account of how he broke into the house is a stark reminder that all of us need to ask, constantly, whether all possibilities are being considered, and whether anything is being overlooked," Davis added.

Many students, faculty and staff will be celebrating the outcome at the upcoming Annual Innocence Ball on Saturday, November 3. The Ball will feature best-selling author and attorney Scott Turow. A cocktail party and silent auction will precede the ball from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Hamline University School of Law is sponsoring the party as part of the introduction of the new JD/MFA in creative writing joint degree program at Hamline University (http://law.hamline.edu/hamline-university-jd-mfa-program.html). The dinner, program, live auction and dancing will begin at 8 p.m. (until midnight). The event will be held at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis. Tickets range from $50 - $100; sponsorships also are available. Contact Erica Applebaum at 541-523-3152.

Established in 2002, Innocence Project of Minnesota (IPMN) is a private, volunteer based, non-profit organization that provides pro bono investigative and legal assistance to prisoners trying to prove their innocence. IPMN investigates potential claims of wrongful conviction from prisoners convicted of crimes in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In affiliation with Hamline University, IPMN uses the resources of Hamline University's College of Liberal Arts and the School of Law, including office space, administrative support, forensic s science experts, faculty, and students. IPMN's first course offering, "Wrongful Convictions: Causes and Remedies" began at Hamline University. The first Minnesota Innocence Clinic was also established at Hamline. Top

Hamline Builds on Relationship with Moldovan Law School

Visiting Fulbright Scholar was inspired by Professor McCaffrey, whom she met in Moldova in 2005

Aliona Cara (shown left with Professor Angela McCaffrey), a Fulbright scholar and law professor from Moldova, is spending the 2007-08 academic year at Hamline University School of Law. She's learning teaching methods by observing Hamline law faculty in action, as well as doing research in the area of human trafficking for her Ph.D. Aliona's informal relationship with Hamline began in 2005 when she met Professor Angie McCaffrey, who traveled to Moldova, a small country located between Romania and Ukraine, as part of a legal educators exchange. The two stayed in touch, making the decision to study and do research at Hamline University School of Law an easy one for Aliona. "I was so impressed with Professor McCaffrey and I wanted to come to Hamline to learn from her and others on the faculty. I can see how the faculty really cares about students and works hard to make sure they are learning," she said.

Professor McCaffrey said, "I am very excited that Professor Aliona Cara is pursing her Fullbright studies here at Hamline. She has been a leader in issues of human trafficking in Moldova and is doing comparative studies of how other countries approach this difficult issue while here at Hamline. She is also taking classes and learning about American teaching methods at Hamline. When Professor Ann Juergens and I were in Moldova we introduced the concept of interactive teaching methods in her class. Classes in Moldova were at the time taught only in the lecture model. Professor Cara was very excited about the ideas for new teaching methods and developed a hypothetical while we were in Moldova to use in her class."

Aliona plans to share the teaching methods she observes to her colleagues at the University of Chisinau, where she teaches in the law school and is head of the English Department. With the growth of privatization in Moldova, which declared its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, has come a desire for new teaching methods in the law schools. In a private market, attorneys need critical thinking skills, interviewing skills, litigation skills and mediation skills. Top

Justice Society Recognizes Record Number of High-Level Donors

On September 18, charter members of the Hamline University School of Law Justice Society gathered at the Lextington restaurant in St. Paul. Justice Society membership, a new designation beginning in 2007, is established with a donation to the Law School in the amount of $1,000 or more. Giving at this level has nearly doubled since last year, and the Justice Society welcomed 114 charter members through the end of the 2007 fiscal year on June 30. Law Professor Ed Butterfoss, Chris Messerly '86 , and Hamline University President Linda Hanson (shown left) were amoung the guests for the evening. Follow this link to see a list of Justice Society charter members. Top

Governor Appoints Two Hamline Alumni to Court

Hamline alumnae Ann Carrott '80 and Kristine DeMay '95 were appointed District Court Judges by Governor Tim Pawlenty

Ann Carrott '80 (left) and Kristine DeMay '95 were both recently appointed as District Court Judges by Governor Tim Pawlenty. Carrott was appointed to a Seventh Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in the city of Alexandria in Douglas County. The vacancy occurred with the retirement of the Honorable John E. Pearson on September 7, 2007.

Carrott is an attorney with the Alexandria law firm of Swenson, Lervick, Syverson, Trosvig, Jacobson, a position she has held since 1997. She was the Douglas County Attorney in Alexandria from 1984 to 1996, and an assistant Morrison County Attorney in Little Falls from 1981 to 1984. Carrott earned her juris doctorate degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul in 1980, and her bachelor of arts degree from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1973.

"Ann brings a tremendous background in both civil and criminal experience to the position as well as a wealth of trial experience," Governor Pawlenty said. "She also is an active and respected member of the Douglas County community. She will be a great judge."

Carrott is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association; Minnesota Board of Law Examiners; Minnesota Women Lawyers, currently serving as the Seventh District liaison; Minnesota City Attorneys Association; and Douglas County Bar Association, serving as president in 1995. She has also taught a number of courses and seminars at Alexandria Technical College, is past president of the Bethany Community Advisory Board, is a board member and past president of the Douglas County Library Board of Trustees, a volunteer teacher for the Independent School District #206 First Grade Junior Achievement Program, and numerous other community organizations.

Kristine R. DeMay was appointed to a Ninth Judicial District trial court bench judgeship in Crow Wing County. DeMay is an assistant Crow Wing County Attorney in Brainerd, a position she has held since 1997. She was an attorney with the Fitzpatrick, Nelson and Ten Eyck law firm and an assistant city attorney in Brainerd from 1996 to 1997, a Seventh Judicial District law clerk in Detroit Lakes from 1995 to 1996, and worked in the Washington County Public Defender's office in Stillwater in 1995. DeMay earned her juris doctorate degree from Hamline University School of Law in 1995, and her bachelor of science degree from Illinois State University in Normal in 1990.

"Kristine has a wealth of trial experience trying cases that a trial court judges handles," Governor Pawlenty said. "In addition, she has shown her willingness to be a problem-solver with her work in helping Crow Wing County start a drug court."

DeMay is a member of the Minnesota County Attorneys' Association where she serves on the criminal law committee, Crow Wing County Bar Association, Crow Wing County Drug Court, and Crow Wing County Methamphetamine Coalition. Top