Welcome to the March edition of the Alumni Forum, our e-newsletter for alumni and friends. In this edition we share news about alumni and other subjects of interest to the Valparaiso Law community. We are now moving to a monthly schedule. We encourage you to share news and information to include in future issues. Please also keep your contact information up to date so you can continue to receive the Alumni Forum, invitations to events, and other publications.

Our new Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Vanessa Verner, joined us in October. She is currently planning alumni events, working with alumni volunteers in the mentoring area and elsewhere, and in general working to enhance your experience as a member of the Valparaiso Law community.

Dear Alumni and Friends:

I have been Dean of the Valparaiso University Law School since 1998. Effective April 15, I will move to a new position as Dean of the Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In the nearly 15 years I have served as Dean, the Law School has had many successes and accomplishments. The one of which I am most proud is building sustainable diversity at the school, most notably in the student body--the percentage of underrepresented minority students has been in the 30-35% range for some time. We have also doubled the number of live client clinics and built a state-of-the-art facility for clinical and skills education. I could easily go on, but you have read my semi-annual alumni letters over the years, and can also take a look at our web site (www.valpo.edu/law).

It has been a privilege to come to know and work with hundreds of you over the years, as we have collaborated to build a successful and innovative school. I will miss my many friends and partners among you, and wish you all well as you continue to support the school and participate in future initiatives.

Very best wishes,
Jay Conison
Dean and Professor, Valparaiso Law

Professor Ivan Bodensteiner has been appointed as Interim Dean of Valparaiso University Law School, effective March 13, 2013. A national search process is already under way, and Professor Bodensteiner will serve in this position until a new dean is appointed. A 1965 graduate of Loras College, Professor Bodensteiner received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1968. He joined the faculty of Valparaiso University in 1972 and served as Dean ... read more

Law School Alumni Interview

"After I graduated from law school, I joined a small boutique firm in Chicago. I quickly realized I wanted to do something on my own. Shortly thereafter, I started my own practice which focused on medium-sized businesses and trying to find" ... read more

Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard stepped down last year after serving on the Indiana Supreme Court for 27 years. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest Chief Justice in the country. On Thursday, April 18^th and 19^th, alumni are invited to attend alumni events and the Law Review Symposium Honoring Justice Randall T. Shepard. ... read more

The Valparaiso University Law School’s International Moot Court and Moot Court Teams had impressive victories in recent competitions. ... read more

We welcome your feedback! If you have suggestions of what you would like to see, what services you would like provided from your Office of Alumni Relations, please send a note to Law.Alumni@valpo.edu. In the meantime, be sure to keep your eyes open for this e-newsletter, join/like the Valparaiso Law Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages and please join us at an alumni event in the coming year.

CLASS NOTES

LAW LEADERS

Congratulations to the following Valparaiso Law Alumni invited to serve on the ISBA's Leadership Development Academy! Jessica Arnold ('10), Jacquelyn Pillar King ('04), Dino Pollock ('08), Tammy Somers ('01 ). ... read more

Offer a word of Congratulations to these Leaders in Law!

We want to highlight our alumni who are excelling! Tell us about your recent achievements!

IN MEMORIAM

Professor Paul H. Brietzke, age 68, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Professor Susan Adams (J.D., VU, 1990), and their son Dr. Colin A. Brietzke. Contributions of time or money may be made to any of three groups ... read more

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