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News and Events 2009

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Negotiations expert Gerald Williams returns to BYU Law

Professor Gerald Williams has returned to BYU Law to teach negotiations and international conflicts this semester. Williams is an internationally renowned expert on legal negotiations.

The Heart and the Legal Mind

Even good men can have devastating consequences if they let their legal mind out-think and overrule what they feel is right in their heart, according to this year's Honored Alumni.

BYU Law Alumnus Appointed Utah Court of Appeals

BYU Law School alumnus, J. Frederic Voros Jr. ('78), was sworn in Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009 as a judge on the seven-member Utah Court of Appeals.

Nancy Van Slooten as New Chair of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society

BYU Law School Alumnus is the new chair of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. Nancy Van Slooten ('83), shares her goals for the society during her tenure.

Luncheon Held in Honor of December Graduates

On December 3, 2009 a celebratory graduation luncheon was held in honor of December graduates from the J. Reuben Clark Law School.

Steve Bednar and Manning Curtis visited the Professional Development Lecture Series

Steve Bednar and Tyson Snow from Manning Curtis Bradshow & Bednar offer insights into employment law during professional development lecture. View video here.

"Life in the Law" Can Help Guide a Life of Service and Integrity

"Life in the Law" can aid lawyers and Latter-day Saints in making difficult choices that often times test ones morals.

BYU and UCLA Law Schools Co-Sponsor Conference

The BYU and UCLA law schools co-sponsored the Pedagogy of Interviewing and Counseling II conference held at UCLA this fall.

Prof. Gedicks Law Feview Article Quoted in Brief for Pending Case, U.S. Supreme Court

BYU Law Professor Fred Gedicks' recent Emory Law Review article is quoted in the briefs for the 2nd Amendment case now pending before the United States Supreme Court.

Harvard Law Professor Gives BYU Forum on Religion and the Public Sphere

Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman addresses religion in the public sphere during BYU Forum.

Entertainment Lawyer Joseph Pia visited the Sports and Entertainment Law Society

Entertainment lawyer Joseph Pia visited the Sports and Entertainment Law Society to give students a taste of practicing law in this industry.

Family Law Society Hosts Panel Discussion on Sex Education

BYU's Family Law Society recently held a panel discussion on sex education focused on pending House Bill 189.

Law Partners Panel Focuses on Making it Through Law School Together

Law Partners panel discusses three topics- law school, passing the bar and life after law school.

Law School Hosts ABA Regional Negotiation Competition

Twenty-three teams from 12 different schools recently came to J. Reuben Clark Law School to compete in the ABA Regional Negotiation Competition.

Students Recieve Utah Minority Bar Association Scholarships

Nine BYU law students were recently awarded scholarships by the Utah Minority Bar Association for excellence in promoting diversity in the law.

In memory of a beloved professor and colleague, Michael

The BYU law school community honors the memory and influence of a beloved professor, colleague, and friend, Michael Goldsmith, who died at 58 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Honored Alumni Lecture: The Heart and the Legal Mind

Keith Perkins gave this year's Honored Alumni Lecture on "The Heart and the Legal Mind" at J. Reuben Clark Law School. Perkins founded The Never Again Foundation, a non-profit legal charity for victims of abuse.

Professor Richard Wilkins Retires

Prof. Richard Wilkins retires from the BYU Law School. He has been on leave at the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development and will continue his work there.

BYU Law Professors Stumped For a Good Cause

Could you convince a law professor to sing the Bee Gees in front of his students? Probably not, unless it's for a good cause. The Women's Law Forum annual Stump the Professor event raised funds for The Center for Women & Children in Crisis.

Moot Court Finalists

On Friday October 30, law students competed in the final round of the Moot Court Competition. Jeff Barlow and Analise Quinn won the competition, and Jon Heaton won the award for best brief.

BYU Law School Hosts Session of Utah Supreme Court

Each year the Utah Supreme Court holds one session of its proceedings at the BYU Law School. The session gives students a valuable opportunity to witness a court in action.

SBA Halloween Party

The SBA Halloween party was October 29: view photos here. Law students and their children were invited to display costumes, and the carrels were decorated for trick-or-treating.

Students Fulfill University Mission Through Service

Students at the BYU Law School are taking time out from their busy schedules to give back to the school and community through service.

Memorial Service for Prof. Goldsmith

On Thurs., Nov. 12, the law school will hold a memorial service to honor a beloved professor and colleague, Michael Goldsmith. The service begins at 11 a.m. in the Moot Court Room (303).

Prof. Brett Scharffs on Where Lawyers are Needed Most, Classical 89

Prof. Scharffs discusses where lawyers are needed most on Classical 89 radio program "Thinking Aloud." Hear where young lawyers are heading, and why.

Jail Outreach Orientation

Law students that want to volunteer with Jail Outreach at the state prison need to attend a mandatory orientation at the prison in Draper on Nov. 10.

BYU Law Professor Michael Goldsmith Dies at 58

The BYU law school community will cherish the memory and influence of a beloved professor and colleague, Michael Goldsmith, who died at 58 after battling A.L.S.

Brandon Doman visits the Sports and Entertainment Law Society

The Sports and Entertainment Law Society was privileged to have Brandon Doman, the quarterbacks' coach for the BYU football team speak.

First Annual Religion and the Law Program

The St. Thomas More Society of Utah presents its First Annual Religion and the Law Program: "Reconciling Religious Values with Professionalism and Civility" on Thurs., Nov. 5, 2009, at 12 p.m. at the Law and Justice Center.

Greg Coleman's Visit to the Federalist Society

The BYU Law School Federalist Society invited attorney Gregory S. Coleman to share insights regarding the relationship between state, local, and federal government.

Moot Court Competition

Congratulations to the Moot Court finalists who participate in the final round on Fri., Oct. 30. The winning team will be announced Wed., Nov. 4.

SBA Halloween Party

BYU Law School SBA invites all to participate in the annual Halloween party, Thursday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Costume constest in the Moot Court Room beginning at 11 a.m.

Homecoming Briefcase Brigade

View Photo Slideshow: Law Students and their families marched in the annual BYU Homecoming Parade with the "Briefcase Brigade" and "Future Lawyers."

Linda Anderson Trial Ad Competition

Kennard Keeton and Matt Morrise are the winners of this year’s Linda Anderson Trial Ad competition. Trial Advocacy is renowned for preparing students for courtroom experience.

Reese Hansen Encourages Alumni and J. Reuben Clark Law Society in Public Service

Reese Hansen, President of the Association of American Law Schools and former dean of the BYU Law School encourages public service. View a recording of his presentation here.

Leadership Conference

In the Provo Canyon, amid the reds and oranges of autumn leaves, the alumni board met for its annual board meetings October 1-2. The conference featured distinguished speakers including author James L. Ferrell and AALS President Reese Hansen.

New Book Offers 20 Year Perspective on Utah Adminstrative Procedures Act

Two members of the original Utah Administrative Law Advisory Committee (UALAC) share their journey through the UtahAPA’s citizen grass roots law reform process in a new book.

Rules, Pools, and Tools: How to Make the Marketplace Your Ally

Jeff Rust, President of Corporate Alliance, explains how building relationships can make the marketplace your ally.

James Ferrell Addressed the Roots of Civility

Author James Ferrell addressed the roots of civility at the annual alumni board meetings and J. Reuben Clark Law Society Leadership Conference.

Professional Lecture Development Panel: Non-Traditional Law Careers

Professional Lecture Development Panel: Non-Traditional Law Careers -- the panel discussion exposed students to professional careers that are often not considered part of the field of law. View Video here.

Moot for U.S. Supreme Court Case

BYU law students are invited to witness a moot for a case to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. The moot will be held Friday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. in JRCLS 303.

BYU Law School Ranked #11 for Academic Experience

According to data extracted from The Princeton Review's Top 172 Law Schools, the J. Reuben Clark Law School is ranked the 12th best law school overall.

BYU Law students work on case to be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court

A group of BYU 2nd and 3rd year law students are getting the rare opportunity to participate in litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Prof. David Moore Brings Expertise in International and Foreign Relations Law

David Moore has taught law at the University of Chicago, George Washington University and the University of Kentucky. Now he's decided to come back to BYU, his alma mater, where he will continue teaching, writing, and raising his family.

ICLRS Hosts 16th Annual International Law and Religion Symposium

Leaders of national and international judicial, academic, and government organizations met this week at the J. Reuben Clark Law School to discuss various aspects of religious freedom as part of the International Law and Religious Freedom Symposium.

The Increasing Prominence of Transactional Law

The AALS Workshop on Transactional Law was the culmination of almost three years of work by Prof. Gordon Smith, in collaboration with many law professors around the country. The workshop signals the new prominence of transactions in legal edu.

Annual Distinguished Lecture

Stewart Macaulay, Malcolm Pitman Sharp Hilldale Prof. Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, delivered a lecture entitled, "A Contract Crisis? 'It Ain't Necessarily So,'" as the Annual Distinguished Lecture.

Recent BYU Law Grad Featured in United Way National Campaign

Eric Vogeler ('09), recent BYU Law School graduate, is featured on United Way's national campaign video, as he follows his personal motto of "encouraging students to do more."

Supreme Court Review

Five BYU law professors, all former law clerks at the Supreme Court of the United States, shared their experiences in the court and their perspectives on recent landmark cases during a Supreme Court Review.

Homecoming Parade and Briefcase Brigade

March in the Homecoming Parade with the BYU Law School Briefcase Brigade or the Future Lawyers on Sat. Oct. 24. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Marriott Center parking lot.

Women in the Law: The Importance of Education for LDS Women

The JRCLS Student Chapters Board hosted "Women in the Law" at Brigham Young University. Elder John K. Carmack, Executive Director of the Perpetual Education Fund, talked about the Importance of Education for LDS Women.

Prof. Scharffs and Prof. Lee's appointment to a Law School professorship

Professors Thomas R. Lee and Brett G. Scharffs appointed to Law School professorships.

BYU Law Students Gain Valuable Experience Through Externship Program

Last year, a study by the ABA ranked BYU Law School third in the nation for percentage of students participating in summer externships. Many students who participate have exceptional experiences that transform their perspective of the law.

Annual Distinguished Lecture with Stewart Macaulay

Stewart Macaulay, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present the Annual Distinguished Lecture on Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. in room 206.

The Constitution in 2020

Come watch Keeping Faith and Looking Forward: A Discussion on Constitutional Interpretation on Thursday, September 24, at 11am in room 303.

BYU Negotiation Teams Selected for Regionals

After three rounds of competition, two outstanding teams have been selected to represent BYU in the ABA Regional Negotiation Competition at J. Reuben Clark Law School this November.

D. Gordon Smith Featured Master Teacher

D. Gordon Smith featured as a master teacher in William and Mary Law School's Kelly Teaching Program.

Empowering a Community Through Public Service

BYU Law Professor David Dominguez makes waves wherever he goes. Recently, in honor of his efforts in the central Utah community, the Central Utah Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society presented him with the "Service in the Law" award.

Professor Tarkington on Attorney Free Speech

BYU Law Prof. Tarkington argues for the freedom of an attorney to criticize the judiciary in an article recently published in the Georgetown Law Journal.

Law and Religion Symposium Brings Experts from Around the World

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University will hold its sixteenth annual law and religion symposium, "Connecting Communities of Discourse," Oct. 4 - 7.

BYU Student Bar Association Sponsors Class Olympics and Club Fair

J. Reuben Clark Law School's Student Bar Association opened up the 2009-2010 year with a bang at the Opening Social and Club Fair.

Prof. Gedicks to Assist in Preparing Report to the Secretary of State

BYU Law Prof. Gedicks has accepted an invitation to join the Establishment Clause Working Group of the Task Force on Religion and the Making of American Foreign Policy of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

BYU Law School Ranked #2 for Best Value

The J. Reuben Clark Law School is the second-highest ranked, and the only private school, on The National Jurist's Best Value list.

Prof. Dominguez to receive Service in Law Award

BYU Law Professor David Dominguez to receive the Service in Law Award from the Central Utah Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society at the annual awards banquet.

BYU law librarian named council chair of American Association of Law Libraries

Dennis S. Sears, senior law librarian at Brigham Young University's Howard W. Hunter Law Library, was recently elected as the Special Interest Section Council Chair of the American Association of Law Libraries.

Founders Day Dinner: Judge Kimball calls for competency and commitment

As the key note speaker of this years Founders Day Dinner, the Honorable Dale A. Kimball, federal judge in the U. S. District Court for the District of Utah, advised lawyers to counsel others, to teach, to train, and to inspire.

Augustine-Adams appointed to editorial advisory board of immigration law series

Kif Augustine-Adams was appointed to the editorial advisory board of a new series, "Citizenship and Migration in the Americas," published by NYU Press.

Professor Jones appointed lead co-counsel in Supreme Court case

The United States Supreme Court has appointed RonNell Andersen Jones, Associate Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, to serve as lead co-counsel in a case that will go before the Supreme Court in November.

Orrin G. Hatch Lecture Series

This year the Orrin G. Hatch Distinguished Trial Lawyer Lecture Series brought several of the countries finest trial lawyers to the BYU Law School with the goal to teach, inspire, and motivate the next generation of trial advocates.

SBA's Law School Olympics

The SBA board is hosting a Law School Olympics contest for their opening social. The event is at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2009 in the Moot Court Room.

Prof. Gordon Receives Abraham O. Smoot Citizenship Award

BYU Law Professor James D. Gordon receives the Abraham O. Smoot Citizenship Award at the Annual University Conference.

A Crash Course In Family Law - The Important Things You Need to Know

Former Judge Anthony Schofield, Commissioner Thomas Arnett and Professor Lynn Wardle discuss the basics of family law procedure during the Family Law Opening Social, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.

Professor Backman assists with Utah State Bar's New Lawyer Training Program

New lawyers leave school with an arsenal of theoretical knowledge, but many are lacking the practical knowledge they need in order to get from the office to the courtroom. Professor Backman is working to correct this problem.

BYU Intraschool Negotiations Competition

BYU Law School hosts BYU Intraschool Negotiations Competition. Sign up to participate Sept. 3 through Sept. 9.

SBA Welcomes Students

SBA President,Doug Farr, welcomes students.

ALCTS presents Dale Swenson with the 2009 Presidential Citation

The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) presented Dale Swensen the 2009 Presidential Citation.

Incoming Class Adds to the Tapestry of the J. Reuben Clark Law School

The J. Reuben Clark Law School is pleased to welcome its new class of first-year law students. They come from a variety of backgrounds each adding to the fabric of the law school.

J. Reuben Clark Law Society Sponsors Continuing Legal Education Classes

The J. Reuben Clark Law Society is sponsoring 20 hours of Continuing Legal Education Classes during BYU Education Week.

Annual Founders Day Dinner

Part of Something Bigger: BYU Law School hosts the annual Founders Day Dinner, Thursday, Aug. 27, with speaker Judge Dale A. Kimball.

Introduction to Law Week

The BYU Law School welcomes first-year law students at the annual Introduction to Law Week, August 19-21.

Spotlight on Faculty Research: Professor Lee on Trademark Protection

BYU Law Professor Thomas R. Lee was the lead-off presenter at the first plenary session of the 9th Annual Intellectual Property Scholars Conference (IPSC) at Cardozo Law School in New York City on August 6.

Pro. Goldsmith Announces Retirement

After 24 years of teaching at the BYU Law School, Prof. Michael Goldsmith, Woodruff J. Deem Professor of Law, has announced his retirement.

Jones Presents Research and Answers Questions before the US Senate

Professor Jones presents research and answers questions before the US Senate.

Students Placed in Externships Around the World

LDS Church News features 3 BYU Law externs.

Law Library Access Aquisition

The Law Library has recently acquired access to over 2,000 scholarly article dealing with natural resources.

The 6th Annual Orrin G. Hatch Distinguished Trial Lawyer Lecture Series

The BYU Law School invites you to learn from renowned trial lawyers from across the country at the Orrin G. Hatch Distinguished Trial Lawyer Lecture Series. (3 hours of CLE credit available.)

Going Forth to Serve: Students Accomplish University Mission

Amidst preparing for exams, writing memos, keeping up with coursework, and preparing career prospects, students donate their time and talents to helping others.

Prof. Gedicks Two New Papers on SSRN

Professor Fred Gedicks has recently posted two new papers to SSRN: "Atmospheric Harms in Constitutional Law," and "Originalist Roots of Substantive Due Process."

Professor Neeleman Called as New Temple President

BYU law professor Stan Neeleman has been called with his wife Sheryl to serve as the Sao Paulo Brazil temple president and matron.

D. Gordon Smith New Associate Dean for Faculty and Curriculum at the BYU Law School

BYU Law School Dean James R. Rasband announced the appointment of D. Gordon Smith as the new associate dean for faculty and curriculum.

Update on Larry Echohawk in the U.S. Department of the Interior

Since Professor Larry EchoHawk was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs he has sent a clear message that he is ready to address the concerns of the American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Goldsmith reaching out to Baseball to help raise funds for A.L.S.

See the coverage of Professor Goldsmith's impact on A.L.S. awareness on the NBC Today Show, NY Times, Mountain West Sports Network, and YouTube.

Treatises

Legal research tip: local attorneys suggest starting legal research with treatises.

BYU law students plant a giving tree of gratitude

Two BYU law school students offer an enduring expression of gratitude for their international externship: a giving tree.

Watch Michael Goldsmith on the NBC Today Show

NBC Today Show and the Weekend Nightly News are broadcasting a story about BYU law professor Michael Goldsmith Sat., July 4. View times and information here.

Professor Goldsmith threw ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium

BYU Law Professor Michael Goldsmith threw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 2009. Read the story by George Vecsey in the New York Times.

Prof. Jones' Paper on SSRN Top 10

Professor Jones' paper, "Media Subpoenas: Impact, Perception, and Legal Protection in the Changing World of American Journalism" was recently listed on SSRN's top 10 downloads for Law, Politics & the Media.

Rex E. Lee Advocacy Program Ranked Among Top in the Nation

The J. Reuben Clark Law School's Advocacy Program is ranked 22nd in the nation, according to the U.S. News and World Report.

BYU International Law Chapter Voted Most Improved

BYU's chapter of the International Law Students Association was selected to receive the "Most Improved Chapter" award for 2008-2009.

Christianity in the East: Fostering Understanding

Scholars and religious authorities met to discuss the role of religion in bringing harmony to troubled regions as part of "Christianity in the East: Fostering Understanding" conference.

BYU Prof. Wardle quoted in Wall Street Journal

BYU law professor, Lynn D. Wardle is quoted in the Wall Street Journal article, "The Battle Over Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses."

Constance Lundberg Appointed to the UT Judicial Conduct Commission

The Utah Supreme Court has appointed Constance K. Lundberg to the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission. This former BYU law associate dean and law library director replaces Ruth Lybbert on the JCC.

Senate Confirms BYU Professor EchoHawk to Head U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee backed the nomination of BYU Law Professor Larry EchoHawk to serve as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

U.S. Senate Confirms EchoHawk's Appointment

The U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment of BYU Law Professor Larry EchoHawk to serve as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

BYU Law Library Hires New Head of Technical Services

The BYU Howard W. Hunter Law Library welcomes Dale S. Swensen as head of technical services and digital access.

Brett G. Scharffs on Faith, Hope, and Charity

BYU Law Professor Brett G. Scharffs spoke at the University Devotional on Tuesday, May 12 about faith, hope and charity.

U.S. News Ranks BYU Law School in top 50

BYU Law School is among the top 50 law schools in the United States, reports U.S. News & World Report in its "America's Best Graduate Schools" issue.

Class of 2009

Class of 2009: Here's looking at you. Click here to view features (memories, photos, and more) from your law school career.

In Memory of Bill Orton ('79)

In memory of alumnus Bill Orton who passed away Saturday, April 18, the J. Reuben Clark Law School shares "How to Win Friends and Influence Republicans: the remarkable campaign of Bill Orton."

Awards Banquet

Several students were honored at the Annual Awards Banquet and Barrister's Ball. View a slide show of the event here.

James R. Rasband Appointed New Law School Dean

Academic Vice President John S. Tanner has announced the appointment of James R. Rasband as the new dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School.

President Barack Obama Announced Intent to Nominate BYU Law Professor EchoHawk

Friday, April 10, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate BYU law professor Larry EchoHawk as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

Law Library Displays Ancient Roman Artifacts

The Howard W. Hunter Law Library is featuring a display of ancient Roman artifacts from the time of Jesus, including a Roman nail and spearhead, coins, women's jewelry, and dice like those that could have been used in the casting of lots.

Responding to the Current Economic Crisis

"The interesting thing about this problem is -- if you think it's easy, you probably do not understand it," Professor Smith in response to the economic crisis, Beehive Debate.

Luau

Students were able to enjoy great food, dancing by Living Legends, and a laugh compliments of the brave faculty who showed off their hula skills at the closing social Luau. The event was sponsored by the multi-cultural and international clubs and ass

BYU Law Students Have Strong Showing in Moot Court and Trial Advocacy

Students from the J. Reuben Clark Law School won three national competitions in the Moot Court and Trial Advocacy programs during the 2008-2009 year.

Fifth-Grade Mock Trial

Guilty or innocent? Fifth-grade students get the chance to decide at a mock trial that is part of the law school's elementary student mentoring program.

Civil Religion in the United States and Europe

The law school hosted a conference on civil religion with over 15 professors from Italy, France, Turkey, and the United States.

Law Students Encouraged to Seek After Fulfillment

Trent Pedersen, BYU Law School Alumnus ('95) shared a simple message with BYU students during a professional development lecture: Do what you like to do.

Climate Change and Global Warming in UT

The Natural Resources Law Society is sponsoring a panel to discuss and debate issues of climate change and global warming in Utah at 9: 30 a.m. on April 9.

Catalogued Memories of a BYU Law Librarian: Curt Conklin retires after 37 years

Curt Conklin began working at the law library before there was a law library-or a law school. He now shares his unique perspective of the law library and law school that spans nearly 37 years.

Taking a Different Path

Lorena Jenson, a BYU Law School graduate shared how her legal education prepared her for a career as president of a successful communications firm.

Race in the Judicial System

BYU Law School alumnus Keith Hamilton ('86) spoke about blacks and the struggle for equality and justice in America.

Elder Cook Speaks on Maintaining Spiritual Balance

Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former attorney of nearly 30 years, spoke on maintaining spiritual balance at the Annual J. Reuben Clark Law Society Fireside.

Contributing to UT Real Property Law

Virtually every attorney and court dealing with real property laws in the state of Utah uses Utah Real Property Law by two BYU law faculty members.

Love of Law Fuels Fight for Freedom

BYU Law Professor Cole Durham is featured in the Church News for his international work in sustaining religous freedom.

Annual Awards Banquet & Barristers Ball

Annual Awards Banquet and Barristers' Ball scheduled for March 25, 2009. Each year many students are honored as well as selected faculty.

John Garvey on Institutional Pluralism

John Garvey, Dean of the Boston College Law School and immediate past president of the AALS, spoke at the BYU Law School's annual distinguished faculty lecture about diversity among law schools, or institutional pluralism.

Cheryl Preston Files Charter for New ICANN Constituency

Professor Cheryl B. Preston, on behalf of an international group of Internet lawyers and techies, has filed a petition to form a CyberSafety Constituency as the seventh constituency in the GNSO of ICANN.

Rex E. Lee Run

Several BYU law students participated in this year's Rex E. Lee run, named in honor of the law school's founding dean. View a slide show here.

BYU Law School Recital

The BYU Law School student body includes a wide array of very talented individuals. View a slide show of those who shared their talents at the Law School Recital.

Woody Deem Competition Opens Door to Trial Ad Teams

The Woody Deem Competition is a good opportunity for 1L students to showcase their skills for BYU's traveling Trial Advocacy teams.

Teaching Our History with Scott Cameron

Scott Cameron spoke about the history and contributions of BYU's alumni networks and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society as part of the History of Mormon Lawyers seminar.

Curt Conklin to Receive National Award

Curt E. Conklin, associate director for technical services at the BYU Law Library is the 2009 recipient of the Renee D. Chapman Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions in Technical Services Law Librarianship.

Law Society Fireside with Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will speak at the Annual Law Society Fireside on March 13, 2009.

BYU Student Elected to National Black Law Students Assoc. Leadership

The NBLSA's Rocky Mountain Region elected BYU first-year law student Andre Bennin to the executive board for the 2009-2010 school year.

Civil Religion in the US and Europe Conference

Professors Durham and Gedicks to host "Civil Religion in the United States and Europe: Four Comparative Perspectives" March 12-14.

Cheryl Preston in the Deseret News

Having done substantial research on pornography, Professor Cheryl Preston comments on a pornography consumption study published by a Harvard researcher.

10 Commandments Monument Case Before the U.S. Supreme Court

BYU Law School alumna participates in 10 Commandments monument case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Tina Peterson ('95) shares her experience with students.

Prof. Rasband on Wilderness Designation

Professor Rasband, current BYU Associate Academic VP for Faculty, spoke about the history and politics of protecting wilderness lands with a particular focus on the history of the Utah wilderness debate.

BYU Wins Nat'l First Amendment Moot Court Competition

BYU law students won the 19th Annual National First Amendment Moot Court Competition. The participating team was also honored for the best brief.

Spotlight on Prof. Gedicks: Teaching Law to the Fighting Irish

Eager to learn wherever he goes, Prof. Gedicks is enjoying his experience as a visiting professor at Notre Dame Law School. He continues to conduct research on contemproary law and religion issues.

BYU Team Takes First @ National Religious Freedom Moot Court

BYU team wins first place at the 2009 National Religious Freedom Moot Court competition at George Washington University.

BYU Law School's Strong Showing of Judicial Clerkships

The BYU Law School has a strong showing of federal and state judicial clerkships this year. Recent rankings place the law school among top schools for both United States Supreme Court justices and federal appellate judges.

Teaching Our History Spotlight with Carl Hawkins

J. Reuben Clark Law School former dean and professor emeritus Carl Hawkins shared first-hand insights into the establishment of the school at BYU.

Jacob Strain Serves as Master of Ceremonies

The ABA Law Student Division selected Jacob Strain to act as the Master of Ceremonies at the Awards Banquet of the National Negotiation Competition held this February in Boston, Massachusetts.

Teaching Our History Spotlight: Early Mormon Legal History

Thomas G. Alexander, professor emeritus from the BYU history department, spoke with law students about early Mormon legal history as part of Professor Backman's revived seminar on the history of Mormon lawyers.

Alex Kennedy on Life in a Large Firm

At a professional development lecture, Alex Kennedy, shareholder of Jones Waldo, encouraged students to view working in a large firm as an investment in their career.

Trial Ad Team Wins National Criminal Law Competition

Trial Ad team placed first at the John C. Costello National Criminal Law Trial Advocacy Competition sponsored by George Mason University Law School. A second BYU team made it to the semi-final round.

Spotlight on Public Interest Law Foundation

PILF faced some challenges in this year's annual auction that is designed to help financially support law students who wish to pursue a career in public interest law.

Teaching Our History

With the introduction of a new seminar class, Professor Backman contextualizes LDS legal history and lawyers to inspire students.

Jones: BYU Law Professor Notes Rise in Media Subpoenas

Deseret News reports on Prof. Jones' study in the Feb. 10 issue.

Making a Difference One Child at a Time

Kelly Frye Glasser from the Office of the Guardian ad Litem shares insights into the challenging, yet rewarding field of child advocacy.

PILF Annual Auction

Today is the last day for the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) annual auction. Silent auction ends at 4 p.m.; live auction at 11 a.m. in the moot court room.

Cost of Plea Bargains

Students view another side of plea bargains in "The Plea," a documentary that will air on PBS, June 17. Event sponsored by Jail Outreach.

Alum ('76) Jim Parkinson's New Documentary

BYU Law School graduate ('76) Jim Parkinson screened his new documentary, "The Inheritance of War," at the LDS Film Festival, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at the SceraXango Grand Theater in Orem.

W. Cole Durham Receives International First Freedom Award

BYU law professor, W. Cole Durham, Jr., received the prestigious 2009 International First Freedom Award for extraordinary advocacy of religious freedom from the First Freedom Center.

H. Reese Hansen Elected President of the AALS

House of Representatives of the Association of American Law Schools has elected Professor H. Reese Hansen as President of the AALS for 2010. He will serve as President-elect for 2009.

'Avalanche or Undue Alarm?'

According to a study by BYU law professor RonNell Andersen Jones, media subpoenas appear to be on the rise, and are occurring with greater frequency than opponents of the federal legislation have suggested.

The Rule of Law in a Time of Terror

David Nevin, adjunct prof. of trial practice at Univ. of Idaho College of Law shared his perspective on the rule of law during a time of terror. He is currently defending Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

Prof. Hansen elected Pres. AALS 2010

House of Representatives of the Association of American Law Schools has elected Professor H. Reese Hansen as President of the AALS for 2010. He will serve as President-elect for 2009.

For the Love of the Law

Students interested in private international law were able to hear the experiences and advice of Bill Atkin, International Associate General Counsel for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Transfer Students Face Challenges, Make Contributions

Transfer students, along with visiting students and LLM's, face many challenges, but they also contribute greatly to the atmosphere and success of the law school.

Prof. Fred Gedicks posted on SSRN

Prof. Fred Gedicks' article, "Indeterminancy and the Establishment Clause," is now posted on SSRN. View the abstract here.

Prof. Thomas R. Lee posted on SSRN

Prof. Thomas R. Lee's article, "Abercrombie Unveiled: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis of Trademark Distinctiveness," is now posted on SSRN.