St. Thomas University College of Law

Father Hilary O. Nwainya, Ph.D., Associate Dean and Associate Professor at our School of Theology and Ministry, presented his article titled “Silenced Victims of the Cold War in Africa: Recognition as Pathway to Restorative Justice,” in our lunch-time colloquium series on Tuesday, November 3. This article examines the Cold War’s enduring impact in Africa, showing how propaganda, censorship, external interventions, and geopolitical rivalries silenced victims and how similar dynamics persist today. It argues that recognition of these silenced voices is essential to achieving restorative justice and genuine reconciliation. Without such acknowledgment, justice remains denied and reconciliation incomplete. To address this challenge, this article proposes a normative framework grounded in African palaver ethics, emphasizing communal dialogue and accountability, together with Catholic principles of solidarity and subsidiarity. Ultimately, this article seeks to redress historical neglect and chart practical pathways for recognizing silenced victims, restoring human dignity, and fostering authentic reconciliation across Africa. This enlightening lecture engendered a lively discussion oriented at the goal of restorative justice, focusing on remedying historical injustice in Africa and beyond. #STUMiami // #STULaw // #FacultyScholarship // #RestorativeJustice // #LegalScholarship

On October 29, Professor Reni Saula hosted Lisa T. Roberts, the Branch Chief Attorney Advisor of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as part of an ongoing lecture series designed to facilitate student engagement with key industry regulators and regulatory agencies, known as the Regulator Series. The visit provided Business Law students with a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights into the importance of financial literacy, investor education, and the prevention of securities fraud. During the presentation, students were introduced to the SEC’s role in protecting investors, promoting fair and transparent securities markets, and addressing fraudulent investment activities and misconduct. The Regulator Series continues to serve as an important platform for connecting students with regulatory leaders and practitioners, enriching the academic experience, and preparing future attorneys to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #RegulatorSeries // #BusinessLaw // #LegalEducation

What does it take to become a federal judicial clerk? Students had the opportunity to find out during our Federal Clerkship Panel featuring Judge Corali Lopez-Castro, Magistrate Lisette Reid, and Rocio Iglesias Gonzalez ('25). From practical application tips to career advice and personal experiences, panelists shared valuable insights into judicial internships, federal clerkships, and careers in the federal judiciary. Thank you to our speakers and partner organizations for helping students explore exciting pathways in public service and the legal profession. @TarlikaNavarro #STULaw // #FederalClerkships // #FutureLawyers // #CareerDevelopment // #StudentSuccess

Join the 2026 Human Trafficking Academy, a live certificate program hosted by the John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy of St. Thomas University College of Law, with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits approved by The Florida Bar. 📅 November 16–20, 2026 💻 Live via Zoom For many trafficking survivors, the consequences of exploitation continue long after they escape. Criminal records can create lasting barriers to employment, housing, education, and recovery. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA), enacted in January 2026, marks an important step toward changing that reality. This year's Academy will bring together legal experts and survivor leaders to explore subjects related to survivor criminalization and access to justice as well as legal relief and corresponding issues under the TSRA. Join legal professionals, law enforcement, social service providers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, government officials, survivor leaders, educators, students, faith-based representatives, and all people of good will who seek to deepen their understanding of the true and full recovery of human trafficking survivors. 🔗 Register today: humantraffickingacademy.org/… #STUMiami // #STULaw // #HumanTraffickingAcademy // #BrunettiAcademy // #TraffickingSurvivorsReliefAct // #RozaPati // #MartinaVandenberg

On October 29th, the College of Law proudly hosted the Florida Bench & Bar Conference, bringing together distinguished judges, attorneys, legal scholars, students, and members of Florida’s legal community for a day of professional development, networking, and engaging discussions. The conference featured insightful panels on trial advocacy, artificial intelligence, and legal ethics, along with a special fireside chat featuring The Honorable Roy K. Altman, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, and Professor Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. Throughout the event, students had valuable opportunities to connect with members of the judiciary and legal profession. Through the dedication of the College of Law’s leadership, faculty, staff, and supporters, the conference raised over $100,000 in scholarships for College of Law students, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals. The College of Law extends its appreciation to the distinguished speakers, attendees, supporters, and everyone whose contributions helped make the conference a success. 📸 Relive the highlights from the event by clicking the link in our bio to view the photo gallery! @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #FloridaBenchAndBar // #LegalCommunity // #StudentSuccess

STU College of Law was proud to support and participate in the 34th Annual Red Mass, hosted by the St. Thomas More Society of South Florida on October 27 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale. ⛪⚖️ The Mass was celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, bringing together judges, attorneys, law students, and members of South Florida’s legal community in prayer and reflection. Dating back to the 13th century, the Red Mass is a longstanding Catholic tradition that invokes the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon members of the legal profession and judiciary as they carry out their responsibilities in the pursuit of justice. Representing STU College of Law were Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro, Professors Thomas Nguyen, Peter Martino, Brian Potts, and 3L student Grazzieli Cordoni. During the event, Dean Nuñez-Navarro was pictured with Jamie Finizio Bascombe and Diana Santa Maria, members of the St. Thomas More Society’s Red Mass Board of Governors. Attorney Nisha Bacchus also had the opportunity to connect with an STU Law student, reflecting the meaningful engagement between students and members of the legal community. The evening featured guest speaker Mark Middendorf, President of Ave Maria University, with Jeremiah “Tom” Sheehan receiving the 2026 Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! STU College of Law is honored to support this meaningful tradition, reaffirming the importance of faith, integrity, and service within the legal profession. #STUMiami // #STULaw // #RedMass // #FaithAndLaw // #LegalCommunity

STU College of Law’s Transactional Law Team recently welcomed Emmanuelle Subar Litvinov, Esq., a partner at The Entrepreneur Lawyers, as a guest presenter for an engaging and interactive classroom session! ⚖️ During the presentation, Emmanuelle guided students through practical considerations in drafting and negotiating LLC operating agreements, highlighting how different provisions reflect the business interests and priorities of the parties involved. The session concluded with a mock negotiation, where team members represented different investors in a fictional LLC. Students were challenged to identify their clients’ unique interests and negotiate on their behalf, putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice. A special thank you to Emmanuelle for sharing her time, expertise, and valuable insights with our students, providing a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their transactional law and negotiation skills! #STUMiami // #STULaw // #TransactionalLaw // #ExperientialLearning // #LegalEducation // #StudentSuccess

On October 22, Professor Keith Fisher presented the introduction to his draft article entitled Exercising a Controlling Influence: The Protean Definition of “Control” in Financial Regulation. The article deals with a particular aspect of the regulation of every insured depository institution (IDI) and holding company with one or more IDIs – namely, the core concept of “control.” Control is the fulcrum of modern banking regulation. The concept determines which persons may acquire a stake in an IDI, which must undergo supervisory vetting, and which is subject to the plenary architecture of prudential oversight. Control is thus the touchstone for imposition of a variety of legal constraints, as well as of ascertaining corporate relatedness (including the statutorily delineated concept of affiliation) and the concomitant restrictions on dealings with such related entities. @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #FacultyScholarship // #LegalResearch

STU College of Law’s Office for Career Development, in collaboration with the Public Interest Law Society, hosted a Lunch & Learn on October 20 featuring The Honorable Bronwyn C. Miller of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal and Brittany M. Bonner, Esq., of Dade Legal Aid. ⚖️ The presentation, “Remedies & Access to Justice,” explored legal issues involving landlord-tenant matters, dependency, and contracts, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with limited or no access to legal representation. Through an engaging discussion, students explored ways to bridge the gap between community legal needs and access to services, emphasizing the importance of pro bono and low bono representation. The session inspired many students to explore opportunities to serve as Guardians ad Litem, immigration representatives, and Certified Legal Interns (CLIs). A special thank you to Judge Miller and Ms. Bonner for sharing their knowledge, experiences, and commitment to expanding access to justice with our future legal professionals! @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #AccessToJustice // #ProBono // #PublicInterestLaw // #ProfessionalDevelopment

STU College of Law’s CASBA hosted its inaugural “CASBA Conversations” panel discussion on October 19, welcoming Jason A. Reding Quiñones, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and STU Law alumna Yara Lorenzo Klukas (’09), First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, for an engaging conversation with our students! ⚖️ Held in our Moot Courtroom, the interactive Q&A highlighted the importance of networking, building meaningful professional relationships early in one’s legal career, and understanding the qualities employers seek in prospective candidates. A special thank you to our distinguished panelists for sharing their experiences, insights, and valuable career advice with our future legal professionals! @FAUSA_Yara #STUMiami // #STULaw // #STUAlumni // #CASBA // #ProfessionalDevelopment // #LegalCareers

On October 9th, Professor Christian Lee González-Rivera introduced and discussed Yale Senior Researcher Nicholas Rostow’s new book, Proportional to the Mischief: International Law and U.S. Grand Strategy, during its first presentation at Books & Books in Coral Gables. Rostow, a longtime visiting lecturer in the College of Law’s Intercultural Human Rights Master of Laws Program, joined Professor González-Rivera for a discussion exploring the theory, history, and politics of American grand strategy in foreign affairs. The event brought together members of the public and the College of Law community, including faculty, students, and administrators, for an engaging conversation on international law and American foreign policy. #STULAW // #STUMiami // #BooksandBooks

Breaking Down Essays! 📚⚖️ Over 200 STU Law students from across all class years attended our first session, gaining valuable insights into how to approach and answer bar exam essays! Missed the first session? Our second Breaking Down Essays event is happening TONIGHT at Moot Court! Take part as we break down the most recent Family Law essay and explore effective strategies for bar exam success. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your essay-writing skills! 🐾 @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #BarPreparation // #AcademicSuccess // #LawSchoolLife

STU College of Law proudly celebrated the investiture of The Honorable Thomas J. Rebull as a judge of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal! ⚖️ Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro and Professor Christian Gonzalez-Rivera attended the ceremony alongside STU Law students, alumni, and College of Law Board of Advisors Chair Emeritus Herman Russomanno. Judge Rebull was sworn in by The Honorable Robert J. Luck, U.S. Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Judge Rebull’s wife, The Honorable Christina DiRaimondo, a judge of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and their three children joined him for this special occasion. Also in attendance were Jason Weida, Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, and David Axelman, General Counsel to Governor Ron DeSantis. Judge Rebull joins a distinguished bench that includes STU Law alumna Judge Kansas R. Gooden (’08). We are especially grateful for his continued support of our law school, including his decision to hire STU Law alumnus Donovan Smith (’26) as his judicial law clerk. Congratulations to Judge Rebull on this significant milestone, and thank you for your continued support of the STU Law community! @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #JudicialExcellence // #LegalCommunity

On October 16th, members of the College of Law community attended My Faith in Practice: The Rule of Law Inside and Out, a CLE/CJE seminar held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Coral Gables. The program featured a keynote address by The Honorable John D. Couriel, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida, and brought together judges, attorneys, law students, and members of the legal community to explore the intersection of faith, the rule of law, and professional responsibility. Representing the College of Law were Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro, Professor William Castro and students from his Professional Responsibility class, Professor David DeWolf, Assistant Dean for Career Development Jennifer Ley-Soto, and members of the College of Law’s Board of Advisors, including alumnus Jude M. Faccidomo (’04). Also in attendance were several alumni, including Yara Lorenzo Klukas (’09), First Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, alongside Jason A. Reding Quiñones, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The seminar provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with members of the judiciary and legal profession while reflecting on the role of faith, ethics, and service in the practice of law. @TarlikaNavarro #STUMiami // #STULaw // #FaithAndLaw // #LegalEthics // #STUAlumni

STU College of Law proudly supported the Miami Lakes Bar Association’s “AI on the Record” CLE seminar, featuring Professor Michael Hasday and STU Law alumna Ana De La Rosa Quesada. ⚖️💻 The program brought together students, attorneys, and members of the Miami Lakes legal community for an engaging discussion on the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession and how attorneys can navigate its evolving role in legal practice. Also in attendance were Assistant Dean for Career Development Jennifer Ley-Soto, Director of Alumni Relations Nicole Reinoso, and several STU Law alumni. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to connect with practicing attorneys, expand their professional networks, and gain insight into the evolving legal landscape. #STUMiami // #STULaw // #STUAlumni // #ArtificialIntelligence // #LegalEducation // #ProfessionalDevelopment

The College of Law proudly hosted the 7th Annual Florida Jurist: Recognizing Hispanic Excellence, bringing together judges, attorneys, bar leaders, students, and members of the legal community to celebrate distinguished Hispanic jurists from across Florida. The evening honored six members of the judiciary: The Honorable Nancy Perez (15th Judicial Circuit), The Honorable Betty Capote Erben (11th Judicial Circuit), The Honorable Virginia Hernandez Covington (U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida), The Honorable Miguel M. de la O (11th Judicial Circuit), Judge-Elect Ginger Miranda (9th Judicial Circuit), and The Honorable Olga Levine (17th Judicial Circuit). Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro delivered welcoming remarks, reflecting on the importance of celebrating Hispanic heritage, recognizing judicial excellence, and inspiring future generations of legal professionals. Drawing on her own judicial experience, she emphasized the role of judges in upholding the rule of law and serving their communities. The program also featured participation from Hispanic bar associations and legal leaders across Florida, with The Honorable Gisela Laurent delivering the invocation, The Honorable Ori Silver leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Braulio Rosa and alumnus Aron J. Gibson ('11) serving as co-hosts. Held in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Florida Jurist continues to recognize outstanding judicial achievement while strengthening connections throughout Florida’s legal community. #STUMiami // #STULaw // #FloridaJurist // #HispanicHeritageMonth // #HispanicExcellence // #JudicialExcellence // #LegalCommunity

STU College of Law Appeals Clinic students gained firsthand insight into appellate advocacy during a visit to Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal in Miami! ⚖️ On October 13, students accompanied by Professor Leticia Mora observed civil and criminal oral arguments before Chief Judge Edwin A. Scales III, Judge Thomas Logue, and Judge Alexander S. Bokor. Following the proceedings, students had the opportunity to meet with the judges and discuss appellate advocacy, effective oral argument preparation, and the intricacies of appellate practice. Through experiences like these, our Appeals Clinic students continue to strengthen their legal skills while gaining valuable exposure to the judicial process and preparing to serve clients through meaningful pro bono work. A special thank you to Chief Judge Scales, Judge Logue, and Judge Bokor for generously sharing their time, knowledge, and insight with our future legal professionals! #STUMiami // #STULaw // #AppellateAdvocacy // #ExperientialLearning // #LegalEducation

Networking gets easier with practice! ⚖️💼 The more you connect with employers, the more confident you become. Yesterday’s Fall Career & Informational Fair gave our STU Law students the opportunity to build connections, explore internship and career opportunities, and take the next step toward their professional goals. A special thank you to all the employers who joined us and took the time to connect with our future legal professionals! @TarlikaNavarro @TheFlaBar #STUMiami // #STULaw // #CareerDevelopment // #HireABobcat

On September 28, in observance of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, STU College of Law’s John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy, alongside community and faith-based partners, hosted a special gathering centered on the dignity, challenges, and experiences of migrants and refugees. The program featured a Mass followed by a panel discussion moderated by Professor Dr. Roza Pati, bringing together leaders in law, social services, and ministry to reflect on the importance of compassion, solidarity, and protecting human dignity. Read more: humantraffickingacademy.org/… #STUMiami // #STULaw // #MigrantsAndRefugees