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NKU Chase and BLSA Students Sponsor Speaker

Shonita Black

Nov 20, 2008 - NKU Chase College of Law and the Chase Black Law Students Association recently sponsored guest speaker Shonita Black, Hamilton County Public Defender. NKU student Janol Vinson opened the presentation, and Cynthia Pinchback-Hines, Associate Dean of African American Student Affairs & Ethnic Services, provided opening remarks. Ms. Black proceeded with her presentation, 'The Changing Face of Diversity and Multiculturism,' a discussion of racism in America and how the law has changed over time to reflect America's growing embrace of diversity and tolerance. In conclusion, Shonita encouraged audience members to contemplate the future of multiculturism and the role that each person plays in encouraging tolerance and growing sensitivity toward others.

A Q&A session was followed by closing remarks from Chase Professor Sharlene Graham Lassiter Boltz.

Shonita's presentation was co-sponsored by the NKU Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice and the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement and Nonprofit Development.

Chase 3L Argues Case in First District Court

Jason Fowler

Nov 20, 2008 - On November 19, 2008, third-year Chase student Jason Fowler argued an appellate case in the First District Court of Appeals located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The issue is whether Jason's client has a duty to register as a sex offender under a statute that was passed after his client had completed his prison term. 'Jason did a brilliant job arguing this hotly contested case,' said David A. Singleton, Visiting Professor of Law and Executive Director of the Cincinnati-based Ohio Justice & Policy Center ('OJPC'). 'Jason was clear, concise and very persuasive. He did the entire Chase community proud.' Jason argued the case as part of the Constitutional Litigation Clinic. Through the Clinic, third and fourth year Chase students handle OJPC cases in state and federal court under the supervision of Professor Singleton. Participating students receive academic credit for the yearlong Clinic.

Federalist Society Hosts Guest Speaker, Honorable Ronald Cass

Prof. Ken Katkin, Ronald Cass, Chase Federalist Society President Grant Swartzentruber

Nov 13, 2008 - The Federalist Society hosted guest speaker Ronald Cass, Dean Emeritus at Boston University School of Law, today. His featured topic was, "After the Elections: Judges, Courts, and the Direction Ahead." Cass focused on the Obama Administration and its effect on the Supreme Court. Chase professor Ken Katkin offered commentary following Cass's presentation and the floor was opened to student and faculty questions.

Dean Cass was a former Commissioner of the U.S. International Trade Commission under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and has taught law at University of Virginia and Boston University. Currently he is Dean Emeritus at Boston University School of Law.

Chase Students Tour Medical Examiner's Office

The State Medical Examiner's Office is a branch of the KY Justice & Public Safety Cabinet.

Nov 13, 2008 - Chase Clinical Externship students had an opportunity to tour the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Frankfurt, Kentucky, recently via the Center for Excellence in Advocacy. Executive Director Mike Wilder described for students how the coroner's offices and medical examiner's offices are organized throughout the state and the process by which a body falls under the medical examiner's jurisdiction. Dr. Wilder has processed evidence from the ill-fated Lexington flight 5191 in addition to offering his services during the Hurricane Katrina disaster and the subsequent effort to recover victims. He was able to share his experiences with students and answer questions following his presentation.

Following Dr. Wilder's discussion, students were led on a tour of the facility by Dr. John Hunsaker. Dr. Hunsaker is the Associate Chief Medical Examiner of Kentucky and also a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Interdisciplinary Fellow for the College of Law at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. His special interest as a medical examiner includes the pathology of trauma and he has worked three commercial aviation disasters during his career. During the tour with Dr. Hunsaker, students were able to observe several autopsies in progress. The doctor and a detective explained to students how evidence is collected from the remains and how testimony is offered in court about the forensic evidence. Chase student Erin Melchior was intrigued by the early aspects of the autopsy. 'It was interesting to witness the very beginning stages of important forensic evidence that may either confirm the need for a criminal investigation or end one,' she reported after the tour.

The Chase Center for Excellence in Advocacy sponsors periodic tours of the Office of the State Medical Examiner for students. For more information and to sign up for the next tour, please contact Professor Kathleen Johnson at 859.572.6660 or johnsonk12@nku.edu.

NKU Chase Student Benefits from Unique Externship

Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville

Nov 11, 2008 - NKU Chase 3L Abigail Barnes is currently participating in an externship with C.A. Woodall, Circuit Judge, 56th Circuit. The externship is facilitated by the Chase Clinical Externship Program through the Center for Excellence in Advocacy. Abigail's externship is particularly noteworthy because on the first Friday of each month, Judge Woodall holds Rule Day inside the Kentucky State Penitentiary. The prison, located near Eddyville in Lyon County, is the Department's oldest and only maximum security facility and houses Kentucky's Death-Row inmates. The building was opened in 1886 and houses 856 inmates.

Ms. Barnes has enjoyed working for Judge Woodall and has benefited tremendously from her externship experience. 'So far, the skills that I am learning, and appreciating, are, of course writing memos of law and opinions and researching case law,' she says. 'But the most valuable thing I feel I am exposed to is the process of decision making and the ability to be unbiased; the ability to see the case from a place of impartiality and to convey a sense of fairness to both the plaintiff and defendant, alike and to look at a person imprisoned with compassion for their plight, conveying to them respect and justice. This skill comes from, from what I can see, an ability to mediate fairly and to make a decision with confidence and propriety.'

The Clinical Student Externship Program awards academic credit to students in a wide variety of field placements with government and nonprofit entities in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. Externship placements have included: the United States Department of Labor, the United States Bankruptcy Court, the United States Attorney, and the Kentucky Department of Labor. In addition, students have been placed in the state courts of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, in county prosecutor's offices, commonwealth attorney's offices, public defenders offices, and legal services offices in the region. In every externship, students participate in the day to day legal practice of the office under the guidance of supervising attorneys who are dedicated to instructing students in the knowledge and skills for the highest quality, ethical, practice of law.

NKU Chase Alum Re-appointed to Chair OSBA Committee

Jeffrey S. Rosenstiel

Nov 10, 2008 - Jeffrey S. Rosenstiel, of Frost Brown Todd LLC in Cincinnati, has been re-appointed to chair the Banking, Commercial & Bankruptcy Law Committee for the Ohio State Bar Association. In his practice, Rosenstiel represents businesses and financial institutions as well as other creditors in the litigation of debt instruments. He has also represented issues under the Uniform Commercial Code in federal and state courts throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Jeffrey is a longtime member of the Ft. Thomas Planning Commission and teaches adult education at his local parish. He serves on the boards of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation and the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. He was also recently elected as president of Leadership Northern Kentucky's Class of 2008. Jeffrey is a 1996 graduate of NKU Chase College of Law and he currently serves as an adjunct professor at Chase.

NKU Chase Alumna Appointed to Chair OSBA Committee

Deborah M. McKinney

Nov 10, 2008 - 2006 NKU Chase Alumna Deborah M. McKinney has been appointed to chair the Paralegal Committee for the Ohio State Bar Association. Deborah is the legal staff manager at Wood, Herron & Evans LLP and sole practitioner in Cheviot. She graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1990 and currently serves there as an adjunct professor of paralegal studies. In the community, Deborah serves as the vice-mayor and president of Cheviot City Council and belongs to the Cheviot/Westwood Community Association. Additionally, she serves as a court victims' advocate for Women Helping Women and as a volunteer with the Wills for Heroes organization.

Chase Alumni Association Presents Awards

Richard Lawrence, Alyson Barclay, David Bender, Paige Ellerman

Nov 07, 2008 - The Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law Alumni Association honored four alumni during its annual Chase Alumni Luncheon on Friday, October 10, at The Bank of Kentucky Center on NKU's campus.

Richard D. Lawrence, class of 1971, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is president of The Lawrence Firm and has been trying cases for over thirty-five years in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. His early years of practice included successful defense of persons accused of serious crimes; and since the 1980's, he has concentrated on representing those who have been catastrophically injured. He has served as president and board member for numerous trial practice associations. He has received many awards for his noteworthy accomplishments as a trial attorney, including the KJA's Peter Perlman Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year, AAJ's Wiedemann & Wysocki Medal Award twice for outstanding contribution to civil justice and AAJ's Dan Cullen Award for his efforts in representing children with brain injuries. He has published in legal and medical texts, and has been privileged to speak in 20 states and three foreign countries.

Alyson Schlinger Barclay, class of 1985, was the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award. She is Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of ESCO Technologies Inc., which is based in St. Louis with operations around the world. Her practice includes legal responsibility for the company's domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, and affords her the opportunity to work with business leaders and legal counsel throughout the world. Most recently, she led a team of in-house, domestic and international legal counsel in the completion of a $319 million acquisition of a company with locations in the US and five foreign countries. Among her past honors, she was named as one of St. Louis' top 25 most influential business women by the St. Louis Business Journal.

J. David Bender, class of 1979, was the recipient of the Exceptional Service Award. He is a sole practitioner with offices in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and his practice includes civil litigation, corporate, domestic, estate, probate and criminal law. Over many years, he has devoted countless hours in service to Chase, NKU, the Bar and the community, including service as president and/or board member for the Northern Kentucky Bar Association, Children's Law Center, Chase Alumni Association, NKU Alumni Association, NKU Foundation, Norse Athletic Club, Villa Madonna Academy and many other organizations. He was recently chosen to be included in a soon to be published book, Lessons in Entrepreneurship, by the NKU Entrepreneurship Institute.

Paige Leigh Ellerman, class of 1999, was the recipient of the Outstanding Recent Graduate Award. She is an attorney in the Bankruptcy, Business Restructuring and Creditor Rights Practice Group at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister. Board-certified in business bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification, she has been named a Cincinnati Magazine 'Super Lawyers Rising Star' each year since 2005. She also devotes a significant amount of time to the legal profession and community, including service as current Chair of the Cincinnati Bar Association's Young Lawyer Section, board member of Cincinnati Bar Association and Cincinnati Bar Foundation, past president of the Chase Alumni Association, chapter treasurer of the Federal Bar Association, member of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation and several other charitable and non-profit organizations.

More than 325 Chase alumni and friends attended the luncheon. The alumni association also hosted a CLE program before and after the luncheon titled 'A View From Across the River: Nuances Between Kentucky and Ohio Practice.' Featured speakers were Stephen J. Schuh '78, Kelly Farrish '78, Burr J. Travis '78, Jay R. Vaughn '02, J. Robert Linneman '01, Mary P. Burns '02, Tracey P. Puthoff '95, and Henry E. Menninger '77.

The luncheon sponsors were The Lawrence Firm and Taft, Stettinius & Hollister. The table sponsors were: Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing; Arnzen, Wentz, Molloy, Laber & Storm; Alyson S. Barclay '85; J. David Bender '79; Busald, Funk & Zevely; NKU Chase College of Law; Cors & Bassett; Paige Leigh Ellerman '99; The Farrish Law Firm; Freund, Freeze & Arnold; Frost Brown Todd; Modlin & Jones; Ralph P. Ginocchio '77; Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald; Keating, Muething & Klekamp; Richard D. Lawrence '71; The Lawrence Firm; Lerner, Sampson & Rothfuss; Edward J. McTigue '78; NKU Alumni Programs; NKU Foundation; NKU University Advancement; Norse Athletic Club; O'Hara, Ruberg, Taylor, Sloan & Sergent; Parry, Deering, Futscher & Sparks; Reminger Co.; The Sanders Law Firm; Santen & Hughes; Schachter & Hendy; Schuh & Goldberg; Sutton Rankin Law; Taft, Stettinius & Hollister; Turner Construction Company; Wood & Lamping; and Ziegler & Schneider.

NKU Chase Center for Excellence in Advocacy Welcomes Greg Harrison

Gregory Harrison addresses Chase students in the Eva Farris Auditorium

Nov 06, 2008 - The NKU Chase Center for Excellence in Advocacy recently welcomed practitioner Greg Harrison, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Mr. Harrison and Chase Professor Jennifer Kreder discussed recent developments in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and common law concerning discovery of electronically stored information. Students had an opportunity to ask questions following Mr. Harrison's presentation and a dessert reception followed.

In addition to being a Partner in the Litigation Department, Greg is a member of the Dinsmore & Shohl's Board of Directors. First as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice, Commercial Litigation Branch (1985-89) and since joining the firm in 1989, Greg has been extensively involved in the litigation of complex commercial litigation. His practice includes litigation of antitrust, insurance coverage, product liability, trade secret, and other financial disputes. Having handled cases in more than 25 states, he serves as national coordinating counsel in insurance coverage and product liability matters. He also has significant experience with electronic discovery, computer technology, and litigation management and support.

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Chase Professor Participates in Symposium

Professor Jennifer Anglim Kreder

Nov 05, 2008 - NKU Chase Professor Jennifer Anglim Kreder recently spoke at DePaul University College of Law's 8th Annual Symposium. Each year, the Center for Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology (CIPLIT) sponsors an intellectual property symposium on emerging issues in patent law, cyberlaw and copyright law that brings together leading researchers and thinkers in advanced technology, law and policy.

This year's symposium, "Acquiring and Maintaining Collections of Cultural Objects: Challenges Confronting American Museums in the 21st Century," was co-sponsored by the Center for Art, Museum & Cultural Heritage Law. Professor Kreder joined a panel of speakers on the topic, "Future Directions: What's a Poor Museum (and Board) to Do?" She also moderated a discussion on the topic, "Risks Associated with International Loans: Foreign Sovereign Immunity and Immunity of Art Works from Seizure."

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Chase Graduate Rick Robinson Honored by HealthPoint Family Care

Richard L. Robinson, '83

Nov 05, 2008 - Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP Partner, Richard L. Robinson, was among seven community leaders honored as HealthPoint Heroes at HealthPoint Family Care's annual 'Community Check-Up' luncheon. Robinson was recognized for contributing his time, talent and effort in service to the nonprofit organization, which provides primary health care to low-income, uninsured residents of Northern Kentucky.

HealthPoint Family Care is a private, nonprofit primary medical and dental practice with 35,800 patients and five offices in Covington and Bellevue. Robinson currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

Robinson heads up Graydon Head's Northern Kentucky Office and practices in the area of complex commercial litigation. Prior to joining Graydon Head, he served as Legislative Director to then-Congressman Jim Bunning on Capital Hill. Robinson is a registered Federal lobbyist and has represented public officials and individuals before state and federal election finance agencies and ethics panels.

Robinson is a 1983 graduate of NKU Chase College of Law where he earned his J.D. He also received a B.S. in Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University in 1980.

Kentucky Court of Appeals Hears Oral Arguments at Chase

Chase Students with Judge Joy Moore

Oct 31, 2008 - The Center for Excellence in Advocacy, the Local Government Law Center, and the Student Advocacy Society sponsored the Kentucky Court of Appeals Oral Arguments on Thursday, October 30.

Four cases were heard: Dustin Stump vs. Commonwealth of Kentucky (a DUI case), Rebecca Deaton vs. Chester Elliott (a family law case), Linda Helton vs. Ephraim Helton (a family law case), and Kentucky Retirement Systems vs. Wilma Martin (a disability retirement benefits case). Chase students had the opportunity to meet the judges during both a breakfast and a special luncheon held in the new Student Union.

NKU Chase Professor Fights for Youth Voting Rights

Professor David Singleton

Oct 29, 2008 - This week, in a complaint filed in the federal district court for the Northern District of Ohio, Ohio Justice Policy Center executive director and NKU Chase professor David Singleton asked the court to restore the voting rights of 16 residents of Mohican Juvenile Correctional Facility in Ashland County, Ohio.

In early October, OJPC and the Department of Youth Services registered over 300 voters at juvenile correction facilities across Ohio. The youth, all of whom have lived in Ashland County for more than 30 days and are at least eighteen, are eligible to vote. After a local resident challenged the young voters' registrations alleging that they did not intend to reside in Ashland County permanently, the Ashland Board of Elections voted to cancel their registrations at a hearing the teens were unable to attend because of their confinement.

According to Singleton there is a special exemption in the law that allows these youth to vote in Ashland County even if they do not intend to live there permanently, so long as they are confined there. 'The Board made the wrong decision. We will fight as hard as we can to make sure that these kids get to cast their very first ballots in this

historic election. Voting is a fundamental right.'

During an eight-hour trip to the Mohican facility over the weekend, Singleton listened to many of the youth discuss the importance of voting. As Xavier Brock explained, 'this

is my first election, and I am concerned about the future of the country. I want my future to be bright. Some day I hope to own a business. Who the president is could impact my life and whether I will be able to achieve my dreams.' David Sweazy echoed these sentiments: 'I really want to vote. I am worried about gas prices and high food costs. I am worried about my family. I want my voice to be heard.'

In a 2006 study, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that former offenders who voted had a far lower risk of reoffending than those who did not vote.

NKU Chase SBA Hosts Fall Picnic

Sarah Mitchell and Kate Rickly Morgan

Oct 28, 2008 - The NKU Chase Student Bar Association (SBA) hosted a picnic recently for all faculty, staff and students. SBA organizers were pleased with a sizable turn-out for the pleasant weather and barbeque. Students and faculty took sides for a competitive and lively softball game. The Faculty Team soared ahead 18-0 in the 3rd inning before the Student Team rallied to tie the game at 18. The game was called due to time constraints, with a final score of 18-18.

A special thanks to Sarah Mitchell who did most of the organizing for this year's picnic.

Chase Alum Opens New Firm

Nicholas A. Zingarelli

Oct 28, 2008 - Nicholas A. Zingarelli is pleased to announce the opening of his new firm, The Zingarelli Law Office, located in downtown Cincinnati at 810 Sycamore Street. Zingarelli, a 2005 graduate of Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, is now accepting new clients in the areas of bankruptcy, personal injury, and contract disputes. Zingarelli is licensed in Ohio and Kentucky and can be reached at (513) 338-1910.

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Scripps Howard Mock Trial Co-Sponsored by Center for Excellence in Advocacy

Creationism v. Evolution

Oct 28, 2008 - The NKU Chase Center for Excellence in Advocacy, in conjunction with the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement, hosted a mock trial in the Otto Buddig Auditorium on October 22, 2008.

The case argued whether theories contrary to evolution - such as creationism or intelligent design - could or should be taught in classrooms. Susan Scott, a fictitious 21-year biology teacher in Chandler County, Ky., sued the Chandler County School Board to regain her job. The school board contended that Scott violated the law by teaching alternatives to evolution.

The audience served as jury.

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NKU Chase Federalist Society Hosts Judge Amul Thapar

Hon. Judge Amul Thapar

Oct 23, 2008 - The Federalist Society hosted a presentation and luncheon with the Judge Amul R. Thapar on Thursday, September 25, 2008. Judge Thapar addressed students and faculty on the topic, "Judicial Interpretation and the Role of a Judge."

Judge Thapar is the newest member of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, confirmed in December 2007. Mr. Thapar is the first Indian-American on the federal bench. Prior to his appointment, Judge Thapar served as a U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Kentucky.