As my tenure as Law Alumni President nears its end, I want to sincerely thank all of you for your unwavering support. I noted months ago that I was humbled by the opportunity to serve in this position, to be added to a list of names that includes some of the most celebrated members of the bench and bar. Today, after a year of working with all of you, I stand even more humbled. I have a renewed motivation to serve our alma mater and an even greater understanding of what a force we—Miami Law Alumni—truly are in the legal community.
I am so proud of the work we did this year. We passed the baton to a new Interim Dean, Patricia Sanchez Abril, who made incredible improvements to our law school in a few short months and navigated a tumultuous time with grace. And, we just learned that she will remain at the helm for at least one more year to carry out her brilliant vision for Miami Law. We honored the judiciary and alumni past and present and, of course, welcomed over 200 alumni back to campus for our Alumni Weekend and Homecoming. We swore in a new class of Hurricane Esquires who will be the next generation of legal legends. We saw our law school class size lessen, and the credentials of our students rise. We made an impact in Washington, D.C. with an alumnus serving in one of our nation’s highest positions, and we gave back to our community, with alumni recognized across the country for their selflessness and service. But that is just the beginning.
At our Holiday Reception and Miami-Dade Judicial Reception, hosted by DLA Piper and Incoming President, Harout Samra, we had the privilege of honoring some of our most distinguished alumni and students. The year’s symposium offered countless opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, including the Becker Preeminent Lectures featuring Horacio Gutierrez and Judge Adalberto Jordan. We honored the life and legacy of the late Judge Jay Cristol and Professor Marc Fajer and recognized the retirement of one of our most distinguished faculty members, Bernard Oxman. We were so pleased to award the Richard A. Hausler Chair to Charles Jalloh, and the Michael R. Klein Chair to Professor Anthony Alfieri, along with the many dozens of awards and honors presented throughout the year.
Finally, I’m deeply grateful to SBA President Andy Co, Vice President Joey Vazquez, and the entire Student Bar Association for their support. Key events like the Annual Homecoming Breakfast and the co-sponsored 3L Reception would not have been possible without their assistance.
In closing, I leave you in the hands of one of our most brilliant alumni, Harout Samra. I have no doubt that he will strengthen the legacy of our school, as he has done many years through the practice of law and service to the community. Thank you for this opportunity. I will cherish it.
The Honorable Linda Lopez, J.D. ’99, Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, encourages students to work hard and believe that they can accomplish anything.
Adjunct Professor Frank Citera, J.D. ’83, and 3L student Julia Steiner collaborated on an article about the expansion of public nuisance claims against the opioid industry.
The Michael R. Klein Distinguished Scholar Chair was established by the double Cane and former University of Miami alumni trustee, who has a longstanding tradition of commitment to his alma mater.
Michael Levine, J.D. ’13, partner at Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, represents plaintiffs in catastrophic injury cases while staying active in the Miami community.
The Alan S. Becker and Gary A. Poliakoff Preeminent Leaders in Law Speaker Series will feature Judge Adalberto Jordan, J.D. ’87, and Judge Kevin Newsom.
A Lasting Legacy for the Next Century
As the University of Miami celebrates its centennial, we celebrate our rich history and the alumni who have helped shape its destiny. By including the University of Miami School of Law in your estate plans, you ensure the school can continue to transform lives through education, research, and public service for its next hundred years.
Planned gifts—such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, and beneficiary designations—offer flexible, tax-efficient ways to support the University of Miami Law School while aligning with your financial and charitable goals. If you make a planned gift, we would be honored to welcome you into the Law School’s Golden Gavel Society.
To learn more about how you can create your legacy, or if you already have but would like to share this, please contact Connor Adams or click here.
Law Alumni Association's Young Alumni Committee hosted 3L students for a night of networking.
May 16 | 7:30 A.m.
Bankruptcy Skills Workshop
Presenting useful basics on consumer bankruptcy practice in the Southern District of Florida. All proceeds from the Workshop will benefit the Louis Phillips Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of Miami School of Law.
This email was sent by the School of Law | University of Miami Division of Development and Alumni Relations
Newman Alumni Center, 6200 San Amaro Drive Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
Alumni Relations and Community Relations
Alma Jennings Foundation Suite
1311 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
E-mail: alumni@law.miami.edu Phone: 1.866.99.UMLAW
