The fourth Annual Public Interest Retreat will be held on Friday, Feb. 22. This year, the retreat will focus on non-profit and public interest attorneys with a connection to North Carolina.

The lunch program will start at noon in Room 1312 of the Worrell Professional Center where all the retreat speakers will introduce themselves.  Law students can win a spot for this luncheon via a lottery. Break-out sessions will begin at 2 p.m. with each session lasting 30 minutes.

At this time, the plan is to have a criminal law session, government service session, and a human rights session, among others. At 4 p.m., following the break-out sessions, there will be a networking reception where students can chat with the speakers in a more intimate setting.

“We hope that you will attend and learn more about working in the public interest field,” said organizer Lynette Gaspar.

If you are interested in participating as a speaker, please contact Gaspar at gaspal11@wfu.edu.

The third annual Wake Forest University School of Law Public Interest Retreat was coined a success by students and faculty alike.

“I am very pleased with the turnout and to see the level of interest grow again this year,” said Amanda Oliver, a third-year student and public interest retreat director, of the March 2 event.

“My only complaint about the day is that we didn’t have more time,” added Beth Hopkins, Wake Forest School of Law director of outreach. “I wanted to hear more from all of our panelists, especially Mr. (Francisco) Negron.”

Oliver said Negron, associate executive director and general counsel to the National School Board Association, kicked off the day with a discussion about education law and its impact on a variety of national issues. He spoke about his passion for non-profit work and the satisfaction he receives from helping students and educators all across the country. He also discussed the value of working in the public interest arena and the opportunities it provides aspiring lawyers.

“Often times you fall into a career in public interest law,” Negron told the room of students, faculty and practicing attorneys. “A vast majority of school lawyers also have their own law firms and offer a variety of services. Very rarely are school attorneys in-house counsel, which is why I encourage everyone to ask a firm about their education law component if this something they want to pursue.”

Negron also discussed the value of being passionate about whatever arena of public interest law someone wants to pursue, and that same spirit carried over into the four breakout sessions.

Representatives from various non-profit agencies and state and federal governmental agencies discussed the ability to handle a large case load and the skill sets that are most important for success. Many said that a great attorney needs to be able to think on their feet, listen to their clients, and be mindful of the relationships they build with the other attorneys, judges and court staff. They said that will help build a level of trust and set them apart from the rest.

“The biggest complaint I hear from my clients is that nobody will listen to them,” said Greg Davis, senior litigator for the Federal Public Defender’s Office. “You have to have the ability to be patient and listen to what they have to say because you never know when that will save your client time in jail.”

The panelists also urged those in attendance to take full advantage of their summers to gain valuable experience. David A. Singleton, executive director for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, said most companies want to see that someone has real-world experience in addition to the classroom knowledge. He strongly urged students to get involved with the clinics that are offered and not be afraid to pursue an opportunity, even if it is not their first choice.

“One of the best things you can do is determine your passion and follow that route,” said Iris Sunshine, executive director of the Children’s Law Center of Central, N.C. “Internships are important, even if they don’t pay, because they give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience and network with alumni in those fields.”

Brittany Speas (’12) is someone who has benefited from those experiences. She said she attended law school with the primary purpose of helping those who don’t necessarily have access to many resources. She said she has interned for the Public Defender’s Office and Legal Aid so she understands both the criminal and civil proceedings. Speas said she hopes this will help her land a job upon graduation in May.

“I can see a lot of people who are in need, and I want the opportunity to be their voice,” said Speas, who is from Winston-Salem. “I’ve always enjoyed community service, and I see this as my opportunity to give back.”

Speas said this was the first year she has been able to attend the Public Interest Retreat, and she is grateful she had one last opportunity to get involved.

“This retreat has been wonderful,” Speas said. “It provides those of us who are interested in public interest law the chance to familiarize ourselves with the opportunities that are available and to network with those who are out there doing it every day. I am glad I was finally able to attend this year.”

 This year’s panelists included:

• Paul Meyer, Chief Legislative Counsel, N.C. League of Municipalities
• Rufus Allen, Assistant Attorney General with the Environmental Division of the N.C. Department of Justice
• Joal Broun, Lobbying Compliance Division Director, N.C. Department of the Secretary of State
• Ann Wall, General Counsel, N.C.  Secretary of State
• Aisha Rahman, Executive Director, KARAMAH (Muslim Women Human Rights Organization)
• Mike Selmi, Civil Rights litigator
• David A. Singleton, Executive Director of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center
• Bert Gall, Senior Attorney, Institute for Justice
• Susan Noe, Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
• Jasper Brown, Field Attorney, National Labor Relations Board
• Erin Comerford, AUSA
• Greg Davis, Federal PD
• Rebecca Wood,  Assistant Public Defender, Forsyth County PD’s office
• David Sipprell, Violent Crimes Prosecutor, General Felonies Supervisor, Forsyth County DA’s Office
• Gene Fishel, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Virginia’s Attorney General’s Office

As Francisco M. Negron Jr. took the podium inside the Worrell Professional Center for the third annual Public Interest Retreat on Friday, March 2, 2012, his message was simple: “Do well while doing good.”

Negron, associate executive director and general counsel to the National School Board Association, said he wanted the practicing attorneys, faculty members and future lawyers in the room to remember the importance of being “citizen lawyers.” He also wanted them to know that it is possible to have a successful career while serving the interest of others.

“You are the future of our profession, and I believe that bright students like you are the heart of our profession,” Negron said. “A career in public interest law offers you the opportunity to touch a full gamut of law concepts like you would in a corporate setting, but you also have the opportunity to advocate for an organization that you are passionate about.”

Negron said he enjoys working in school law because he represents one of the largest employers in the country. He said he works with superintendents and school board members from across the country on issues that range from constitutional questions and contracts to employment concerns, special education laws and administrative policies. He said the work he does ultimately shapes the impact a single decision can have on the national scene.

“It’s our job to tell the court what it means for a district to pick a particular decision and how that will impact others,” Negron said. “Our amicus briefs are important because it helps the court understand the nuances of cases beyond what the parties involved have to say.”

Negron said not all of the cases that he handles involve education directly, but he said all of the cases offer his staff the opportunity to build relationships with members of the Supreme Court.

One example that Negron discussed during his 45-minute speech was a 2010 employment case where a police chief sued the city he worked for. Negron said the police chief argued that the town’s retaliation denied him an opportunity to file a grievance against the government.

Negron said his staff became the voice of public employees when they wrote the amicus brief because they wanted the court to understand that this was a grievance case between employer and employee, which removed it from the constitutional arena. Negron said had the court not known that fact, it could have threatened future grievances by employees.

“We may not have had a dog in the fight at first glance, but we wanted the court to understand the impact this decision would have on other employees with challenges to employment,” Negron said.

Another example that Negron referenced was the 2007 case, Morse v. Frederick. In this case, 18-year-old Frederick was suspended by Principal Morse for displaying a banner that read “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” during the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay. Frederick sued, claiming that the principal violated his First Amendment rights, and the Ninth Circuit court ruled in favor of the student.

Negron said his staff became interested in the case when that decision was made because they believed that the principal should not be held personally responsible. He said educators should receive immunity if they act in a “reasonable way.” He also said the decision was important because it could have had an impact on property tax dollars as school systems across the country spent more money on legal fees.

In the end, Negron said the United States Supreme Court heard the NSBA’s concerns and reversed the decision. He said the Supreme Court argued that educators can suppress student speech at a school if that speech promotes illegal drug use because it has to do with the students’ welfare.

“As these examples show, school law is a truly dynamic field that has a real impact on many national issues,” Negron said. “If you love constitutional law, this job may be perfect because it allows you the opportunity to explore that interest and craft possible solutions.”

Negron went on to say that the public interest arena offers students many other opportunities to make a difference.

“Today’s conversation is just a glimpse into the exciting field of education law, but education law is not the only work in non-profit law. There are hundreds of opportunities out there at organizations and associations throughout the country, so don’t be afraid to explore your passions.”

The Wake Forest University School of Law’s Public Interest Initiative will host its third annual Public Interest Retreat on Friday, March 2, in the Worrell Professional Center.

The program will begin at noon with the keynote address in Room 1312 by Francisco M. Negron Jr. He is the associate executive director and general counsel of the National School Boards Association and a leading national advocate for public schools, directing the association’s nationally recognized Legal Advocacy Program. The program files more amicus briefs in the United States Supreme Court and in federal and state appellate courts across the country each year than all national education associations combined. Negron also leads the 3,000-member Council of School Attorneys, the national network of lawyers representing K-12 public schools.

After a luncheon for members of the Public Interest Initiative, there will be several breakout sessions throughout the afternoon with panelists comprised of practicing public interest attorneys, some of whom are listed below. 

“It is going to be quite a day,” said Professor Beth Hopkins, Wake Forest School of Law director of outreach. “It’s a chance for our students to see what opportunities are available in public interest law and why these attorneys love what they do.”

Hopkins said that people often think that public interest jobs are limited to working at the district attorney’s office or as a public defender, but  those who attend the retreat will realize that the options are endless. She said public interest careers also include working for environmental agencies and youth advocacy centers, representing parents whose children have been suspended from schools, handling prison rights issues and providing direction on immigration matters.

“Our students are turning to the public sector more often upon graduation since the opportunities in private corporations are not as abundant,” she explained. “But I think as they see the dedication of those who spend their time serving the public, they will realize that the outcome can be very rewarding.”

Amanda Thompson, retreat director for the Public Interest Initiative, said she is excited to be in charge of this year’s program because she remembers what it was like to attend the retreat her first year. She said she thought she was one of the few who wanted to pursue a public interest career, but she soon realized that it was a viable option.

“This retreat started my first year at Wake Forest, and I am very glad I decided to attend,” Thompson said. “It was so nice to hear from people who are making a livelihood in this area because it showed me that it can be the right step after graduation.

 “I would encourage anyone who has an interest in public service to come and take part in the retreat because it will give you the chance to see all that public interest careers have to offer and to network with practicing attorneys.”

Negron received his juris doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of West Florida. He is a member of the Bars of the United States Supreme Court, the District of Columbia, Florida, and all federal Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Negron, who regularly serves as a spokesperson for public schools, said he is looking forward to his visit to Wake Forest. He wants the students to better understand the role of a school lawyer and how working for a non-profit organization mirrors the work of private corporations. He said he handles many of the same business transactions that he would as a corporate attorney but also has the reward of helping students.

“I want these students to know that areas that many seem out of reach can provide them with a rewarding career,” Negron said. “There is a way to melt the two together to not only look at current issues but also to represent the well-being of a particular agency.”

The Public Interest Retreat is free, and the keynote address will be open to the public. Reservations for the luncheon are required. For more information or to participate in this year’s program, email Amanda Thompson at thoman9@wfu.edu.

During the break out sessions attorneys are divided by practice area (criminal law, government agencies, civil rights law, etc). The break out sessions allow attending students to ask questions and hear how these attorneys got to where they are. The end of the retreat is capped off with a reception where attending students can mingle and talk more with the participating lawyers.

Below is a sampling of attending attorneys:

• Paul Meyer, Chief Legislative Counsel, N.C. League of Municipalities 
• Rufus Allen, Assistant Attorney General with the Environmental Division of the N.C. Department of Justice
• Joal Broun, Lobbying Compliance Division Director, N.C. Department of the Secretary of State
• Ann Wall, General Counsel, N.C.  Secretary of State
• Aisha Rahman, Executive Director, KARAMAH (Muslim Women Human Rights Organization)
• Mike Selmi, Civil Rights litigator
• David A. Singleton, Executive Director of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center
• Bert Gall, Senior Attorney, Institute for Justice
• Susan Noe, Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
• Jasper Brown, Field Attorney, National Labor Relations Board
• Erin Comerford, AUSA
• Greg Davis, Federal PD
• Rebecca Wood,  Assistant Public Defender, Forsyth County PD’s office
• David Sipprell, Violent Crimes Prosecutor, General Felonies Supervisor, Forsyth County DA’s Office 
• Gene Fishel, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Virginia’s Attorney General’s Office

Morris Dees’ soft drawl belies the fire that the founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center still carries for work that befits Wake Forest University’s motto, pro humanitate, or for humanity.

Speaking before a couple of hundred law students – as well as faculty members and the public – for the school’s annual Public Interest Retreat on Friday, Feb. 4, Dees pushed students to remember that they are to treat people fairly and that all deserve an equal opportunity.

“That’s what Dr. King fought for – justice,’’ Dees said. “It doesn’t mean that you leave your conscience on the ground floor if you work for a large corporate law firm.’’

Dees, 74, used real-life examples during his 45-minute keynote address to illustrate how lawyers and leaders made a difference. Among those he cited for going above and beyond were John Quincy Adams, Clarence Darrow and Martin Luther King Jr. His stories were frequently interrupted with chuckles by the appreciative audience, and, on occasion, dead silence as he spoke the truth about shameful moments.

The Adams story he told centered on the Boston Massacre, when the man who would later become president, took on the unpleasant task of defending Redcoats who had fired into a mob of angry colonists. Dees said Adams later wrote that it was the best piece of service he ever did for his country because he was “making sure the rule of law, not the mob, served the country.’’

Dees held his audience rapt as he spun out a tale about Darrow and his approach to defending a man who tried to organize a union at a window manufacturing plant in Appleton, Wis., in 1920. Dees told how Darrow spent months in Appleton, getting to know the people of the community, those who would serve as jurors during the trial.

And though the union organizer had clearly violated a state law by trying to persuade workers to form a union, Darrow was able, Dees said, to show how the owner of the plant had neither raised his children in local schools nor bought a car locally, despite his belief that he was a good citizen.

Darrow’s tactic was to get the jurors to see a broader picture of unfairness, he said.

“That’s what a great lawyer is about,’’ he said, “making sure the jury knows what it’s all about. Sometimes the laws we have are unjust.’’

From Darrow, Dees moved on to talk about King’s fears for the United States to survive as a democracy in the months before his “I Have a Dream’’ speech in Washington, D.C. Dees imagined that if King were alive today, he might make some minor adjustments in that speech to acknowledge the inequities faced by people living in barrios, ghettos and on reservations. And that he would point out the need to serve people who are homeless, poor and powerless, the kind of people the Southern Poverty Law Center has served in its work since Dees founded the Montgomery, Ala.-based organization in 1971. The center won many groundbreaking civil rights cases to help integrate government and its institutions. In later years, Dees led the SPLC to file civil lawsuits that helped cripple hate groups, winning large judgments against the organizations.

 Today, he said, the most significant work being done by the SPLC has to do with justice for immigrants, he said. He told of a mother who the organization helped get back a child taken from her at birth because she couldn’t speak English. And of employers and labor bosses who cheat workers out of their fair wages.

“This labor immigrant issue,’’ Dees said, “is probably the biggest cause for the increase in hate groups.’’

To the future lawyers before him, Dees issued a challenge – to make sure they work to reduce the “pain and suffering of those treated as second class.”

Always, he said, “lawyers have played an important role in making sure we have liberty and justice for all.’’

The message resonated with students.

Paige Sova, a first-year law student, said Dees was “definitely inspirational’’ because of the way he used real-life examples. Hearing a person talk outside of the cases and contracts is important, she said.

Likewise, first-year student Kristina Wolf said she found it fascinating how Dees “brought in history so well’’ and how people such as Adams and King “had to stand up in their times.’’

Third-year student Bianca Hudson said she hopes to go into public interest law upon graduation. Hudson, who founded the Immigration Law Society at Wake, said one thing was clear from Dees.

“I think the struggles are still there,’’ she said. “Just the faces have changed.’’

Morris Dees, founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, will give the keynote address, “With Justice For All,” at the Wake Forest University School of Law’s annual Public Interest Retreat.

 The retreat will kick off with the keynote speaker at noon on Friday, Feb. 4, in Room 1312 of the Worrell Professional Center. The keynote address is free and open to the public.

“We are so excited that Mr. Dees has agreed to speak at this year’s Public Interest Retreat,” said organizer Peter Ledford (’11). “We hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to come and hear such an influential figure in public interest law.”

As part of the retreat, students will have the chance to meet in small groups with other public interest attorneys, including Gene Fishel (’02), senior assistant attorney general and chief of the computer crime section in the Virginia Attorney General’s Office; Lizmar Bosques, assistant Forsyth County District Attorney; Patrick Baker (‘93), Durham city attorney; Susan Cheng (‘07), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration; and Anita Earls, executive director, Southern Coalition for Social Justice.

Dees co-founded the SPLC in 1971 following a successful business and law career, according to the organization’s website. He started a direct mail sales company specializing in book publishing while still a student at the University of Alabama, where he also obtained a law degree. After launching a law practice in Montgomery in 1960, he won a series of groundbreaking civil rights cases that helped integrate government and public institutions. He also served as finance director for former President Jimmy Carter’s campaign in 1976 and for Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern in 1972.

Known for his innovative lawsuits that crippled some of America’s most notorious white supremacist hate groups, Dees has received more than 20 honorary degrees and numerous awards. Those include Trial Lawyer of the Year from Trial Lawyers for Public Justice and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award from the National Education Association, the website states.

Dees was named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by the National Law Journal in 2006. In addition, the University of Alabama Law School and the New York law firm Skadden, Arps jointly created the annual Morris Dees Justice Award to honor a lawyer devoted to public service work. Dees has written three books:  “A Season For Justice,” his autobiography; “Hate on Trial: The Case Against America’s Most Dangerous Neo-Nazi;” and “Gathering Storm: America’s Militia Threat.” In 1991, NBC aired a made-for-TV movie called “Line of Fire” about Dees and his landmark legal victories against the Ku Klux Klan.