R. B. Pepalis News
Attorney Bill Lundy shares insights on federal preemption with AJMLS students
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 25, 2024
Attorney Bill Lundy recently addressed Professor Malempati’s constitutional law class at AJMLS, sharing his extensive legal experience.
Uber expands accessibility features to empower riders with disabilities
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 24, 2024
As part of its ongoing efforts to make transportation more inclusive and accessible for riders with disabilities, Uber has introduced new features aimed at improving the experience for those with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments, ensuring their transportation needs are met with greater independence and safety.
Former defense employee pleads guilty to mishandling classified materials
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 23, 2024
A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency is facing up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to mishandling classified documents. Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, from Henderson, Nevada, awaits sentencing following her guilty plea to Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents. This was announced by Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
AJMLS student awarded 2024 NAMWOLF DEI scholarship
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 22, 2024
Krystal Robledo, a student at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), has been named one of the three recipients of the 2024 NAMWOLF Joel Stern Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Scholarship. The scholarship, valued at $10,000, is awarded to students who contribute significantly to diversity within their law school community while pursuing legal careers.
Hellerstein discusses state tax measures in Savannah Morning News
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Walter Hellerstein, a Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, was recently featured in the Savannah Morning News. The feature discussed state ballot measures on taxation.
Elizabeth Taxel discusses attorney-client privilege limits in Law360 feature
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Clinical Assistant Professor and Criminal Defense Practicum Director Elizabeth Taxel has been featured in a Law360 article discussing the limitations of attorney-client privilege. The piece, titled "Narrow Ga. Ruling on Atty-Client Privilege Draws Concerns," was authored by Emily Johnson and published on October 18, 2024.
Gordon Wayne receives award for efforts against homelessness
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Congratulations to second-year student Gordon Wayne for receiving the 2024 Anna Bissonnette Award from Hearth Inc. Wayne was recognized by the Boston area nonprofit for his work in raising awareness of and helping to end homelessness. He has raised more than $200,000 benefiting the National Alliance to End Homelessness, primarily through two 500+ mile walks - one to UGA to attend law school and the other to Boston College, where he earned an undergraduate degree.
Georgia election challenges face new hurdles post-2020
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Lori A. Ringhand, a Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, was recently featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article, authored by Mark Niesse and David Wickert, discusses the importance of public trust in election outcomes. Titled "Challenging Georgia elections is harder than in 2020 – but some may try," it was published on October 18, 2024.
Orford discusses oil pollution act at environmental history congress
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 18, 2024
Assistant Professor Adam D. Orford delivered a presentation titled “The Oil Pollution Act of 1924: A Centennial Reassessment” at the Fourth World Congress of Environmental History. The event, themed “Transitions, Transformations and Transdisciplinarity: Histories Beyond History,” was hosted by the University of Oulu in Finland.
Atlanta man sentenced for violent crimes against seniors
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 18, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of Aaron Neil Johnson, 22, for his involvement in two violent robberies targeting senior citizens. A jury found Johnson guilty on April 1, 2024, of armed robbery, robbery, and theft by receiving stolen property related to incidents involving two women aged 74 and 78.
Bruner discusses US corporate sustainability at University of Oslo
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 17, 2024
Christopher M. Bruner, the Stembler Family Distinguished Professor in Business Law, delivered a presentation titled “A Political Economy of Corporate Sustainability Reform in the United States” at the University of Oslo Faculty of Law this October. The event was conducted online and organized by Oslo’s Sustainability Law research group.
Amann discusses child rights at Nuremberg Forum 2024
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 16, 2024
Diane Marie Amann, Regents' Professor of International Law and Woodruff Chair in International Law, presented at the Nuremberg Forum 2024. Her presentation, titled "Child-Taking," was part of the panel Ways Forward: Protecting Future Generations. The forum focused on the theme "For Every Child: Protecting Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict" and took place in Germany during October.
Professor Milot featured in article about DeKalb County's pet sale ordinance
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 14, 2024
Stanton Distinguished Professor in Canine Welfare Law and Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills Director Lisa Milot was recently featured in On Common Ground News. The article discussed a new ordinance against unregulated pet sales in DeKalb County. Titled “DeKalb County BOC approves ban on unregulated pet sales,” the staff report was published on October 11, 2024.
UGA leads state in bar passage rates for 11th consecutive year
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 9, 2024
The University of Georgia School of Law has achieved the highest bar exam passage rate in the state for the 11th year in a row. Graduates from UGA Law who took the July 2024 exam led first-time takers across Georgia's law schools, surpassing the overall passage rate by over 9%.
Somodi receives recognition from Georgia Library Association for contributions
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 7, 2024
Szilvia Somodi has been honored with the Georgia Library Association's Library Support Services Award. This accolade is given to individuals who have significantly advanced library development or made notable contributions to libraries in Georgia through their professional efforts.
Decatur man sentenced to life for murder of ex-girlfriend
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 4, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of a Decatur man, Deeron Hicks, for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Ja’Nautica Whitehead. The jury found Hicks guilty on charges including Malice Murder and Felony Murder.
Canadian sentenced for attempting international firearm trafficking
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 3, 2024
Sourivahn Phonthepsone, a Canadian citizen, has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to traffic firearms from the United States to Canada. The case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Ten graduate from STRIDE diversion program led by DA Sherry Boston
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 2, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the graduation of 10 young adults from the STRIDE pretrial diversion program. The initiative, which stands for Stopping Trends of Repeat Incarceration with Diversion and Education, is designed to hold young adults accountable for serious non-violent crimes while preserving their civic and career opportunities.
Levin discusses industry accountability at Buffalo Law symposium
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 2, 2024
Smith Professor Hillel Y. Levin recently delivered a presentation titled "Affirmative Litigation and Industry Accountability" at the Buffalo Law Review symposium. The event, themed “Paths Forward from the Age of Gun Violence: Industry Accountability and the Modern Second Amendment,” took place at the University at Buffalo in September.
Cartersville man sentenced for producing child pornography
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 30, 2024
Ian Alicea Prewett has been sentenced to federal prison for enticing children to perform sexual acts for the purpose of producing child pornography.