Campus to Career Experience: 2026 Schedule and Programming

Thursday, January 29 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mann Lounge

Competent Networking 101

Dr. Devona Pierre (Stetson Law) and Catherine Henry (Henry Defense)

Hosted by Stetson Law Ambassadors.

Competent Networking 101 is a practical, informative event designed to help 1Ls feel prepared and confident heading into Campus to Career and other networking opportunities. The evening begins with snacks and a business-casual look book, followed by a focused workshop on effective networking led by Dr. Pierre. Catherine Henry, Esq. will then cover the essentials of professional dress and presentation. The event concludes with a short practice session so students can apply what they’ve learned in a low-pressure setting. It’s a clear, useful introduction to the fundamentals of professional networking for incoming 1Ls!

Friday, January 30 - 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Great Hall

Welcome reception sponsored by The Stetson Law Review

Large law firms, panelists from early programs, SLR alumni; Drew Valenti, Editor In Chief of SLR is host.

Hosted by Stetson Law Review.

Breakfast and coffee provided by Panera.

10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

3rd Floor of Dolly and Homer Hand Library

Panel: Regulation From Every Angle: How Corporate, Tax, Health Care, & Consumer Advocates Work Together throughout Legal Frameworks

Moderated by Professor Anthony Palermo; featuring John Waechter (Englander Fischer), Sam Craig (Johnson Pope), Bao Le (Low Income Taxpayer Clinic), Nathaniel Gardener (Holland & Knight), and Janet Varnell (Varnell and Warwick)

Hosted by Business Law, Consumer Advocates and Tax Law student organizations.

This panel examines how attorneys across the spectrum engage with regulation not as a barrier, but as a shared framework that supports functioning markets and protects the public. Whether advising businesses, defending institutions, or advocating for individuals, each panelist interacts with regulatory systems that shape and promote accountability. By exploring how each side of the “v.” interprets, applies, and sometimes challenges regulatory requirements, this diverse panel will illustrate the role of legal practitioners throughout distinct but interconnected practices. 

Lunch in the Library Atrium following the Panel, or participants may choose to join a noon program.

10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Eleazer Courtroom

Panel: Practicing toward Your Passion

Moderated by Professor Roberta K. Flowers; featuring David Gibbs III (Gibbs Firm), Jeff Childers (Smart Business Law), and Joseph Divito (Trenam)

Hosted by the Christian and Catholic student organizations.

"Practicing in your Passion" invites students to hear from attorneys who let Christ redirect or refine their careers into the areas of law where they were truly called. Discover how faith can move you from “what you’re doing” to “what you’re meant for,” and why trusting God with your vocation can open doors you never expected. Panelists will discuss the impact of their faith on their practice and in choosing their practice.

Lunch in the Library Atrium following the Panel, or participants may choose to join a noon program.

10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Classroom D

Panel: Brief Writing Tips and Tricks

Moderated by Professor Brooke J. Bowman and Adriana Louth-Ciaccio; featuring Tyler Brown (Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP), Laura Dempsey (AG Office), Lara Breslow (AG Office), and Bradley Muhs (Trenam)

Hosted by the First Generation Law Students organization.

Currently in R&W II? Want to learn some brief writing tips or tricks? Then join our panelists who will share their experience and expertise about writing briefs, whether it is a trial brief or an appellate brief. These tips should be helpful during law school and beyond.

10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Classroom G (lunch in F)

Panel: The People Business: A Legal Journey into Human Talent

Moderated by Dean Darryl Wilson; featuring Julee Milham, Michaelina Carbone (US Ladies Soccer League), and Brian Paul (Shutts & Bowen LLP).

Hosted by Entertainment and Sports Law Society, Stetson Law Arts and Music Society, and Fashion Arts, Music and Entertainment Law Society (EASL-SLAMS-FAME).

The moderated panel will explore the diverse pathways to a career in the industries based on and serving human talent. Each of the sponsoring organizations encourages membership , and provide over the course of each academic year, rich and valuable programming, interesting and skilled mentors, and connections to fascinating opportunities.

Lunch in Classroom F.

10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Sebring Courtoom or small conference room

Panel: Finding Balance and Better Mental Health through Service

Jeff Harvey (Community Law Services of Mid-Florida)

Hosted by NAMI and the Stetson Law Veterans Law Institute.

Jeff Harvey recently published a widely circulated and lauded article in the Florida Bar News: Finding Barlance--And Better Mental Health--through Service. In this session, he will discuss how he arrived at this subject, his preparation for his law career following active duty Army service, and the importance for finding balance. To quote Mr. Harvey's article: "Ours is a people-based industry, and interpersonal connections are a defining element.. . The ripples created in a community when solving another person's issues are significant--they ensure baci needs, they change lives."

10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Advocacy Institute, First Floor Courtroom

From Stetson Law to the World Stage: Careers in International Law

Professor Klara Van der Ploeg

Outline of Careers and opportunities in International Law.

 

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Mann Lounge/Banyan Courtyard

TBD

PD's, SA's and Criminal Law private practioners

Hosted by the Criminal Law Society, Anti Trafficking Coalition, Stetson Law Survivors and Innocence Project.

Description TBD.

Lunch is in the Mann Lounge and is a standing event with hi-tops and some tables in both the Mann and the Banyan.

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

3rd Floor of Dolly and Homer Hand Library

Real Property and Elder Law in Practice: Transactions, Planning, and Disputes

Moderated by Erica Roodhouse (Legacy Protection Lawyers); featuring Jim Martin (JamesMartin, PA), Sierra Daigle (Gibbons Neuman Law), and Craig Taraski (Johnson Pope).

Hosted by Elder Law Society and Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Association.

Panelists will discuss the realities of daily practice, types of clients they serve, legal matters they handle most often, and how their careers developed after graduation. This program is designed to help law students explore practice areas they may be considering and to give practical insight into the transition from law school to practice in property- and elder-focused fields. Expect straightforward answers, real examples, and an honest comparison of two closely related/intertwined paths.

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Advocacy Institute, Room 237

Many Paths, One Planet: Careers Across Environmental Law

Moderated by Blair Carlyle (Stetson Law student); featuring Paria Heeter (Manson Bolves) and Maria White (Pinelllas County).

Hosted by Environmental Law Society and Food Law Society.

This panel explores the breadth of environmental law practice and the many career paths it offers. Attorneys from private firms and public interest roles will discuss what their day-to-day work looks like, how their practices differ, and the skills needed to succeed in each setting. Panelists will also share practical advice on breaking into environmental law, getting involved as a student or early-career professional, and finding opportunities to build experience and connections in the field.

Lunch in the space outside the classroom.

1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Florin Roebig Courtroom

Panel: How We Serve: A Panel of Ambassadors

Moderated by Eve Schlegel (Stetson Law student); featuring Stetson Law students Emma Quattlebaum, Parker Schlichte, Isabel Sanchez and Tyler Goldberg.

Hosted by Stetson Law Ambassadors.

A Panel four Ambassadors who will discuss their campus service, their roles as the heart of the campus, and how these experiences have contributed to their personal and professional growth.

Snacks provided.

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Great Hall

Practice Mentors Networking and Reception hosted by the Stetson Law Student Bar Association

Hosted by Student Bar Association.

Water and dessert provided.