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The University of Tulsa College of Law Lectures and Videos

Lectures from 2014
Oklahoma Environmental Agencies Roundtable
Jason Aamodt, Jeri Fleming, Mark Derichsweiler, Ed Fite, Sara Gibson, Teena Gunter, David Leavitt, 
Shanon Phillips, Mark Secrest, Darrell Townsend

Abstract

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association's Environmental Law Section, The University of Tulsa College of Law Sustainable Energy & Resources Law Program, and the Master of Jurisprudence in Energy and Indian Law Programs. Speakers include:

Jason Aamodt (JD '96) Assistant Dean of Online Legal Education The University of Tulsa College of Law

Jeri Fleming Environmental Programs Manager Oklahoma Conservation Commission

Mark Derichsweiler Engineering Manager Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

Ed Fite Director Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission

Sara Gibson Assistant General Counsel Oklahoma Water Resources Board

Teena Gunter General Counsel Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry

David Leavitt Deputy Administrative Law Judge Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Shanon Phillips Water Quality Director Oklahoma Conservation Commission

Mark Secrest Chief Counsel Oklahoma Department of Mines

Darrell Townsend Assistant General Manager Grand River Dam Authority

Justice Sonia Sotomayor Fireside Chat 
Sonia Sotomayor

Abstract

The University of Tulsa College of Law welcomed The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, on Wednesday, September 10, for a fireside chat. The event was hosted by Dean Janet K. Levit and Chapman Distinguished Professor of Law Robert Spoo in front of a capacity audience at TU’s Lorton Performance Center. Students, faculty, and staff from TU Law and other colleges across the campus participated in a Q&A format discussion. Questions were submitted in advance and chosen by Professor Spoo. Justice Sotomayor told her story of growing up in the Bronx and how a high school friend encouraged her to apply to Ivy League schools. She answered questions about race in America today, the dynamics of the relationships between Supreme Court justices, the importance of law in society, and the need for a broad education for understanding what motivates all human beings.

“The way Justice Sotomayor practices law and lives life embodies the same values that we strive to impart to all of our students and alumni at TU Law,” said Dean Levit. “We are deeply honored that she took time out of her busy schedule to share her insights at The University of Tulsa.”

TU Law student Hillary Hellmann said, “Justice Sotomayor’s inspiring words reminded me of all of the reasons why I want to be a lawyer - to dedicate my life to public service and to use the law to better society. Her commentary on what the law has meant to her and how she sees it as a tool to improve the world around her has reinvigorated my passion for the field.”

TU Law student Anna Lukeman said, "Justice Sotomayor’s path to becoming an Associate Justice is inspirational. She is an incredible role model, both for women and all lawyers across the nation, and we are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share the afternoon with her."