Dean Ellen Suni and son, Eric Suni, at the Royals game sending a message to the dean’s brother Michael, who was hospitalized and passed away the following week
The Kansas City Royals selected Dean Ellen Suni to sit in the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat Friday, May 24 as the Royals took on the Los Angeles Angels.
Buck O’Neil spent many days and nights supporting the Royals from the same seat behind home plate at Kauffman Stadium, both as a scout and a fan. To honor Buck, the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat Program fills “Buck’s Seat” for every home game with a member of the community who, on a large or small scale, embodies an aspect of Buck’s spirit.
Dean Suni was honored by the Royals as a Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat recipient.
Suni received this honor for her commitment to education and justice within our community, which includes her work with the Midwest Innocence Project as co-founder, legal director and past president and the Kansas City Youth Court as a co-founder and legal director.
The Board of Barristers, a new student group at UMKC School of Law that promotes, educates, and encourages UMKC law students in the discipline of trial advocacy, was formed earlier this year. Board of Barristers Chief Justice Sara Hofeditz Christiansen answers a few questions about the organization’s formation, current projects and plans for the future.
What is the Board of Barristers?
The Board of Barristers supports students interested in exploring trial work as an avenue to pursue as a legal career. The Board of Barristers supports all law students interested in trial skills, not only those participating in trial team and competitions. All students are invited to join the Board of Barristers and take part in our mini-clinics, which are short educational sessions providing training in trial skills.
When was the Board created?
The establishment of the Board of Barristers has been a year-long project with its coming to fruition early this April. The Board of Barristers would not have been possible if it weren’t for a core of dedicated law students interested in sharing their passions. This group of students spent hours on this group’s formation without any guarantee that it was going to happen. Now that it has, that enthusiasm and energy is going to be put to good use at UMKC with The Board of Barristers and will extend into the workforce as we take our passion for trial excellence beyond the classroom.
Why was the Board created?
At many schools, their Board of Barristers is, for students interested in trial advocacy, much like Law Review is for students interested in legal research and writing. With the addition of Douglas Stripp Dean’s Distinguished Professor and Director of Advocacy S. Rafe Foreman in the fall of 2012, the trial team presence on campus has grown exponentially over the past two years. UMKC went from sending teams to two mock trial competitions annually to competing in sixteen mock trial competitions nationwide, even in Puerto Rico! With this growth, The Board of Barristers was necessary to create and maintain a trial advocacy institutional history, involve more students in trial advocacy beyond competing trial team members, recognize student success in the areas of trial advocacy and connect students interested in trial advocacy with the Kansas City professional trial community.
What are some of the projects the Board participates in?
Probably our greatest initiative is the Clinics – training sessions in basic trial skills such as cross examination, impeachment, and closing arguments. Following each Clinic we will have a Mini-Challenge, an intra-school competition focusing on that one skill. This will provide a competitive aspect for students not on a competing trial team and will involve professors and area attorneys as judges. The Board of Barristers will also be in charge of coordinating the annual Last Team Standing: UMKC 1L Mock Trial competition in January and the Show Me Challenge: National Voir Dire Tournament in the spring. We will also be building a digital library of practice footage and training videos along with competition case problems and trial materials for students to reference and use as an educational resource, as well as providing networking and social events for The Board of Barristers Members and the Kansas City community.
How many members do you have?
We currently have the Executive Board, which is made up of 10 members and 4 chairs. We also have the 26 trial team members who will compete on behalf of the school in fall 2013, some of whom overlap and serve on the Executive Board. Beyond that we are brand new so we will be recruiting students – ANY student can be a member of the Board of Barristers. For Competing Members, students who have been selected to be on the trial team, there are certain responsibilities and requirements that must be fulfilled. However, anyone can be a General Member and participate in our events, clinics and competitions. Also, any General Member can apply to be an Executive Board Member.
What is one thing you want readers to know about the Board?
We are seeking to raise awareness about students interested in Trial Advocacy at UMKC and in the Kansas City community. In order to do that we are going to be seeking community involvement and we hope that UMKC alumni and area attorneys lend a helping hand – whether it be sponsoring a networking event or as a guest speaker. We want to make UMKC a known force to be reckoned with in the national competition scene and a dependable, skilled work force upon exiting school.
For more information about The Board of Barristers, please contact Sara Christensen. The Board also publishes a quarterly newsletter, and the first issue can be viewed here.
Pictured on UMKC School of Law Home Page: (front row from left to right) Luke Whitworth, Associate Justice of Promotions; Dominic DeFeo, Social Chair; Adam Krause, Associate Justice of Finance; Robert Kinsman, Barrister’s Banquet Chair; Taylor Sloan, Mini-Challenge Tournament; Chris Accurso, Last Team Standing Competition Chair; Ken Kinney, Associate Justice of Administration; Geoff Hayes, Associate Justice of Promotions; Mitch Biebighauser, Associate Justice of Development; Jacob Lewis, Associate Justice of Archives; (back row) Jessica Wengronowitz, Associate Justice of Records; Bree Berner, Associate Justice of Public Relations; Sara Christensen, Chief Justice; and Kahlie Poindexter, Executive Associate Justice.
2013 graduate Andrew Sartorius receives his hood from Dean Ellen Suni.
Recent graduate Andrew Sartorius is no stranger to advocacy—he’s been doing it practically his entire life. Born with oculocutaneous albinism, which affects pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes and causes vision problems, Sartorius has had to advocate for himself throughout his life to make sure he is getting the accommodations and education he needs.
Sartorius learned from an early age that self-advocacy consisted of an entire process. He first had to identify what he needed, then do whatever was in his power to reach that goal and finally ask for help for things beyond his ability.
“Elementary school consisted of trial and error and undergraduate was even more trial and error, especially with my major in biology,” said Sartorius. “By law school, I knew what I needed and UMKC has been extremely accommodating.”
Before attending UMKC, Sartorius graduated from Rockhurst University and went on to pursue a graduate degree in biology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. During his first semester, he realized that it wasn’t where he wanted to be and started investigating the possibility of law school.
“I had to approach it realistically,” said Sartorius. “I would have to explain my disability all the time, and I didn’t want to fight uphill battles. It just wasn’t the right fit. I decided on law school because I was trying to find a way to serve other people. I knew it was the way I could have a good career and use my natural talents to help people.”
Sartorius applied to UMKC because it seemed like the perfect fit. As a St. Louis native, he knew he wanted to stay in Missouri. After attending Rockhurst, he also knew he loved the Kansas City environment and all it had to offer. He struggled his first year as an undergraduate at Rockhurst because he felt confined in the new city. However, he made a decision that he wasn’t going to be “stuck” and eventually fell in love with the city. Without the ability to drive, Sartorius relied on public transportation and walking to navigate the unfamiliar streets. Maintaining his independence was a large contributing factor in selecting UMKC for law school, and combined with UMKC’s affordability, Sartorius knew it was the school for him.
With his magnifying glass and binoculars, which he carries around in his pockets, Sartorius has navigated life well as a law student. He often begins courses by telling his professors that he is legally blind, giving them the chance to work out any concerns they might have. Throughout his time at UMKC, he says he has never struggled with people just viewing him as his disability; instead, he joked that he’s struggled more with the reliability of Kansas City public transportation.
“I’ve learned that to a large degree, what you think other people are going to think is in your own head. People will know you for your successes in the classroom rather than your disability, and even if they do look at you differently or ask a question, it is an opportunity to educate people around you. Every question answered is an assumption they are not going to make,” said Sartorius.
It’s no surprise that since starting law school three years ago, Sartorius found a natural fit with trial advocacy. While Sartorius says he has never felt discriminated against, he always felt that when going up against big companies and the government, it is easy to think that a person can’t really do much. Through his studies, Sartorius has learned that there are laws out there to help people with disabilities and through the trial advocacy program at UMKC, he’s learned how to go about enforcing them and helping clients.
“I learned that by just telling the client’s story, you can make a huge impact. It’s all about listening to the story and letting them know they can be heard,” said Sartorius.
Sartorius plans on making a career out of telling clients’ stories. He’s currently studying for the Missouri bar and will be interning this September at the Trial Lawyers College, which is a program for practicing attorneys to develop trial skills. He won’t forget how he got to this point though.
“UMKC is full of people I can count on. Not just the professors but fellow students as well,” said Sartorius. “I’ve loved my experience here and definitely made the best choice for law school.”
Honorary Doctorate recipient, James A. Polsinelli, poses with School of Law Dean Ellen Suni and UMKC Chancellor Leo E. Morton during the law school’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18.
James A. Polsinelli, UMKC School of Law alumnus and renowned Kansas City attorney, donned the regalia of a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa at the School of Law commencement May 18, 2013.
Polsinelli was hooded by UMKC Chancellor Leo E. Morton and was introduced by School of Law Dean Ellen Suni in the following way.
Today we are presenting an honorary doctorate, a degree conferred as a means of honoring a distinguished individual’s contributions to a specific field and to the community.
UMKC School of Law has a longstanding commitment to law and entrepreneurship, and James A. Polsinelli has had an outstanding career both as an entrepreneurial lawyer, building his small firm into a national powerhouse, and as a lawyer for entrepreneurs. Mr. Polsinelli graduated with distinction from UMKC School of Law in 1967. He was a contributing editor to the UMKC Law Review and a member of the Order of the Bench and Robe. Now, after more than 40 years as a prominent attorney, recognized for building his own firm and helping clients to build their businesses, Mr. Polsinelli is here to receive the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa.
Mr. Polsinelli began his firm with two partners. Today, the firm, soon to be called simply “Polsinelli,” has offices in 16 major U.S. cities, employs over 600 attorneys, and is recognized as one of the top 100 firms in the country. From the outset, Mr. Polsinelli has an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed corporate law because it allowed him to add value to his clients’ businesses while maintaining relationships and working with clients on an ongoing basis. His extraordinary talents as a business lawyer and rainmaker substantially contributed to the growth and development of the firm, which represents its clients as Jim Polsinelli always has—with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency.
Jim Polsinelli has deep roots in and commitment to the Kansas City community, and this commitment extends to supporting important local educational institutions. In addition, he has made significant contributions through his leadership as chair of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Jackson County Land Trust Commission. And his firm gives thousands of hours in pro bono legal and support service to those who cannot afford them. The name James Polsinelli has been synonymous with entrepreneurship in the Kansas City legal community for many years. As UMKC School of Law strives to become a leader in legal entrepreneurship, and as we work with the university and the community to make Kansas City the most entrepreneurial city in the country, Jim Polsinelli and his firm continue to play an important role in providing the legal expertise necessary to make that a reality.
Recent graduate, Catherine Wiehl, receives an award from Professor Leo Salinger during the law school’s annual awards ceremony May 17.
Nicholas S. Beydler and Catherine Marie Wiehl, both class of 2013 UMKC School of Law graduates, received prestigious awards during the law school’s annual student awards ceremony. Beydler received the Law Alumni Association Charles E. Whittaker Award for Academic Excellence, named after the School’s Supreme Court Justice and recognizing the outstanding third-year student who has advanced the intellectual life of the Law School. Wiehl received the Law Alumni Association Harry S. Truman Leadership Award, which is given annually to a graduating third-year student who exemplifies commitment to the legal profession, service, and leadership, standards set by the Law School’s most famous alumnus, Harry S. Truman. Both students received a plaque and cash award.
In addition to these honors, Wiehl and Beydler also received several other awards Friday, May 17 at the awards ceremony.
Nicholas Beydler celebrates with fellow graduate, Christian Nafziger, after the law school commencement ceremony May 18.
Beydler graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, reflecting the highest grade point average over three years of study. As recipient of this award, he had the opportunity to speak briefly to his classmates at the Awards Ceremony. Beydler was the Julian K. Davidson Scholar, receiving a full-ride scholarship for his three years at the law school. At the Awards Ceremony, he received several awards recognizing his outstanding performance in our intra- and inter-school moot court competitions, his highest grades in many classes and his exemplary work as Managing Editor of the UMKC Law Review and his service as a staff member The Urban Lawyer.
Alexandra Nieves Gonzalez and Catherine Wiehl pose during the law school reception following the commencement ceremony.
Wiehl also graduated with Summa Cum Laude latin honors and was the Jack and Helyn Miller Scholar, receiving the law school’s other full ride merit scholarship. She also received awards for her excellent work as a member of the ABA National Client Counseling Competition team, her highest grades in several courses, and her exemplary service as Student Editor-in-Chief of The Urban Lawyer and as a Law Review staff member.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law celebrated its graduates and their families at the commencement ceremonies held on May 18. More than 170 students made up the May 2013 list of graduates, including 163 receiving their J.D.’s.
Graduation-related festivities began Friday, May 17 with a Baccalaureate held at Central United Methodist Church. The Christian Legal Society sponsored the event, which included musical selections by the Baccalaureate Choir and Brief Notes singing group. The Honorable James Smart, Jr. and Professor Sean O’Brien also spoke at the event. The celebration continued Friday evening with an awards ceremony honoring the academic achievements of the class of 2013.
The School of Law Commencement Ceremony took place the following day at 4 p.m. The Honorable Ortrie D. Smith, an alumnus and U.S. District Court Judge, gave the keynote address. He also had the opportunity to hood his daughter B.J., who received her J.D. degree. James A. Polsinelli, founder of the Polsinelli law firm and a major name in legal entrepreneurship in Kansas City, also received an honorary doctorate degree during the ceremony.
UMKC will be providing a live stream of the 2013 School of Law Awards Ceremony May 17 at 6:00 p.m. as well as the Commencement Ceremony May 18 at 4:00 p.m. You can view these live streams by visiting the university’s streaming video page. Video can be viewed on PC and Mac computers as well as Android and iOS devices.
Barbara Glesner Fines, Associate Dean and Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law, was honored April 25, 2013 at the 15th Annual Women’s Justice Awards in St. Louis. Glesner Fines, who has served as a UMKC law faculty member for 27 years, received the Legal Scholar Award, which is presented to a female faculty member or administrator at a Missouri law school for her work on behalf of the justice system, through her research or scholarship or through teaching and inspiring others.
Glesner Fines has spent three decades educating students about the role of lawyers as agents of justice, and her leadership has been recognized by students, colleagues, and others in the profession. She teaches courses in family law and professional ethics, and her innovative team-based learning strategy for teaching professional responsibility earned her the designation of one of “23 Law Profs to Take Before You Die” by National Jurist Magazine.
“Because I love the profession, I am profoundly honored to be nominated for an award recognizing efforts to improve that profession’s role in providing justice,” said Glesner Fines.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Glesner Fines has also authored two innovative textbooks and a library of computer-assisted legal instruction programs that are used by law students across the country. Outside of the law school, Glesner Fines has a passion for serving her community to improve justice and has devoted her time and expertise to such organizations and projects as Legal Aid of Western Missouri, the Battered Women’s Justice Project, and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Civility Standards Committee to name a few.
Several UMKC alumni were also named Women’s Justice Award winners. Mara H. Cohara (’01), partner at Lathrop & Gage, received the Rising Star award; Elizabeth A. Bock (’86), associate circuit judge with the Douglas County Circuit Court, and Lajuana M. Counts (’88), assistant U.S. attorney with the Western District of Missouri, both received Public Service Practitioner awards; and Jean Peters Baker (’98), prosecutor in Jackson County, received the Public Official award. Sara Hofeditz Christensen, a current UMKC student, was also honored with the Leader of Tomorrow award. The number of awardees from UMKC is not lost on Glesner Fines.
“I’m humbled to realize that many of the current and former award winners are graduates of UMKC; many who were my former students,” said Glesner Fines.
For more information about the 2013 Women’s Justice Awards, visit the Missouri Lawyers Weekly website, which includes photos from the ceremony.
S. Rafe Foreman, UMKC’s Douglas Stripp Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Law and Director of Advocacy welcomes participants to the inaugural Show Me Challenge National Voir Dire Tournament.
Law students traveled from throughout the country to gather in Missouri April 11-13 for UMKC School of Law’s inaugural “Show Me Challenge” National Voir Dire Tournament. The competition—a three-day event that encouraged students to gain knowledge and experience in an often under taught element of trial practice—was organized and hosted by S. Rafe Foreman, UMKC’s Douglas Stripp Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Law and Director of Advocacy. The event could not have taken place without the sponsorship of the Danajames Kids Foundation and Bartimus Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, whose generosity supports the study of advocacy. Additionally, hundreds of people volunteered for this event, without whom it would not have been possible.
Sara Christensen, UMKC School of Law student and teaching assistant to Professor Foreman, interacts with participants during the opening night dinner at Accurso’s restaurant.
About the Competition
Twelve teams from law schools across America competed in the tournament, which focused on jury selection skills not often included as part of a lawyer’s academic training. Rounds included conducting the voir dire, acting as second chair counsel and presenting an opening statement. Since the voir dire is an essential skill for trial attorneys, and many cases may be won or lost as early as voir dire, Foreman and UMKC created this event to encourage and promote the teaching of voir dire in order to provide adequate attention to the process during law school.
Team Awards
Texas Tech University School of Law took home first place, edging out the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. South Texas School of Law and Creighton University School of Law also advanced to the semi-final round, while Baylor Law School earned the Most Professional Team award. Also competing at that tournament were teams from Drake University Law School, Mississippi College School of Law, Southern Illinois University School of Law, and Washburn University School of Law.
Teams from nine law schools competed for team and individual awards during the three-day tournament, which was sponsored by the Danajames Kids Foundation and Bartimus Frickleton Robertson & Gorney.
Individual Awards
In addition to the team awards, several individuals received awards for their superior performance. Ian Anthony from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law earned Best Overall Advocate, Mitchell Calhoun from Texas Tech University School of Law earned Outstanding Voir Dire, Ashley Sharif from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law earned Outstanding Second Chair Counsel and Juan Hernandez from Mississippi College School of Law rounded out the individual awards earning Outstanding Opening Statement.
For more information about the tournament, including tournament rules and scoring information, please visit the “Show Me Challenge” section of the law school’s website.
