May–June 2003

“Like many people, constitutional scholar IIjima has mixed opinion on affirmative action”—June 26, 2003, St. Paul Legal Ledger
Prof. Ann Iijima answers questions about the Supreme Court college admission/affirmative action decision, saying “now that race can be a factor how much weight can it have.”

“Graffiti called free speech”—June 27, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Defense counsel for a college student accused of writing racist grafitti on his truck is planning to argue it was an act of free speech. Prof. Michael Steenson does not believe this is a First Ammendment case.

“High court quiets debate over state's own sodomy law”—June 27, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Prof. Eileen Scallen comments on how the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a Texas sodomy law will eliminate confusion over the constitutionality of Minnesota’s sodomy law.

“Ruling is a relief in Minnesota”—June 24, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding affirmative action at the University of Michigan Law School, William Mitchell and the other Twin Cities law schools held a news conference on Monday, June 24, to share the schools' perspectives on the subject. Eric Janus, professor at William Mitchell, is quoted saying that diversity is good for students, schools, and society.

“Law school placement rates dip for 2002 grads”—June 23, 2003, Minnesota Lawyer
Gina Sauer, assistant dean for career services at William Mitchell, notes that the Twin Cities has experienced a less dramatic hiring downturn than other areas of the country, in part because employers in the metro area are more conservative when hiring even in boom times.

“A look at new limits for limited liability”—June 22, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Prof. Daniel Kleinberger is one of two legal reporters rewriting the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, which defines how limited liability companies (LLC) operate. President and Dean Harry J. Haynsworth is one of the commissioners to the uniform state laws conference.

“ABA president-elect Dennis Archer on breaking down barriers”—June 16, 2003, Minnesota Lawyer
William Mitchell’s commencement speaker, Dennis Archer, reflects on his upcoming term as the first person of color to be president of the American Bar Association.

“Rules committee looking for a few good attorneys”—June 16, 2003, Minnesota Lawyer
Alum David Herr ’78, as reporter to the Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules for Civil Procedure, comments on the committee's need for volunteer attorneys.

“Prosperity abounds for educated young professional women in Twin Cities”—June 15, 2003, Star Tribune
Patricia Burke ’78 describes her experience in law school in the late 1970s. Burke, along with her mother, Genevieve Burke, and daughter, Elizabeth Laurie, are profiled in a sidebar to the story.

“Carving a niche”—June 15, 2003, Star Tribune
Norston Fontaine ’97 and Karen Slater ’96 founded the company Bench Dog in 1995, which provides high-end woodworking tools. The company has grown significantly since its first year, with 2002 revenue of $2.25 million.

“Departing truancy officer gets a big TIP of the hat”—June 14, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
The Truancy Involvement Program has significantly reduced the number of chronically absent St. Paul high school students. Frank Miley ’91 is profiled for his work in developing the program.

“Ordinance can’t be based on content”—June 9, 2003, St. Cloud Times
Prof. Tony Winer comments on the constitutionality of an ordinance regarding the use of parks in the City of St. Cloud, Minn., for assemblies and demonstrations.

“Black women form 'dynamic' law firm”—May 29, 2003, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
William Mitchell alumnae Calandra Harris ’01 and Leah Thomas ’01, who formed the law firm Thomas & Harris in 2001, already have a reputation for their work in criminal defense, immigration, and employment law.

“Up and coming attorneys 2003”—May 19, 2003, Minnesota Lawyer
Four of the ten attorneys recognized for distinguishing themselves as up and comers in the legal profession are William Mitchell graduates: Eric W. Beyer ’98, Kevin P. Curry ’98, Sara A. Galligan ’99, and Robert P. Webber ’99.

“Is law school relevant to the practice of law?”—May 19, 2003, Minnesota Lawyer
Research conducted by William Mitchell Prof. John Sonsteng shows how law schools teach many of the skills students need to practice law when they graduate.

“Business applauds likely liability change”—May 15, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Prof. Mike Steenson comments on a bill about to be signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty that would raise the floor for legal responsibility of a defendant in a lawsuit from 15 to 50 percent.

“State should stand up for rights of immigrants”—May 12, 2003, Star Tribune
In this commentary, Prof. Peter Erlinder discusses the implications of the recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision in State vs. Fort, specifically relating to the rights of immigrants and immigrant drivers licenses.

“51 years on the job isn't enough for lawyer”—May 4, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Roger C. Miller '52 has served as city attorney for South St. Paul, Minn., since 1957, as well as several other small Minnesota cities, in addition to his responsibilities within the law firm LeVander, Gillen and Miller, located in South St. Paul.

“Top 25 List”—May 2, 2003, Business Journal
William Mitchell is ranked as the top law school in Minnesota, based on 2002 fall enrollment.