UCD Sutherland School of Law’s Post

Wonderful! Professor Freer is the GOAT of Civil Procedure!!

The notion of communalism isn't confined to a single African tribe; it's an intrinsic part of the cultural fabric that resonates across the African continent. This communal spirit, akin to a powerful force, is embedded in the DNA of all Africans. It's a testament to a worldview where the existence and identity of one person are inextricably linked to that of others. As humans, our existence gains meaning through our connections with others. Humanity isn't about living in isolation but recognizing that we are all branches of the same tree. This interconnectedness compels us to constantly support one another, embodying a sense of unity and shared purpose. This brings to mind the poignant question from the TV show "New Amsterdam": "How can I help?" It's a call to action that invites us to be each other’s keepers and to strive for harmony and togetherness in our daily lives. In J.B. Priestley's play, "An Inspector Calls," the inspector poignantly reminds us, "One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and a chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, what we think, say and do. We do not live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish. Good night." These words resonate with a powerful message: our actions ripple through the lives of others, and we share a collective responsibility. We are interconnected, part of a greater whole. Recognizing this, we must act with empathy and a commitment to the well-being of others, for our lives are intertwined in a complex web of shared experiences and mutual impact. By embracing this interconnectedness, we foster a world where we are all custodians of one another's happiness and suffering, learning to live in harmony and unity.

As to my "give back" to all Florida Bar Members to celebrate the start of 44th year, how about a FREE CLE with following approved Florida Bar accreditation: General 2.0 - Professionalism 1.0 - Ethics 1.0 - Technology 1.5. This is a gift from Judge Ralph Artigliere (retired) and me, with help from EDRM - Electronic Discovery Reference Model. Put it in your calendar for June 28th. You can download for 18 months thereafter for full credit. Name of the Course: "My AI Did It!" Is No Excuse for Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct: Consideration of recent case law and ethics opinions. More details to follow.

Those of us in the legal world, and specifically those of us that do dispute resolution, know and appreciate the power of WORDS. I loved this article written by Bill Bay, the current ABA President, as he shared words that were true then and resonate true today. It is worth a read!

✨Cumberland School of Law alumnus Judge Houston Brown, JD '73, was recently celebrated by AP News for his role as a judge, mentor and community leader. 👏After becoming one of the first Black students to receive a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Brown's career has been committed to positive change and community involvement, serving as a source of inspiration and leadership for other lawyers. ➡️Read more about his journey in this great feature by AP News: https://lnkd.in/gd-hCDYu

This report is a follow up to the Race at the Bar report in 2021 and Race at the Bar progress report in 2022. It reveals there has been some progress on access, retention, progression and culture since the Race at the Bar report in 2021. In particular, the overall diversity of the Bar is improving year by year. But there is much more work to do, particularly in relation to the experience of Black barristers and Black aspiring barristers, students and pupils. https://lnkd.in/d5H-djCJ

Seeking out mentorship is a crucial step for Black medical students and residents, not only for professional development but also for their well-being and success in navigating the challenges of medical training. Mentors can provide invaluable guidance on career pathways, advocacy, and navigating the structural and interpersonal biases that Black trainees often face. To find mentors, students should connect with affinity groups like the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) or similar organizations that support underrepresented groups in medicine. Networking at conferences, workshops, and hospital diversity initiatives can also help identify mentors who share similar experiences or values. Building relationships with attending physicians, senior residents, or faculty members who model the kind of career or leadership you aspire to is another effective strategy. This process ensures not only professional growth but also emotional support, as mentors can offer encouragement and strategies to combat traumatic stress, burnout, and isolation. Cultivating a strong network of mentors creates a foundation of guidance, advocacy, and inspiration that can sustain Black medical students and residents through the demands of their training and beyond.

Really looking forward to moderating a panel discussion on Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: Black-Owned Business Leading Transformation! This panel features six entrepreneurs who are all graduates of American University Washington College of Law.

Today we honor Juneteenth and celebrate the emancipation and freedom of Black people once enslaved. White supremacy was interwoven with the founding and history of the U.S., our capital, and DC. The nation’s capital was established on land annexed from Potomac slave plantations. Enslaved African Americans constructed the White House and the Capitol. For their forced labor, enslaved African Americans received no wages, while the government paid their enslavers. Washington, DC was also a bustling thoroughfare for the slave trade, with traffickers selling enslaved African Americans throughout the South. https://lnkd.in/dyHwN9h8 Today—160 years after the Civil War—there are resurgent forces glorifying our history of slavery. Just one month ago, in May 2024 Shenandoah County School Board voted to rename two Virginia public schools after Confederate Generals who fought to keep African Americans in bondage. In June 2024 the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights went to court on behalf of the VA NAACP and five Shenandoah high school students—to challenge the School Board’s action to take Shenandoah backward in time. We are proud to stand with those courageous VA students fighting for their right to education free of racial discrimination. Please stand with us. https://lnkd.in/dfDtK2wv #Juneteenth #racialjustice #StandWithUs #Reparations

Thank you Sharon Matongo for this timely message. I, too am immensely proud to embody the spirit of Ubuntu. For I exist as an individual only because of our interconnectedness. As a human being, my essence is shaped by the collective presence of other human beings. In my role as a doctor, it is through the interactions with patients and fellow health professionals that my purpose finds its true meaning. In our shared journey, we remain attuned to one another's pain and struggles. We view the world through a unified lens, stepping into each other's shoes to grasp the intricate nuances of our experiences. Ubuntu encapsulates this profound interconnectedness, advocating for empathy and solidarity amidst a world marred by divisions. Embracing Ubuntu is not merely a choice but a necessity in fostering a harmonious coexistence. Let us continue to walk this path of unity and understanding, for it is through our shared humanity that we find strength, compassion, and a brighter future for all. Ubuntu, the guiding light in a world yearning for connection and empathy.