JOSÉ ROBERTO (BETO) JUÁREZ, JR.

Dean and Professor of Law

Greetings!

As the Fall 2023 semester begins, the Shepard Broad College of Law is buzzing with activity. We welcomed our 1L students a few weeks ago. They are a vibrant, eager, and dedicated group. They are already making a difference at NSU Law, joining 2L, 3L, and 4L students who are committed to their studies and to carrying out the numerous activities undertaken by our many student organizations. This year’s 1L students were required to take online classes over the summer through the JDEdge program offered by AccessLex, a premier legal education non-profit. The JDEdge program is designed to provide entering law students with skills they need to succeed in their first year classes and, ultimately, on the bar exam. You'll find more information about JDEdge at >>Read more...

Interview by Marla Neufeld

Meet Alexas Plotnick, a rising 3L student.

I am originally from Chicago, IL. I attended DePaul University (in Chicago) where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics in 2017. I did not have a typical law school journey, as I did not attend law school directly after my undergraduate studies. Instead, I taught both Kindergarten and Second Grade in Chicago Public Schools for two years. After that, I worked as the Head Copywriter and Editor for a mental health coaching company, which focused solely on building self-connection and confidence for women. During my time there, I was involved on panels where I spoke to women about confidence and created a newsletter that was published monthly. During this time, I also took the LSAT and applied to law school. I have one attorney in my family, an uncle, but >>Read more...

The Honorable Melanie G. May received her Juris Doctor degree in 1981 from Nova Law Center.  She clerked for the Honorable Peter T. Fay of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit from 1981-82. She received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from NSU in 2009. She currently is a judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal and served as Chief Judge from 2011 to 2013. 

Following private practice, Judge May was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to serve as a circuit court judge in 1991 before moving to the DCA in 2002. Judge May is past-President of the Council of Chief Judges of State Courts of Appeal, and just completed her term as a board member of the National Center for State Courts. She served as chair of the Shepard Broad College of Law’s Board of Governors for nine years, was an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees of Nova Southeastern University during that time, and is active in the South Florida legal community. Judge May has received many awards, including the 1998 Distinguished Alumni Award from Nova Southeastern University, the 2022 Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency Distinguished Service Award for Judicial Service, and the 2018 Distinguished Service Award from the National Center for State Courts. She was inducted into the Stanley M. Goldstein Hall of Fame (National Association of Drug Court Professionals) in 2003.

Judge May along with the NSU Law Board of Governors created the Judge Melanie G. May Endowed Scholarship Fund for scholarships for current NSU Law students that excel in their first year to encourage them to remain at NSU Law. NSU Law loses many rising 2L students who did well in their first year of law school to other law schools. With the exception of the year 2020, most students who transfer are in the top 25% of their class, and all were in the top 50%.  Most cite financial reasons for their transfer. Twenty five of thirty-nine students (64%) received scholarships in 2020 and five of fourteen (36%) received scholarships in 2021. Most transfer to other state schools with lower tuition and more scholarship monies.  

What is the goal of the Judge Melanie G. May Endowed Scholarship Fund?

The goal of the Judge Melanie G. May Endowed Scholarship Fund is to offer scholarships to students completing their first year of law school, who have excelled academically, to insure they remain at NSU Law.

What is the best advice you have for a graduating NSU law student as they enter the legal profession?

Find a mentor who can help you hone your skills as a practicing lawyer.

Why do you choose to be involved with NSU and NSU School of Law?

NSU Law changed my life forever and offered me the opportunity for professional growth and an exciting new career. I will be forever grateful.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

I hope others see me the same way. Friendly, energetic, driven, compassionate, and happy.

What makes NSU College of Law special? 

Well, I attended NSU many years ago, but I think the same is true today. The amazing, approachable faculty and the school’s openness to innovation makes it special and unique.

How can someone donate to the Judge Melanie G. May Endowed Scholarship Fund?

That’s simple. Just click here. When the site opens, enter an amount, then click the dropdown to select the Shepard Broad School of Law, and then select the Judge Melanie G. May Endowed Scholarship Fund. 

Many of our BOG members attended the 2023 BCBA Annual Installation Gala "An Evening at the Speakeasy". Pictured are Alison Smith and Judge Catalina Avalos.

BOG Chair Doug McIntosh with his son-in-law, PJ Vilardo, and grandson, Roman Vilardo, at NSU Turtle Hatch and Release night at the Carpenter House.

Judge Robert F. Diaz's Bar Mentee Program

Pictured (in no particular order) are mentees : Gabriel Montiel, Mason Petrosky, Lexy Semino, David Butz, JeanCarlos Medina, Nicholas Napoli, Rory Sanabria, Ryleigh Walaconis, Michelle Fishman, Dakota Alvarez, and Rachel Trotogott; Mentors pictured are: Erin Schiller, Jennifer Bautista, Brooke Latta, Dara Jaggers, Karissa Rivera, Francesa Zavell, Michelle Karine Notte, and Ashley Montalvo.

BOG member Howard Wander golfing in Cordillera Colorado.

5th Anniversary Behind the Gavel 2023: Honoring Hispanic Justices & Broward County Judges

Thurs., Sept. 21 | 5:30-7:30 pm

NSU Shepard Broad College of Law

www.bit.ly/behindthegavel

The NSU Shepard Broad College of Law and the Goodwin Program for Society, Technology, and the Law will host an in-person CLE Program on September 22, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 1:15 pm at #NSULaw. 

https://bit.ly/AI-Crypto_NFTs-Metaverse

AND THERE'S MORE...

October 10 - Board of Governors Meet & Greet 2Ls and 3Ls

October 12 - Fourth Annual Ziskind Health Law Lecture Series (Virtual Zoom event)

October 13 & 14 - Berger Entrepreneur Boot Camp (Levan Innovation Center)

October 18 - INVITATION ONLY - Berger Circulation Desk Naming Dedication

October 26 - (Tentative Date) NSU LLC Trivia Event

Please watch your email for more updates on these upcoming events!