Spotlight at Wake Forest Law
Mark Twain once wrote that “Supposing is good, but finding out is better.” These spotlights are intended to introduce you to the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Wake Forest University School of Law School and to help you find out more about the contributions they are making in and beyond the classroom.
First American death row inmate exonerated by DNA testing shares his harrowing tale
Kirk Bloodsworth could hear what they were saying. From the defense table, charged with the sexual assault and murder of a 9-year-old girl, Bloodsworth listened to the vitriol emanating from the back of the courtroom. There’s the killer, he remembers them saying. Give him the gas.
Previous Spotlights
Alumna Discovers Long Reach of Wake Forest Family
This summer as Helen Jugovic (’06) and her dog struggled out of her apartment into more than two feet of swiftly-rising water, she never dreamed that three years after graduating, the arms of Wake Forest would be among the first to reach out to help her.
Labor & Environmental Implications of Free Trade Agreements: A New Paradigm?
Law Professor John Knox, who has helped organize an upcoming symposium on Labor & Environmental Implication of Free Trade Agreements, answers some questions on the topic.
Former U.S. Ambassador criticizes Obama’s foreign policy
Barack Obama is unlike any U.S. president in recent memory, says John Bolton, the 25th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who served during the Bush administration.
"He sees America's role in the world as being very different than the way other American presidents have seen it."
A Catalyst for Change: Title IX
As much as the landmark law has triggered positive change, the legislation continues to be a lightning rod for critics who say it discriminates against men and handcuffs coaches and administrators.
Three Questions with Law Professor Tim Davis on the Impact of Title IX
Experts in law and athletics will explore the requirements of Title IX, the effect it has had, both good and bad, on athletics, and how it is affecting individuals as well as colleges and organizations.
Health care expert compares Italian health care system with U.S.
President Barack Obama’s plan to reform health care bears many similarities to the system used in Italy, where citizens have a constitutional guarantee to free medical care.
Alumnus reunited with his law school class ring after 52 years
Lloyd K. Rector carefully removes the ring from an envelope, then opens a small plastic jewelers’ bag. The ring was presented to the Wake Forest College Bachelor of Laws Class of 1953. The initials “LKR” are engraved on the inside; the university motto, class information and the symbol for the international legal fraternity -- Phi Delta Phi – are carved on the ring’s surface.
Class of 2012 volunteers at Habitat for Humanity site as part of orientation
As part of their orientation activities, students volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity building site in Winston-Salem. The entering law school class has been volunteering with Habitat for the past decade.
Professor Omari Simmons has a passion to help young people succeed
Wake Forest University Law Professor Omari Simmons is normally a reserved and reflective man. But his passion, whether teaching the ins and outs of contract law, corporate governance, or helping a high school student get into college, is helping young people succeed. So when he starts talking about the Simmons Memorial Foundation Inc., his eyes light up and he becomes noticeably animated.
Students and faculty put the University's motto into action
Laura Dildine (’10), Wendy Parker and Grant Eskelsen (’11) are making a difference. Dildine is participating in a variety of pro bono and volunteer activities that include working with convicted felons as well as helping to start a school library.
David Smith may be most well known for his pro bono work
It would take some time, not to mention a good portion of this space, to list the awards, accolades and accomplishments collected by David C. Smith, a partner at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP and a Wake Forest University School of Law alumnus.
Pro Bono Committee created to document, catalog and recognize volunteer efforts
Whether it’s providing free tax advice, acting as a guardian ad litem, tutoring children after school or helping at a food bank on the weekends, the students, faculty and staff at the Wake Forest University School of Law give freely of their spare time to pro bono and public service efforts.
Sen. Kay Hagan ('78) reflects on Kennedy, her first year in Congress
President Barack Obama had just taken office and was about to address the nation from the capital. As the freshman senator from North Carolina, Kay Hagan (’78) had a prime seat for the historic event. But when her husband, Chip Hagan ('77), was unable to attend, the senator turned to Wake Forest.
Shaka Mitchell finds lasting meaning in law school motto "Pro Iustitia"
A lot of mottos, says Mitchell, are nothing more than a collection of words, which neither excite nor motivate. "Pro Iustitia", meaning “in service of justice,” made an impression.
At 94, Fred Williams (’40) continues to remain linked to Wake Forest law school
Somehow, 76 years later, Williams, who also earned his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest, stands as one of Wake Forest Law’s most distinguished alumni.
Professor Wendy Parker responds to President Barack Obama's call for service
When President Barack Obama sent out his call for service, Wake Forest University Law Professor Wendy Parker responded. In February, Parker sent out her own call to law students and faculty, asking for volunteers to help tutor students after school at Kimberley Park Elementary School in Winston-Salem.
Professors weigh in on newest Supreme Court justice
Professor Suzanne Reynolds, Sidney Shapiro and Ron Wright weigh in on the impact Justice Sonia Sotomayor will have on the U.S. Supreme Court as the first Latina justice.
