SEPTEMBER 2023

'Personal Genome Medicine' by LSU Law Professor Michael J. Malinowski published by Cambridge University Press

“Personal Genome Medicine: The Legal and Regulatory Transformation of US Medicine,” a new book by LSU Law Professor Michael J. Malinowski examining the ethical, legal, and social implications of direct-to-consumer, genetic health risk testing services such as 23andMe's Personal Genome Health Service, has been published by Cambridge University Press.

“Professor Malinowski’s book is timely and vitally important,” said LSU Law Dean Alena Allen. “The advent of corporations having access to DNA has created a multitude of legal and ethical questions. Professor Malinowski’s book provides a framework with guidance about how to think about these complex issues. He is clearly a leader on these important topics.”

Drawing from the history of U.S. medicine, Malinowski applies law, policy, public and private sector practices, and governing norms to analyze the commercialization of personal genome sequencing and testing sectors, as well as to assess their impact on the future of U.S. medicine.

“In the roughly 30 years that I have been researching and writing about these important topics, I have witnessed an explosion in the use of these emerging technologies far beyond anything I could have imagined when I began my career,” said Malinowski, a Yale Law School alumni who has been an LSU Law faculty member since 2002. “In 2017, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved direct-to-consumer genetic health risk testing that does not meet evidentiary science clinical standards—with medical professional involvement wholly optional—it was a jolting deviation from the U.S. legacy of protecting and promoting the evidentiary-science base of medicine. ‘Personal Genome Medicine’ represents the culmination of my scholarship on this issue to date, and my hope is that it will elevate and advance the conversation in a meaningful way.”

In “Personal Genome Medicine,” Malinowski proposes regulatory reforms for government and medical professionals that will enable technological advancements while maintaining personal and public health standards.

Read the full story.

LSU Law alumni encouraged to take survey on first-year curriculum as faculty launch comprehensive evaluation of course offerings

LSU Law faculty are working to complete a comprehensive evaluation of curriculum for first-year students at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, and alumni are encouraged to weigh in via a survey. 

“Our curriculum has served us for nearly a quarter of a century. It led to the top bar passage rate in the state and consistently high job placement. But we need to get ahead of the curve for the next decade and beyond,” said Professor Maggie Thomas, who chairs the LSU Law Curriculum Committee. “The goal is to ensure we continue to serve our students, and those who employ them, with an effective twenty-first century curriculum—and that we remain the top choice for students from Louisiana, while also offering a competitive value proposition for out-of-state students.”  

All LSU Law alumni will soon receive the electronic survey by email, or they can take the survey now. It will ask alumni in every legal practice area about the competencies young lawyers need for modern practice. The survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete, and responses will be collected through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13.

The Curriculum Committee will use the alumni survey results to help it identify and preserve aspects of the LSU Law curriculum that are most effective and unique, as it considers potential updates. The current first-year curriculum for LSU Law students was adopted in 1996.

The last time a major change was made to the curriculum was in 2015, when faculty voted to make the Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law (DCL) optional. About 85% of current LSU Law students opt to earn the DCL. 

“Our students are rational and risk-averse about bar preparation,” said Thomas. “The vast majority are taking core Louisiana bar courses, including Civil Law courses, and choosing to earn the DCL.”

Read the full story.

LSU Law alumnus Russel Stutes Jr. (’91) makes major gift to create Small Business and Community Development Clinic honoring late father

LSU Law alumnus Russell “Rusty” Stutes, Jr. (’91) has made a major gift to the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center to create the Russell J. Stutes Small Business and Community Development Clinic. Stutes and his mother, Cissy Stutes, made a gift in excess of $500,000 in memory of his late father Russell J. Stutes, Sr., a self-made contractor who built the Russell J. Stutes Construction company in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“The goals and outcomes of this clinic fit my father’s personality and life-ethics perfectly,” said Rusty, a tax and commercial litigation attorney and managing partner at Stutes & Lavergne, LLC. “He had a deep affection and respect for people who were self-starters willing to work beyond exhaustion to make their family’s lives better. What I love about this clinic is how it will help people navigate through often formidable and intimidating business laws and regulations so they can realize the American Dream, too.”

The transactional legal clinic will be located at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, providing students with experiential learning opportunities. Under the supervision of a full-time clinician, LSU Law students in the clinic work with local clients on proposals to promote community-wide economic growth.

Read the full story.

LSU Law students have honor of being named in ‘unicorn’ decision published by US Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

When the U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals held oral arguments at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in March—providing six LSU Law students with the rare privilege to submit amicus curiae briefs and argue them before a three-judge panel—the case in question “looked fairly routine,” in the sense that it would be decided by the panel in due course after hearing argument.

That’s according to Charlton Meginley, an LSU Law alumnus (’02) who’s more than a little familiar with the operations of the U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals. In January, Meginley retired as an Air Force Colonel and Appellate Military Judge on the court, and today he serves as general counsel for the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Given the relatively routine nature of the case heard at LSU Law, Meginley was “pretty surprised” when he received the court’s published decision on Sept. 13.

“I hate to use the word ‘unicorn,’ but this really is a one-of-a-kind opinion for a number of reasons,” said Meginley, who played a key role in bringing the court to LSU Law and observed the oral arguments at his alma mater.

Read the full story.

Nikolaos Davrados joins LSU Law faculty

Former European Union legal advisor and international scholar Nikolaos Davrados has joined the faculty at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he is teaching legal traditions and conflicts of law this fall.

Davrados comes to LSU Law from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he taught for nearly 10 years and was named Professor of the Year four times.

After completing his postdoctoral research at the University of Texas School of Law, Davrados practiced in international business transactions and arbitration and served as a legal advisor to the Council of the European Union before entering academia.

“LSU Law enjoys a strong international program, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with the students and faculty to continue that legacy,” said Davrados, who holds law degrees from Oxford University Faculty of Law and the University of Athens School of Law.

Read the full story.

The Hispanic Law Students Association helps foster a connected and inclusive campus community at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center by hosting events that celebrate Latinx culture and promote meaningful collaborations among all students.

“HLSA’s mission at LSU Law is to create a community for Latinx students to meet new people and celebrate Latin culture,” said 3L and HLSA President Yenifer Flores, noting all students are encouraged to join the organization and enjoy its events.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, will bring several HLSA-hosted events to the Law Center, including a movie night on Wednesday, Oct. 4. On Monday, Oct. 9, the student organization will host its Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from 12:40 to 1:40 p.m. on the Law Center Plaza, which will include a Mariachi band performance and Hispanic food for the entire LSU Law community.

“Law school is stressful enough, so in HLSA we celebrate our Hispanic culture with fun and stress-relieving activities for all to enjoy,” said Flores, who won the 2023 LSU Law Transactional Negotiation Competition along with teammate Sarah Procopio. “One of my favorite aspects of being a leader in HLSA is planning events like our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month for the community.”

Read the full Student Organization Spotlight.

Sherwood-Saul, Thompson win Fall 2023 Flory Mock Trial Competition

LSU Law students Ananda Sherwood-Saul and Caidyn Thompson won the Fall 2023 Ira S. Flory Mock Trial Competition on Monday, Sept. 25, besting classmates Summer Knight and Jacob Lester in the Flory finals in the McKernan Auditorium at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

The distinguished panel of judges presiding over the final round of competition included the Hon. Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts of the 19th Judicial District Court, Baton Rouge Capitol Conflict Office Director Kyla Romanach, and Advocacy Programs Director Professor Jeff Brooks.

Read the full story.

LSU Law hosts screening of documentary featuring LSU Law Professor Lisa Avalos as part of Pugh Institute for Justice symposium

The George W. and Jean H. Pugh Institute for Justice presented a screening of Netflix’s “Victim/Suspect” and a panel discussion about the documentary at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center’s McKernan Auditorium on Friday, Sept. 8.

The symposium featured four panelists, including documentary producer Rachel de Leon, retired detective Carlton Hershman, Wendy L. Patrick, and LSU Law Professor Lisa Avalos, who appears as an expert witness in the documentary.

Japanese delegation visits LSU Law to exchange ideas on estates and trusts

Professor Fusako Seki and attorneys Kazuyo Nishikata and Yuji Nemoto traveled from Japan to visit the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center on Aug. 25 and exchange information about estates and trusts.

Professor Seki, who teaches elder law and social welfare law at Kanagawa University, presented to Professor Elizabeth Carter’s successions class during the visit. 

The visit concluded with a lunch and learn at Taylor Porter's headquarters in Baton Rouge for the Japanese delegates, LSU Law guests, and local attorneys. Both Japan and Louisiana are civil law jurisdictions, and the panel of Louisiana estate planning practitioners shared helpful and practical advice relating to Louisiana estate planning and probate practices, wills, forced heirship, and trusts.

LLM students tour Louisiana Supreme Court as part of orientation

Eleven students pursuing their LLM at LSU Law this year were treated to a tour of the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans on Aug. 9 as part of their two-week orientation at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. 

The students—all but one of whom came to LSU Law from international countries including Colombia, France, Nigeria, and Romania—were joined by Professor Nikolaos Davrados and one exchange student.

At the Louisiana Supreme Court, the students were given a guided tour that included a stop in the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson ('69) Supreme Court Museum, which is home to one of the only original copies of the "Civil Code of the French" that’s located United States. 

“It was truly remarkable to watch our students from France hold the Napoleonic code in their hands,” said Davrados, who joined the LSU Law faculty this fall and is assisting Assistant Dean & Director of the Center of Civil Law Olivier Moréteau with administration of the LLM program. “This document is the foundation of the civil law we study today, and to see it in person was a great privilege.”

Orientation for LLM students began on July 31 and continued through the start of fall semester classes on Aug. 14. Events such as the Louisiana Supreme Court are designed to help the international students get an early taste of what makes Louisiana’s culture and legal system unique. Other fun events—which were interspersed between mini-courses on U.S. law, legal culture, and law schools—included a tour of downtown Baton Rouge, the Louisiana State Capitol, and the Old State Capitol. 

LSU Law alumna Olivia Maynard (’23) joins staff as advocacy fellow

LSU Law Class of 2023 graduate Olivia Maynard has returned to the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center to join the staff as advocacy fellow.

Maynard will work closely with LSU Law Director of Field Placements and Moot Court/Trial Advocacy Program Jeff Brooks to coach and prepare students for moot court, mock trial, and alternative dispute resolution competitions, as well as assist with administering the program.

As a law student, Maynard was an active and successful competitor on several LSU Law moot court teams. She was a regional finalist on the Tom Fore Phillips National Moot Court Competition team and a quarterfinalist in the Robert L. Tullis Moot Court Competition. She also received the Spirit of Judge John R. Brown Award as part of the National Admiralty Moot Court Competition team.

Read the full story.

While she never envisioned that one day she would lead Louisiana’s largest workers’ compensation insurance provider, Kristin Wall (’89) credits her time at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center with giving her the critical thinking skills she’s needed as president and CEO of LWCC.

“I am completely certain that I would not have had the opportunities to be in the leadership positions that I have had without the education I received at LSU Law,” Wall said as to why she supports the Law Center as a member of the Dean’s Council. “It was a life-changing experience for me, and I have tremendous gratitude for the education I received in law school.”

Just as she didn’t imagine working in the insurance industry, Wall didn’t initially plan to go to law school. But watching her brother Keith Welch (’76) graduate from LSU Law after attending college to be a mechanical engineer motivated her to try her hand at law school.

“Seeing him switch careers and go after something that he thought he would be more passionate about was inspiring,” said Wall, who holds her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana Monroe. “Having a great big brother to look up to and encourage me was also significant.”

Read the full Dean's Council Spotlight and learn more about how you can join the Dean's Council.

Federal Bar Association of New Orleans honors LSU Law alumnus with John R. “Jack” Martzell Professionalism Award

Patrick “Pat” Vance (’75) became the first LSU Law alumnus to receive the John R. “Jack” Martzell Professionalism Award from the Federal Bar Association-New Orleans Chapter on Aug. 23. The award recognizes an attorney who “best exemplifies outstanding professionalism in the practice of law.”

“I want to thank the selection committee of the Federal Bar Association for this singular honor,” Vance said as he accepted the award at the Federal Bar Association of New Orleans Annual Meeting. “I am grateful for my wonderful partners, friends, and colleagues, and I want to thank my wife Sarah for always encouraging me to be better at whatever I was trying to do.”

A senior partner at Jones Walker in New Orleans, Vance is a nationally recognized expert and leader in commercial litigation, banking, and bankruptcy law.

Read the full story.

Of the roughly 150,000 Americans who earn a GED each year, just 1% go on to pursue a professional degree. When third-year LSU Law student Ryan McNeil graduates next spring, he will proudly join the ranks of that exceptional 1%.

“Statistically, as a non-traditional and first-generation law student, I am an anomaly,” McNeil acknowledged. “Nevertheless, the pursuit of law has allowed me to feel empowered for the first time in my life.”

After earning his GED, McNeil completed 30 credit hours at Baton Rouge Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree in history from LSU. He spent two years working as a full-time LSU graduate program coordinator before deciding to try his hand at law school, a goal that seemed unattainable to the Baton Rouge native for most of his life.

“I wanted a career that allowed me to have a significant impact on the people I work with, and the legal field is intricate, in-depth, and contains a huge human element that many people don’t recognize,” McNeil said. “LSU Law has given me the chance to pursue that passion.”

Considering the long odds he has already overcome, McNeil said he views the support he receives from the E. Kay Kirkpatrick Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship in Public Law as both a symbol of his educational journey and a beacon of encouragement towards his future legal career. After all, LSU Law alumna Dr. Edith Kay Kirkpatrick (’77) hailed from a family of public servants and established her namesake scholarship after devoting her legal career to public service.

“A massive word of appreciation is needed to recognize the donor of this scholarship,” McNeil said. “Ten years ago, I wrote off the idea of ever receiving a scholarship of any kind. Today, I am beyond humbled and grateful to receive this award.”

Read the full Your Gifts at Work profile to learn more about McNeil, and find out how you can support outstanding students like him through LSU Law scholarships.

Dean Allen to discuss impacts of recent US Supreme Court decision to end race-conscious college admissions Nov. 30 at BRBA luncheon

LSU Law Dean Alena Allen will discuss the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to end race-conscious college admission policies during an address to the Baton Rouge Bar Association on Thursday, Nov. 30, at its monthly luncheon.

Just days before Allen began her tenure at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center on July 1, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard College, overturning 45 years of legal precedent.

Allen’s presentation, titled “The Impact of SFFA v. UNC and SFFA v. Harvard College on Legal Education,” will review how the legal landscape has shifted with respect to admissions in higher education as well as discuss opportunities for innovation and implications for the future, particularly as it relates to legal education and the legal profession.

Read the full story.

Make sure to register for our upcoming Reunion Weekend and All-Alumni Tailgate on Oct. 20-21!

Events will kick off on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 20, with two hours of free CLE at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center for all reunion classes and Dean’s Council members, with a Reunion Reception celebrating the classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2013 to follow in the evening. On Saturday, Oct. 21, all LSU Law alumni and their families are invited to join us for the All-Alumni Tailgate and Hats ‘n Canes Toast to 3L and LLM students prior to the Army vs. LSU game.

See the full slate of events on tap for the Reunion Weekend and All-Alumni Tailgate, and RSVP to attend.

Wyoming Law Professor Tara K. Righetti to discuss carbon capture at the 2023 Liskow Visiting Professor in Energy Law Lecture

University of Wyoming College of Law Professor Tara K. Righetti will visit LSU Law on Tuesday, Nov. 14, to present on carbon capture at the 2023 Liskow Visiting Professor in Energy Law Lecture.

Righetti's lecture, "Land & Regulatory Consequences of Carbon Sequestration Well Classifications," will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Robinson Courtroom, with a reception to follow. The event is free and open to the public, parking will be available onsite, and attendees can earn one Louisiana CLE hour. Register to attend.

Read the full story.

LSU Law alumni are invited to meet Dean Alena Allen at a pair of special receptions taking place in Shreveport and Houston later this fall.

Dean Allen will meet with alumni on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the home of Cynthia and Marshall Jones ('79), and on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Brennan’s of Houston. This is also a great opportunity to network with your fellow alumni and peers.

RSVP for the Shreveport event on Oct. 26.

RSVP for the Houston event on Nov. 2.

New LSU Law merchandise coming on Oct. 20

The LSU Law online merchandise store will reopen for a limited sale beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, featuring new items for the upcoming winter season.

As the weather turns cooler, you can still fly the LSU Law flag high with our new winter merchandise including sweatshirts, rain jackets, ¼ zipper pullovers, sleeveless vests, knit caps, and more. The sale will be open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. Items are expected to be delivered by Dec. 15, just in time for the holidays, though some items may ship earlier. 

Keep an eye on your email and the LSU Law website for additional details on the sale that opens Oct. 20, as well as forthcoming announcements on future merchandise sales in 2024. 

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