11
B R I E F S
STETSON AGAIN RANKS NO. 1 NATIONALLY IN TRIAL
COMPETITION PERFORMANCE
The 2018-2019 results are in, and once again Stetson Law
ranks No. 1 nationally in trial competition performance.
This most recent recognition comes in addition to the
more than 20 years Stetson has been recognized as No. 1 in trial
advocacy according to U.S. News & World Report.
The Trial Competition Performance Ranking (TCPR) from
Fordham University School of Law is a points-based system
that ranks student trial teams in interscholastic law school trial
competitions at national and regional competition levels.
All TCPR points are allocated based on the competition result
data compiled by Faulkner Law School, and Fordham University
School of Law used the data to create a three-year analysis of
the top 25 performing schools. The TCPR tracks points for the
current academic year, as well as provides a historical ranking
based on the accumulation of points beginning in 2016.
For the current academic year, Stetson ranks No. 1 with 21
points, followed by Loyola University School of Law with 17
points and UCLA with 15 points. For the 2016-2019 period,
Stetson tops the chart with 43 points, outpacing its closest
competition by 14 points. Drexel University Thomas R. Kline
School of Law comes in second for the period with 29 points,
followed by Fordham University School of Law with 26 points.
“While we appreciate this recognition and the achievements of
our students, our core mission will always be about the invaluable
training our students receive,” said Julia Metts, J.D. ’04, Director
of Trial Programs and Professor of Practice at Stetson. “The
trophies are nice, the wins are encouraging, but the difference we
make in the lives of others will forever be our purpose!”
STETSON LAW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CONFERENCE WINS AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION AWARD
Stetson Law’s “Professional Development Conference:
Clinton W. Simmons III, at right, president of the Stetson Chapter of the
American Bar Association-Law Student Division, accepts the award on
the college’s behalf from Josh Camson, Chair of the ABA Standing
Committee on Professionalism. (Courtesy photo)
Campus to Career” won the 2019 American Bar
Association’s E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, and we are thrilled
to be included among so many other wonderful programs,” said
Joann Grages Burnett, J.D. ’08, conference co-chair and associate
director of Career and Professional Development.
The award is renowned in the law community.
“The E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award is a
longstanding and well-regarded award,” said Prof. Kirsten K.
Davis, Ph.D., Campus to Career faculty co-chair, and director
of the Institute for Advancement of Legal Communication.
“Stetson Law has been a leader in legal professionalism
education, and receiving the award is great feedback that we
are providing professional development opportunities that are
meaningful to our partners at the bar and on the bench.”
The one-day conference, now in its third year, was held on
campus last February and is geared toward the professional
development of first-year law students but is open to all
students. It is designed to prepare participants for success
through programs focused on resilience, time management,
professionalism, decision-making, planning, civility, selfassessment,
mentoring and wellness. It featured keynote speakers
who provided insight about their student-to-professional journey,
breakout sessions on topics such as self-advocacy, teamwork,
mentoring and more.
“At Stetson Law, we are committed to preparing students for
professional success, no matter which path they choose,” said
Burnett. “We are proud of what we do and are excited about
continuing to grow and expand ‘Campus and Career.’”
The $3,500 award, which was established in 1991, is named
after former ABA and American Bar Foundation president
E. Smythe Gambrell. It recognizes the nation’s exemplary,
innovative and ongoing professionalism programs in law schools,
bar associations, courts and other legal organizations that ensure
integrity and dedication to the legal profession and public.