The University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal have announced the finalists for the 2017 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.
The three books chosen to compete for the prize are: “Gone Again” by James Grippando, “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult and “The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore.
“The ABA Journal is honored to be a continuing part of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction,” said Molly McDonough, editor and publisher of the ABA Journal. “We’re particularly excited about the diversity of topics in this year’s finalists: a compelling narrative on race in America, a riveting piece of historical fiction on the lawyering behind the electrification of America, and a gripping legal thriller with a race against the death penalty at the center of the story.”
The prize, authorized by the late Ms. Lee, is given annually to a book-length work of fiction that best illuminates the role of lawyers in society and their power to effect change.
Seven years ago, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and to honor former Alabama law student and author Harper Lee, The University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal partnered to create The Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.
There were 25 entries for the Prize, and a team of reviewers chose three books for the Selection Committee’s consideration. The public is invited to cast votes on the ABA Journal website, http://www.abajournal.com/, to help determine who the winning author will be.
The public will act as the fifth judge, contributing a vote equal in weight to the selection committee members. To vote, visit: http://www.abajournal.com/polls/HarperLeePrize2017
Voting is open until June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Central.
The 2017 prize will be awarded in Alabama at The University of Alabama School of Law for the first time. The winner will be announced prior to the ceremony and will receive a copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird” signed by Harper Lee.
A distinguished panel of writers will select the 2017 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.
They are: Deborah Johnson, winner of the 2015 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and author of “The Secret of Magic”; Cassandra King, author of “The Same Sweet Girls Guide to Life”; Don Noble, host of Alabama Public Radio’s book review series as well as host of “Bookmark,” which airs on Alabama Public Television; and Han Nolan, author of “Dancing on the Edge.”
Mary Lauren Kulovitz, a new Alabama Law graduate, is going home again.
After she passes the Alabama State Bar exam, she will be a trial attorney at Wooten, Thornton, Carpenter, O’Brien, Lazenby & Lawrence, a firm in Talladega, where she was born and raised.
Talladega has roughly 15,700 residents. It’s a place where residents who go to the store expect to see someone they know. Kulovitz’s father opened his dental practice in Talladega more than 35 years ago without any connections to the area, and the family quickly established roots in the city situated along the Talladega National Forest.
While some of Kulovitz’s classmates have accepted positions in large cities, she accepted a position in a city that is on the cusp of economic growth.
“It’s one of those places I feel like has so much potential,” she said. “If everyone leaves who sees that potential, it’s not going to get any better.”
Those who know Kulovitz are thrilled she is coming home.
Lynn Sims, who served as her ballet and pointe teacher, has known Kulovitz since she was born.
“Mary Lauren is one of those people who will work at something until she has it exactly how she knows it should be,” Sims said. “She is so self-driven, with grace and dignity.”
Barbara Lawler, who taught Kulovitz English at Talladega High School, echoed those sentiments. Lawler has been teaching for more than 40 years, and she has never met anyone like Kulovitz. In the classroom, she welcomed challenges and solved problems. At the same time, she was genuine and sincere.
“I was so impressed with her when I first met her,” Lawler said. “I couldn’t wait to get her in my class.”
Kulovitz has always adored the state of Alabama and all it has to offer. After graduating as valedictorian from Talladega High school in 2010, she received a full scholarship to attend Samford University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She chose The University of Alabama School of Law because it offered an excellent education, small classes and the opportunity to develop intimate relationships with students and faculty.
“It’s highly regarded not only in the state but also across the nation, and so to be able to have that right in my backyard was something I really wanted to take advantage of,” Kulovitz said.
In law school, Kulovitz continued to excel. She served on the Managing Board of the Alabama Law Review, and she was tapped for the 2L Moot Court Fellows, which allows students to gain two years of moot court experience.
Kulovitz, along with Eunji Jo and Briana Knox, drafted briefs and prepared oral arguments for two competitions. They competed in a regional competition of the National Moot Court Competition in Oxford, Mississippi, in November 2015. There, they defeated teams from the University of Memphis, Vanderbilt University, Mississippi College of Law and the University of Tennessee, before advancing to the final round of competition. Then they beat Belmont University and claimed the Regional Champion award.
While training for the competition, Kulovitz bonded with Mary Ksobiech, Assistant Dean for Students and Professor of Legal Writing, who coached the team. Ksobiech met one-on-one with Kulovitz, helping her form arguments. The experience proved to Kulovitz that she had selected the best law school for her needs.
“Having a professor who sacrifices her time to work with you individually because she cares about you and wants you to succeed is both a rare opportunity and an honor.”
To date, law school has been Kulovitz’s most difficult endeavor. She tells anyone who asks that going to law school requires preparation. It’s a degree that has to be earned, and anyone willing to put in the work will find professors at Alabama Law who are willing to help.
“This may sound very cliché, but you have to work hard,” she said. “It’s very difficult to fly by the seat of your pants and also be a good attorney.”
Attorney Debbie Long advised The University of Alabama School of Law’s graduates that they must have a practical tool in their toolbox: common sense.
“When you are trying to solve a problem, common sense tells us to respect the people involved, even if we disagree with them,” said Long, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of Protective Life Corporation. “Part of respect is a willingness to communicate, which means listening, not just talking. Put yourself in the other’s shoes, listen and try to understand their points of view, even if you are tired and you feel there is no hope. Because if you close a door to listening, you close a door to a solution. That’s what the First Amendment is all about, giving us a way to reach solutions – if we keep the dialogue alive.”
Graduates, faculty members and guests gathered at Coleman Coliseum May 7 to witness the conferral of 129 Juris Doctor degrees. Eight J.D. graduates and three others received the LL.M. in Taxation or Business Transactions, while three students received the LL.M. degree from the Law School’s International Program.
Long told graduates if they want to understand people and their challenges, they also will need to understand their differences.
“Seek out people who are different from you, who have different political views, different likes and dislikes. If you like the country music, find someone who likes the opera, disco, or something other than country music. If you like to hunt, for heaven’s sake, have a vegetarian friend. If you grew up in a city or the suburbs, find a farmer to be a friend with and vice versa.”
As the graduates choose their path to success, she urged them to consider the state of Alabama.
“You need to go wherever your hearts take you, and I hope you do,” Long said. “But I also hope you will let your hearts consider staying in or returning to Alabama. Alabama can use your talents and your contributions. Your generation, the largest generation we’ve ever known, will make changes in Alabama, and it will be exciting to be part of those changes.”
In his welcoming remarks, Dean Mark E. Brandon honored the academic success of the Class of 2017.
The median LSAT score for the class was 163, and its median undergraduate grade-point average was 3.77 Some 57 percent were members of one of the Law School’s four legal journals, while 64 percent participated in at least one of six clinics, training and serving as student lawyers. Thirty-five graduates won individual or team awards for performance in regional or national moot court competitions or were members of a team that advanced to elimination rounds.
“The study of law is itself a kind of training in adversity. It’s intellectually challenging. It can be psychologically and physically demanding. It is competitive,” Brandon said. “But the question we all face at various points in our lives is how to deal with adversity? I am proud to say that you – as individuals and as a community – have risen to the challenges.”
Before introducing the platform party, Dean Brandon acknowledged colleagues Shelly Darling, Staff Attorney in the Elder Law Clinic, and Liz Whipple, Interim Director of the Domestic Violence Clinic, who died in April in a tragic accident.
“Both were committed to values of equal justice, and each was a beloved member of the community.’’
Dean Brandon and all guests honored their lives with a moment of silence.
As the Law School reflected on milestones, Dean Brandon recognized three colleagues – Professor Jim Bryce, Vice Dean Jamie Leonard and Professor Pam Pierson – who will be retiring.
“Among the three of them, they have invested almost 90 years’ teaching in the School of Law,” he said. “That’s 9-0.”
Aaron Smith, delivering the valedictory address, decided he would not impart any wisdom to his classmates, saying his classmates already have lived up to many law school platitudes. For example, they gave voice to the voiceless, pursued their passions and remained compassionate while attending law school.
Instead, he showed his fellow classmates that they earned much more than a degree.
“Look to your right, look to your left,” he said. “I hope you see someone who challenged your views and made you think harder about what you care about and why. I hope you see someone who comforted you during a pre-finals freakout or consoled you during even more difficult and challenging personal situations. I hope you see someone who laughed with you, even if it was for a punny legal joke that only we JDs could possibly find funny. I hope you see someone who cared deeply about you, both on a professional and a personal level.”
Degree candidates were hooded by Carol Andrews, Douglas Arant Professor of Law; Heather Elliott, Professor of Law; and Anita Kay Head, Associate Professor of Legal Writing.
The seven recipients of the Dean M. Leigh Harrison Academic Achievement Award were hooded first. Twenty-three students received the Public Interest Certificate for completing the program’s academic, clinical and externship requirements, while 25 students received the Order of the Samaritan honor for performing 50 hours of pro bono legal service and 40 hours of community service during Law School.
A reception honoring graduating students was held immediately following the ceremony on the Camille Wright Cook Plaza in front of the Law School.
The Alabama State Bar on Friday inducted two alumni of The University of Alabama School of Law into the Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame.
“The attorneys inducted into the Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame today spent their lives dedicated to improving the lives of others and the legal profession,” said Alabama State Bar President J. Cole Portis of the Beasley Allen Law Firm in Montgomery. “It’s a privilege to participate in the Hall of Fame program and to honor these outstanding lawyers for their commitment and service to our state, local communities and our nation. This program and its purpose are at the heart of the bar’s motto: Lawyers Render Service.”
The alumni inducted into the 2016 Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame are:
The Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 2004, and has since inducted 55 Alabama lawyers including this year’s five inductees. Inductees must have a distinguished career in law and each inductee must be deceased at least two years at the time of their selection. In addition, at least one of the inductees must be deceased a minimum of 100 years.
Plaques honoring each inductee are on display in the Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame located on the lower level of the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building.
Attorney James U. Blacksher (‘71) spoke to students, staff and faculty about his career as a civil rights attorney during the Public Interest Awards Ceremony, held on April 13, 2017, in the Bedsole Moot Court Room. He encouraged students to seek innovative ways to advocate for social justice.
Blacksher was presented with an honorary Order of the Samaritan medal in recognition of his great service to his community.
This year, 43 students received the Dean’s Community Service Award in recognition of 40 hours of community service work during law school; 24 students received the Student Pro Bono Award for completing 50 hours of pro bono work during law school; and 29 students received the Order of the Samaritan in recognition of contributing 90 hours of volunteer work during law school. The Public Interest Institute also awarded the Excellence in Service Award and Pro Bono Excellence Awards to the three graduating 3Ls with the highest reported number of community service and pro bono hours.
In addition, 22 3Ls earned the Certificate in Public Interest Law, which requires 20 hours of specialized coursework and 50 hours of volunteer work.
The Public Interest Institute Advisory Board and the Public Interest Student Board raised nearly $7,400 for summer grants for students working at unpaid internships.
The fundraiser, held April 6, 2017, at Trim Tab Brewing Company in Birmingham, featured brew by Trim Tab, food from Little Donkey and silent auction items donated by local businesses. About 60 people attended the event, which was sponsored by Nolan Byers; Marsh, Rickard & Bryan; Redden, Mills, Clark & Shaw; and Baker Donelson.
The University of Alabama School of Law has announced that former U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance will join the Law School as a Distinguished Visiting Lecturer in Law in August.
She will teach in the areas of criminal justice reform, criminal procedure and civil rights.
“I am delighted that Joyce Vance will be joining the School of Law,” said Dean Mark E. Brandon. “Her knowledge and experience – both as U.S. attorney and in private practice – will make her a valuable presence in the classroom and a tremendous resource for our students. She will also be a splendid colleague.”
As U.S. attorney, Vance led an ongoing investigation into Alabama’s prisons and successfully challenged Alabama’s HB 56 immigration law. She entered into a settlement agreement with Jefferson County, Alabama, rectifying violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act at polling places, prosecuted a string of police “color of law” cases, developed a program to reduce recidivism by reducing barriers to successful community reentry among people being released from prison and partnered with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to bring Alabama into compliance with the Motor Voter Act.
Vance’s office prosecuted Alabama’s first “material support of terrorism” case and focused on fraud and corruption in cases such as the $16 million fraud prosecution of a healthcare non-profit CEO and the $7.3 million prosecution of the head of the Alabama Small Business Consortium.
“I’m honored to be able to work with students who will shape the future of the legal profession and our communities and to share my experience, which underlines the critical importance of the rule of law, with them,” Vance said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to make a contribution to important issues of social justice, criminal justice reform, civil rights and good government.”
Vance was nominated to be U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama by President Barack Obama in 2009 and was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate. She was one of the first five U.S. attorneys, and the first woman appointed as a U.S. attorney by the administration.
Vance served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, a committee of U.S. attorneys that advises the U.S. attorney general on policy and management issues affecting the U.S. attorney’s offices around the country. Vance also co-chaired the committee’s Criminal Practice Subcommittee and was a member of its Civil Rights Subcommittee.
Vance is a graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and the University of Virginia School of Law. A frequent visitor to Alabama Law, she delivered the commencement address in 2011.
By now, many of you know that the Law Clinics at Alabama lost our colleagues, Liz Whipple and Shelly Darling, in a tragic electricity-related accident at Lake Tuscaloosa. We are stunned and heartbroken, as are their families. The two were great friends, and shared a love for their work, rescue dogs, stylish boots, and a quirky and totally irreverent sense of humor that regularly gave way to big laughter. They were our self-appointed social directors, and could find an excuse for a party on any given occasion. For those of you who did not know them, I’ll share a little about their time here.
Liz had been a student in our first Domestic Violence Law Clinic, and was coaxed back to Alabama from her DV work in Atlanta to serve as director of that clinic in 2015. She was a natural teacher, and her legal skills and compassion in dealing with survivors of violence inspired others. Active in the Tuscaloosa community and the larger DV services community, she chaired the Tuscaloosa Domestic Violence Task Force, was on the board of the local women’s shelter, and reached out to train law enforcement on the issues about which she was passionate. She continued to be active in Georgia, as well. Her impact on her students, the law school, and the community will be lasting.
Shelly came to UA Law in 2014 as a staff attorney in the Elder Law Clinic. Due in large part to her bright intellect and high energy, she instantly fit into the work and into the organization. She had a special rapport with clients, some of whom would call her at all hours for advice on all manner of things. Her patience with them was remarkable. Students found her to be an excellent role model as an attorney, a formidable advocate with a practical nature. Aside from her work, she could not resist picking up stray dogs, and, likely as not, keeping them. She will be greatly missed.
On April 21, our law school community gathered for an informal remembrance of Liz and Shelly. The stories shared brought home the importance of the work that we do. We will strive to honor their lives by following the examples of service they set for us.
Sincere thanks to each of you who have reached out with support and a shared sense of loss.
With sadness,
Anne Hornsby, on behalf of the Law Clinics at Alabama
EARLIER:
Dear Law School Community,
I reach out to you to share some unhappy news about two of our colleagues. Liz Whipple and Shelly Darling died Friday, the result of a water-related accident at Lake Tuscaloosa. This is wrenching news for all who knew them. Liz was concluding her second year as Interim Director of the Law School’s Domestic Violence Clinic. Shelly was a Staff Attorney in the Elder Law Clinic since 2014. Both were committed to values of equal justice, and each was a beloved member of the community.
Please keep Liz’s and Shelly’s families and friends in your thoughts and hearts during this heartbreaking time. I do not yet have information about funeral or memorial for Liz or Shelly, but I will share that and other information as I receive it. Counseling services are available for all students, faculty and staff of the Law School. Those details were contained within the email version of this message.
In sadness,
-Mark
Vice Dean James Leonard is quoted in The Living Church about a lawsuit filed against the Episcopal Church.
For more, read “Church Challenges Venue.”
After winning the regional competition, Alabama Law again performed at the highest levels in the finals of the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition in Chicago.
Allison Garnett, Sarah Jackson and Park Wynn, all third-year law students, went undefeated into the quarterfinals. They were in the “elite eight” of almost 200 teams who entered this prestigious national competition. Alabama Law lost a close round (2-1) to an Oklahoma team, which advanced to compete in the final championship.
About 75 oralists competed in the finals. Wynn won fifth best oralist overall, and Jackson won eighth best oralist. The team won the third best brief in the competition.
Mary Caroline Wynn, a 2L Moot Court Fellow, supported the team as bailiff and student-coach.
Professor Ken Rosen made a special contribution as faculty coach. When Professor Andrews became ill, Professor Rosen volunteered to coach the team, which meant he had to fly to Chicago within a few hours (with looming severe weather).
Professor Andrews congratulated the team, and she thanked Professor Rosen and the rest of the Law School community, including dedicated alumni, for helping the team.
