Professor Mark Pickering presented his draft article on retributivism, a foundational theory of punishment, during a recent lunchtime colloquium.

The paper addresses the common objection that retributivism cannot permit immunity deals, plea bargains, or prioritizing other government functions over the infliction of punishment. Pluralist forms of retributivism are a response to this objection. However, pluralism succumbs to the objection that it is ad hoc. A new version of retributivism can escape both objections.

His presentation generated a vigorous discussion on the justifications of punishment.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #FacultyScholarship // #LegalResearch // #CriminalLaw

Introducing our 2026 Charleston School of Law Transactional Derby competitors! ⚖️

STU College of Law Transactional Law Team members Anisa Begolli, Sonia Patel, and Maria Romero Perez will proudly represent our university this weekend in Charleston, South Carolina!

In preparation for the competition, our students have been working on a simulated transaction involving the negotiation of a licensing agreement between an independent production company and a subscription-based streaming platform. This experience has allowed them to strengthen their skills in transactional drafting, negotiation, and navigating competing business interests.

A special recognition goes to fellow team member Octavio Correa, whose dedication and contributions throughout the team`s preparation, practice negotiations, and intramural competitions have been invaluable.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Transactional Law Team members who participated in practice negotiations, along with the guest judges and coaches who generously volunteered their time to provide feedback and guidance.

Join us in wishing Anisa, Sonia, and Maria the best of luck as they head into the competition! 💙

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #TransactionalLaw // #LegalEducation // #StudentSuccess

STU College of Law was proud to support the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit, presented by the Miami Catholic Lawyers Guild on November 11 at Gesù Catholic Church in Miami.

Celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, this year’s Mass was especially meaningful as Monsignor Franklyn Casale, former President of St. Thomas University, received the 2026 Lex Christi, Lex Amoris Award, presented by The Honorable Cecilia M. Altonaga, Chief United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify their Catholic faith through their personal and professional lives.

The celebration also brought together STU Interim President Father Capó, STU College of Law Dean The Honorable Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro, and STU faculty, including Adjunct Professor Will Castro. Also in attendance were former STU President Father Patrick O’Neill and STU Law alumnus Jude Faccidomo, Esq., both members of the College of Law’s Board of Advisors.

We proudly congratulate Monsignor Casale on this well-deserved recognition and remain honored to support a tradition that celebrates faith, justice, and service within the legal community.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #RedMass // #FaithAndLaw // #LegalCommunity

Our Path to Big Law Panel brought together an exceptional group of legal professionals: Beatriz Azcuy of Sidley Austin LLP, Harout J. Samra of DLA Piper LLP, Jacqueline M. Arango of Akerman LLP, Aliette DelPozo Rodz of Shutts & Bowen LLP, Alan Dimond of Greenberg Traurig, and Gerardo Perera (26’) of Greenberg Traurig.

Our panelists shared valuable insight on AI and the evolution of legal practice, the skills associates need to succeed, and the Big Law recruitment process. A special thank-you to our moderator, Jordan Dresnick, for thoughtfully presenting our students’ questions and guiding such an engaging conversation.

Thank you to our co-sponsors Moot Court, St. Thomas Law Review, Intercultural Human Rights Law Review, Trial Team, Transactional Team, and Business Law Society for helping make this event possible! ⚖️💼✨

St. Thomas University College of Law proudly congratulates alumnus Ricky K. Patel (’09) on being named Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

A nationally recognized trial attorney, philanthropist, and longtime advocate for children, Ricky continues to demonstrate that the impact of a legal education extends far beyond the courtroom. Through his leadership, charitable initiatives, and dedication to serving children and families in need, he exemplifies the values of service, compassion, and leadership that St. Thomas Law seeks to instill in its graduates.

We are equally proud of fellow alumna Evelyn Patel (’16), an accomplished attorney who shares Ricky’s commitment to philanthropy and making a meaningful difference in the community.

This year’s Make-A-Wish Gala was particularly special, as fellow St. Thomas Law alumni Rochelle Nunez (’09), Jennifer Perez-Roura (’12), Kristopher Salado (’16), and Eric Matthew Rubenstein (’17), along with STU College of Law Dean and proud alumna The Honorable Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro, joined Ricky and Evelyn in support of the organization’s mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

At St. Thomas Law, we believe that success is measured not only by professional accomplishments, but also by the lives we touch along the way.

We are incredibly proud of Ricky, Evelyn, and our alumni who continue to lead with purpose and demonstrate what it truly means to be of service to others.

Congratulations, Ricky, and thank you to our St. Thomas Law family for continuing to make a difference!

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #MakeAWishBall // #STUAlumni // #CommunityEngagement