Regent Law News

Are you afraid of doing your taxes? Fear no more! The Business Transactions Law Society will be providing free tax preparation assistance in Robertson Hall on February 6th through April 5th 2012 as part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). VITA helps the community by providing competent, free tax preparation services for low to moderate income families and individuals who may not be able to prepare their own tax returns. According to David Brennan, 2L and past VITA volunteer, the best part of the experience for volunteers is the opportunity is to help clients face down their fear of taxes. Law students interested in volunteering to serve through VITA should contact Brennan at davidbr6@regent.edu for more information. Volunteers will receive free mandatory training. Those interested in receiving free tax preparation assistance can do so in Robertson Hall on the following days and room locations: February 6 – April 5, 2012 Monday 4-6pm, RH 114** Wednesday 5-7pm, RH

David Velloney, associate professor in the School of Law, was recently interviewed by The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) addressing the trial of U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning and how his command, upon recognizing his possible mental instability, could have allowed him to continue to serve. Velloney's remarks were also picked up by more than 100 other online publications in the region, including the Augusta-Margaret River Mail and Sunraysia Daily . Brad Jacob , associate professor in the School of Law, was quoted in this Friday, Jan. 13, article from worldoncampus.com regarding a recent Supreme Court decision. Jacob was also a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Wednesday, Jan. 18, to discuss Constitutional issues.

"Is it more important to matter in the world or in the kingdom?" This is the question Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, posed to a group of law and government students during a recent visit to Regent University. Steele, the first African-American to serve in this role, has experienced firsthand the challenges of being a person of faith in politics. Prior to working with the RNC, he was the lieutenant governor of Maryland. In politics, "You can't please everyone, but you can certainly tick them all off at the same time," he admitted. "[It's a] constant struggle against the norm, against what's expected, against the stereotype." Steele has found that focusing on one day at a time plays a big part in his ability to enjoy a job in a field known for tearing people down. "Every day appreciating what lies before you helps you prepare to deal with it," he said. "It's tough to do your job and remain

Family, individualism and the concept of liberty. These were the themes of the latest Regent University School of Undergraduate Studies (RSU) Assembly held on Monday, Jan. 9. The monthly gathering is designed to bring together RSU students, faculty and staff for a time of learning, fellowship and reflection. This month's featured speaker was Lynne Marie Kohm, the John Brown McCarty Professor of Family Law in Regent's School of Law. Kohm's address began with an exploration of individualism. "It's such a fundamental concept that it makes bedfellows on both sides of the debate," she said. Kohm then provided background of how legislation—particularly a number of significant legal decisions—has impacted society's definition of individualism and how, in turn, that definition has impacted the idea of family. While Kohm is quick to explain that a healthy sense of individual is good for families and societies, she is quick to note that it can go too far. "The

Jennifer Dorow '95 (Law) was appointed to serve as a judge in Waukesha County Circuit Court by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, according to this Friday, Dec. 23, article in the Journal Sentinel . The original news release from the governor's office can be read here . This brings the total of Regent Law alumni currently serving as judges to 20. In other news, Professor David Velloney continues to be quoted in a number of national and international publications addressing the trial of U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning, an imprisoned soldier accused of leaking classified material in the WikiLeaks scandal. His comments were included in articles distributed by Thomson Reuters News and Insight and a number of other outlets including the International Business Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun and Yahoo! News. In total, Velloney's comments were picked up by more than 100 news outlets in the United States, Europe, New Zealand, India and Singapore.