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Katie Koesters, Nayeli Selkis, Faith Shelman, and Melissa Stuckey all argued this week at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, in Richmond, Virginia, as part of the Appellate Advocacy Clinic. The four 3Ls all ended their law school careers with appellate arguments in two different appeals. Both involved claims by inmates that the state department of corrections violated their constitutional rights.
On Tuesday, May 5, Katie and Nayeli argued for the plaintiff-appellant in the case of Stephen Roberts v. Mark Engelke, et al. In that case, after the plaintiff was not allowed to participate in Ramadan fasting, in violation of his religious beliefs, he saved meals to eat them after sundown and suffered multiple bouts of food poisoning. He claims violations of the Free Exercise Clause, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Establishment Clause. The trial court dismissed the case based on qualified immunity. Katie, Nayeli, and Will Boyce (3L) researched and wrote a reply brief (students in last year’s clinic researched and wrote the opening brief). At Tuesday’s oral argument, the panel was Judge Robert King of West Virginia, Judge James Wynn of North Carolina, and Judge Stephanie Thacker of West Virginia. Katie made the opening argument, while Nayeli handled the rebuttal. Will and Professor John Korzen (`81, JD `91) were there to root them on. Both Katie and Nayeli did a fantastic job, as others in the courtroom confirmed.
Continued in the comments.
1️⃣ W E E K R E M A I N I N G 💫 This #FacultyFriday, we’re counting down to Hooding & Commencement with a look back at our faculty members’ own law school graduation ceremonies.
On Wednesday, May 6, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Wake Forest Law`s Appellate Advocacy Clinic in the case of Greenhaus v. Goldstein. In Greenhaus, the clinic represents a husband and wife who have been cyberstalked by an ex-boyfriend of the wife`s. After they obtained a temporary restraining order against the defendant, who lives out of state, he moved to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and then appealed when the trial court denied his motion. A team of 3Ls—Kaitlyn Snyder, Alex Gracia, and Mariah Webb—researched and wrote a brief contending that the plaintiffs had established personal jurisdiction.
The court heard oral argument on Monday, February 16, at Campbell Law School in Raleigh, with Judge Donna Stroud, Judge John Tyson, and Judge Chris Freeman on the panel. Kaitlyn argued for the plaintiffs and did an outstanding job. Rooting her on were Alex, Mariah, Professor John Korzen, both clients, 3L Allison Yates, and Kaitlyn`s mother.
In a 2-1 published opinion by Judge Tyson and joined by Judge Stroud, the Court of Appeals agreed with the clinic on all four issues raised by the defendant. Congratulations to Kaitlyn, Alex, and Mariah!
On Tuesday, April 7, Wake Forest Law welcomed its newest Ambassadors, who will represent the Law School and support admissions, events, and community engagement throughout the next academic year.
The Ambassador Induction Ceremony included remarks from Ian Kirner (2L). Recognition of graduating ambassadors was made by Assistant Dean Branden Nicholson and Brianna High (2L). The induction and pinning of new ambassadors was made by Dr. Veronica Bjorkman and Stella Fields (3L). A keynote address was delivered by Dean Andy Klein, and closing remarks were given by Carson Sanford (3L).
Thank you to our graduating ambassadors for their leadership and service, and congratulations to our incoming ambassadors!
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions that shape our communities.
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing stories and highlights in recognition of AAPI Heritage Month.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As we move through the final stretch of the semester, it’s a good time to slow down, check in, and take care of yourself.
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing tips, resources, and reminders to support your well-being, both now and in the future.
On Tuesday, April 28, students gathered in the Commons to pot plants and enjoy Arnold Palmers—one of the many stress-relief events happening throughout Wake Forest Law Finals Week.
Pictured from left to right: Sami Vincent (3L), Jonah Auslander (3L), and Caroline McLellan (1L)
In this episode of “5 Things You Need to Know,” Dr. Alyse Bertenthal, an expert in criminal law and criminal procedure, breaks down searches and seizures by answering:
1. What does the Fourth Amendment require?
2. How is the Fourth Amendment playing out in the current national landscape?
3. Is there precedent for how searches and seizures are currently being conducted?
4. What are some of the potential outcomes of the erosion of the Fourth Amendment?
5. What can people do to protect themselves and their rights given the erosion of the Fourth Amendment protections?
Watch now to hear her insights on this important constitutional topic.
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