⚖️ Path to Practice ⚖️

Our STU College of Law series highlighting the experiences, insights, and career journeys of our students as they prepare for the practice of law.

Our next spotlight features Jessica Rivera-Rojas, 2L, who is spending her summer with The Founders Law Firm, gaining hands-on experience in personal injury law. Throughout her internship, Jessica drafts litigation documents, communicates with clients, helps coordinate medical treatment and vehicle repairs, and works with insurance adjusters on claims, coverage, liability, and negotiations.

Jessica shared that the most valuable lesson she’s learned so far is the importance of strong legal writing, attention to detail, and compassionate advocacy for clients who have experienced catastrophic accidents.

Her advice to fellow STU Law students: “Always lead with compassion. Put yourself in your client’s position, listen carefully, and remember that personal injury law is about helping people through very difficult moments.”

One word to describe her experience so far: Purposeful.

Notably, Jessica secured her internship through initiative and determination, reaching out directly to the firm with a personalized email and writing samples. Her experience serves as a reminder that sometimes creating your own opportunity is the first step toward achieving your goals.

Interested in sharing your own journey? We invite STU Law students to connect with the Office for Career Development and help inspire future attorneys by sharing their unique Path to Practice.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #PathToPractice

On June 24, Professor Roza Pati gave a guest lecture for FIU College of Law’s students enrolled in the course on International Human Rights: Human Trafficking in their Study Abroad Program established in collaboration with the Universidad de Sevilla in Seville, Spain.

Professor Pati lectured on human trafficking at the intersection of transnational organized crime law, human rights law, and international criminal law, focusing inter alia on landmark cases of various international courts.

Professor Pati’s article States’ Positive Obligations with Respect to Human Trafficking: The European Court of Human Rights Breaks New Ground in Rantsev v. Cyprus & Russia, 29 Boston University Journal of International Law 79 (2011), was part of the assigned readings for the course.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #HumanRights

Professor Brian C. Potts` article, "The Federal Rules of Evi-Dance: Exploring and Reimagining Evidence Law Through Music, and Proposing Amendments to Rule 604," has been published in the Suffolk Journal of Trial & Appellate Advocacy.

Professor Potts offers a new exploration of the Federal Rules of Evidence through musical leitmotivs. During the dance, he proposes two amendments to Rule 604 regarding the oath for courtroom interpreters. He propounds a new critique explaining how and why courts are wrong when they often claim "Daubert did not work a `sea change` over federal evidence law." He tenders two new, sensational labels for dramatic parts of Rule 804.

He presents a freshly-old defense of the dying declaration exception to the rule against hearsay, contrary to the current trend in the literature. He offers a new method of focusing and analyzing issues involving potential hearsay within potential hearsay. He also submits many new and memorable illustrations and evaluations of evidentiary issues.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #FacultyScholarship

Incoming Associate Professor of Law James Phillips was recently featured on The Hugh Hewitt Show, where he joined a discussion on several of the most significant decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court`s recently concluded term.

Named by host Hugh Hewitt as one of his "Next Gen Smart Guys," Professor Phillips shared his insights on cases involving congressional redistricting, executive branch authority, birthright citizenship, and state laws governing participation in girls` sports. He also previewed two important cases the Court will consider in its upcoming term, including matters involving parental rights and religious liberty.

We are excited to welcome Professor Phillips to the STU College of Law faculty this fall and look forward to the expertise and scholarship he will bring to our students and academic community.

To watch Professor Phillips` segment from the July 6 episode of The Hugh Hewitt Show, click the link below. His interview begins at 1:11:48.

🔗 https://hughhewitt.com/watch-the-show

#STUMiami // #STULaw

Join our Unique LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights!

Human dignity and the flourishing of all human beings are key concerns of our time, highlighted by the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. As all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, this exceptional and timely program, with eminent instructors from across the U.S. and the world, featuring over 500 graduates from 95 countries since its inception in 2001, makes you a thorough expert, scholar, and skilled advocate in the field.

For further information and application, please visit:

🔗 www.stu.edu/law/human-rights