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HOWARD FAMILY LAW CERTIFICATE
Howard
PROGRAM
Since 2010
Educating, Serving and
Advocating for All Families at
Howard and in Our
Communities
Annual
Newsletter
Spring
2012
Professor Mabry with 2011 Howard Family Law
Certificate Program Graduates
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In this newsletter I am happy to report that we had
another exciting program year! This year we celebrate
the second anniversary of the Howard Family Law
Certificate Program (the Certificate Program). Law
students enrolled in this program specialize in Family
Law and acquire practical experience while they study
legal theory at HUSL. As they work with experienced
attorneys and judges, students strengthen practical
skills. We are grateful for enormous support from local
judges and mentor attorneys that have so greatly
enriched the Certificate Program. In this newsletter, you
will learn more about our academic achievements and
community service as well as how alumni and friends of
HUSL joined with HUSL faculty and staff to educate and
train our students on and off campus. This year, 21
students were enrolled in the Certificate Program. On
May 12, 2012 seven of those candidates were
graduated from the program. To date, nineteen
students have been graduated. Nine have held judicial
clerkships.
In the fall of 2011, we said a sad and fond farewell to
Professor Laurence C. Nolan who has taught at HUSL
since 1979. During her tenure at HUSL, she educated
hundreds of students who adore her and tirelessly
served HUSL. Among other achievements she helped to
organize the Howard Family Law Society and this
Certificate Program. She taught three courses that
were integral to the Certificate Program’s success:
Family Law, Law & Aging, and Wills, Trusts and Estates.
In addition she co-authored a textbook entitled
Fundamental Principles of Family Law that thousands
have used to study and research family law. Professor
Nolan retired on September 30, 2011. Her farewell
message is included in this newsletter.
As we were saying so long to Professor Nolan, we were
pleased to welcome a new law professor to HUSL and to
the Certificate Program. Professor Mariela Olivares
arrived in the fall of 2011. She had taught Family Law at
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of
Law and held a Teaching Fellowship at Georgetown
University Law Center where she taught a Domestic
Violence seminar and supervised the Domestic Violence
Clinic. Also, she is the former Managing Attorney for
AYUDA’s Domestic Violence/Family Divisions. AYUDA is
a non-profit that provides legal services for low-income
immigrant victims of domestic violence. Already she has
provided significant support for the Certificate Program.
Also, we are pleased to welcome back The Honorable
Judy Woodall who has taught various courses at HUSL
for many years. Judge Woodall, an HUSL graduate, is a
Master for Domestic Relations at the Prince George’s
County Circuit Court. She teaches the very popular
Family Law Practice course. In the fall of 2011, she also
taught Family Law.
This program would not be successful without the
students who are fully engaged in the academic
program and the work that supports families and
educates the community. We would not be successful
without support from the HUSL deans, especially Dean
Kurt L. Schmoke, staff, students, and alumni. We offer
our heartfelt thanks to all of you. If a reader would like
to organize a lecture or community service project,
mentor a student, or sponsor an academic program or
event, please contact me at (202) 806-8067 or
[email protected]. For more details about the
program, visit http://www.law.howard.edu/1430.
Sincerely,
Cynthia R. Mabry
Professor and Faculty Advisor
Howard Family Law Certificate Program
Front cover: Professor Mabry with 2011 Graduates of the
Certificate Program - Right to Left: Brandes Ash, Eva Moreno,
Monica Ayala, Tamika Griffin, Prof. Mabry, Brenda Perina,
Brittney Blakeney, Tanisha Elliott (Photo courtesy of Marvin T.
Jones & Associates)
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A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM PROFESSOR NOLAN
It was my joy to teach at Howard and to have had both
Professor Mabry and Judge Woodall as students as well
as many graduates of the Class of 2012.
I congratulate the Society's graduating members and
those members who are receiving family law certificates.
Warmly,
Laurence C. Nolan
Professor Laurence C. Nolan
(Pictured here with Ms. Elen Negasi (Class of 2012))
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FACULTY AND COURSES
(Other faculty members teach related courses.)
Dear Family Law Society,
It was very gratifying as I took emerita status last fall to
leave knowing that the Family Law Society and the
Family Law Certificate Program were well-established
as part of the law school's academic program. Both
were the result of Professor Mabry's vision and hard
work. They are also part of the continuing trend in
academia of the recognition that Family Law is an
important and exciting area of the law. When I began
teaching, the family law curriculum in most law schools
was usually limited to a family law survey course, that
is, if the juvenile law course were not counted. What has
been amazing and heartwarming for me at the end of my
teaching career is that almost all of the topics studied in
the survey course have become independent courses in
most law schools. Moreover, it is also gratifying to
know that Professor Mabry, Professor Robinson,
Professor Olivares, and Judge Judy Woodall are all part
of this trend in adding courses to the family law
curriculum. As a result, Howard Law graduates will be
better trained family law attorneys.
On the other hand, the family law curriculum could not
have developed without student interest. By being
members of the Society, each of you demonstrates your
tangible support of family law at the law school. Thank
you. Thus, to the members of the Family Law Society, I
hope that having been a member of this Society that your
passion will be to serve all families well.
Prof. Laurence C. Nolan
Family Law; Law & Aging; Wills, Trusts & Estates
Prof. Mariela Olivares
Domestic Violence, Immigration Law
Prof. Alice Gresham Bullock
Estate & Gift Taxation; Wills, Trusts & Estates
Prof. Cynthia R. Mabry
Family Law, Adoption Law
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Other courses that contain a significant discussion of
related family law issues are offered on a regular basis.
OFF-CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Prof. Reginald Robinson
Family Law; Child, Parent & State
Judge Judy Woodall
Family Law, Family Law Practice
CORE FAMILY LAW CURRICULUM
With much support from Associate Dean Okianer
Christian Dark, HUSL’s Family Law course offerings
continued to increase during this term. The following
courses regularly are offered:
Again this year, students received off campus training
that was offered by attorneys, judges and court staff.
This training provides concentrated information on
family law topics and the opportunity for students to
interact with judges, social workers, psychologists and
family lawyers. Two institutes are highlighted here.
District of Columbia Superior Court’s Family Court
Annual Multidisciplinary Training Institute on
Empowering Fathers
This day-long program focused on laws, programs and
services that empower fathers to develop better
relationships with their children and to support them
financially. Several speakers discussed the impact that
an engaged father has on a child’s life and the negative
impact of an absent father.
Adoption Law
Child, Parent and State
Domestic Violence
Estate & Gift Taxation
Externships (related to Family Law)
Family Law
Two Certificate candidates, Ms. Gabrielle Hall and Ms.
Courtney B. Scrubbs, seen here with Judge Milton Lee,
attended the Training Institute with Professor Mabry.
Family Law Practice
Immigration Law
Independent Study
Juvenile Justice (a mini-course)
Law & Aging
Wills, Trusts & Estates
The Honorable Errol R. Arthur (Class of 1998) discusses his
judicial responsibilities with Ms. Hall at the Training Institute.
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The Use of Psychotropic Drugs on Children in the
Neglect and Delinquency System
Ms. Amy McAllister (Class of
2013), President of the Howard Family Law Society,
attended this four-hour interdisciplinary training session
at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Among other subjects, physicians discussed when
psychotropic medication is prescribed, the risks of
taking such medication, how medications should be
monitored, and alternative treatments for children.
SPEAKERS AND LECTURERS ON CAMPUS
To inform the Howard community about contemporary
issues in family law, Certificate program students and
faculty strive to offer at least one program each
semester.
Immigration Issues and Domestic Violence
In October 2011, The Howard Family Law Society and
Certificate Program candidates collaborated to present
Professor Mariela Olivares and Attorney Cecelia
Friedman Levin, WEAVE, for a Lunch and Learn Series
program on Immigration Issues and Domestic Violence.
Professor Mariela Olivares
Students and staff attended the Immigration and Domestic
Violence Program.
Juvenile Justice in the Local Community
On March 28, 2012 Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo, Deputy
Presiding Judge of the Family Court for the Superior
Court of the District of Columbia, and Attorney J. Kevin
McIntyre discussed procedures and laws that govern
when juveniles are accused of criminal conduct or
become persons in need of supervision. Attorney
McIntyre is a prosecuting attorney in the Juvenile
Section of the Office of the Attorney General for the
District of Columbia.
Juvenile Justice Speakers from Left to Right: McIntyre, PuigLugo and Jones Bosier
Attorney Tonya Jones Bosier, Chief, Policy and Training
Section at the Office of the Attorney General for the
District of Columbia discussed child abuse and neglect
issues that affect many youth in the juvenile justice
system. Ms. Golden Marzett (Class of 2012) organized
this program with Professor Mabry.
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ANNUAL FAMILY COURT VISIT
FAMILY LAW IN FILM SERIES LAUNCHED
Annually, small groups of Certificate candidates have an
opportunity to visit a courtroom at a Family Court. This
unique experience includes observation of attorneys as
they advocate for family members and parties’ conduct,
a discussion of applicable laws and procedure, and a
private meeting with the host judge.
The Family Law in Film Series also was launched in the
spring semester. Films with significant family law issues
are chosen to review family laws that students learn in
the classroom, to teach problem solving for issues that
graduates likely will encounter in a family law practice,
and to teach basic essay examination writing skills. As
they view a film, students ponder legal questions
identified by Professor Mabry.
After the show,
Professor Mabry and students discuss issues and how
they would be resolved under current laws. The first
movie in this series was Kramer vs. Kramer, a 1979 film.
Professor Mabry provided movie snacks.
On April 17, 2012, under strict confidentiality
guidelines, Professor Mabry and Certificate candidates
visited The Honorable Hiram Puig-Lugo’s courtroom at
the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Judge
Puig-Lugo presides over juvenile matters including
truancy and persons in need of supervision. Judge
Puig-Lugo met with Certificate candidates before he
took the bench to explain procedure and terms and
identified service providers that accompany many youth
who appear in his courtroom to address a youth’s or a
family’s needs. He also answered questions after
hearing and deciding several matters.
Certificate and Family Law students view a family law film.
EXTERNSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS
Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo
Ms. Christy Aguirre and Ms. Jasmine Williams visited Judge
Puig-Lugo’s courtroom. Not pictured: Ms. Sharaya Cabansag,
Ms. Amy McAllister, Ms. Angela Porter (photo courtesy of
Ms. Angela Porter).
Among academic requirements of 21 hours of Family
Law courses and 15 hours of community service,
Certificate candidates must complete one legal
internship
or
externship.
To
fulfill
the
internship/externship requirement, candidates have
provided pro bono services for non-profit organizations
or family court judges in the District of Columbia and
Maryland.
This year, candidates researched legal issues,
interviewed and advised clients and survivors of
violence; drafted documents such as divorce
complaints, wills, motions, brief sections and pleadings;
completed legal forms; observed proceedings;
investigated facts; conducted research; prepared
witnesses; produced and drafted discovery documents;
and organized case files. We appreciate all work that
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supervisors provided but are particularly grateful to
Judges Jeanette J. Clark and Herman C. Dawson who
have mentored, trained and hired several Certificate
candidates as interns, externs and law clerks. Other
externship and internship sponsors for this term
include:
Judge Patricia A. Broderick
Judge Lori Parker
District of Columbia Bar Association’s Pro Bono
Divorce Clinic
National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith
& Credit
Office of the Public Defender, Juvenile Division, MD
U.S. Attorney’s Office, D.C.
State’s Attorneys, Prince George’s County
NAACP Office of General Counsel, Baltimore, MD
Professor Olivares (center) is joined by Ms. Courtney Adjei,
Ms. Brittany Ruffin and Ms. Dorcas Owusu-Frimpong as they
prepare to have lunch after a Certificate Program meeting.
On behalf of the students and all HUSL stakeholders, we
express our appreciation for all employers who gave
these candidates such excellent opportunities.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
During the 2011-2012 academic term, Certificate
candidates engaged in exemplary community service
projects. Those service projects included:
*Distributing information on Child Sexual
Abuse Laws in connection with the
Pennsylvania State University allegations
*Distributing information on Date Violence
*Service in the Juvenile Delinquency
Diversion Program
*Service in the Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity’s Educational Activities Program
*Teaching teenagers in Chicago about the
jury trial process
*Donating funds for children at the St.
Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home (with the
Howard Family Law Society)
*Donation of toiletries to homeless women
*Donation of McDonald’s gift cards for
foster children.
Ms. Gabrielle Hall (background), Ms. Golden Marzett, and
Ms. Courtney B. Scrubbs confer after the meeting in August.
SPONSORS AND MENTORS
Attorney James D. Bishop, Mentor/Sponsor
We appreciate all contributions that we receive from all
sources. This year, we acknowledge Attorney James D.
Bishop (Class of 1982), Family Mediator and Senior
Program Manager, The Archdiocesan Legal Network
Catholic Charities, an annual donor since the inception
of the Certificate Program, who mentored a Certificate
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candidate and donated funds for two book scholarships
and two luncheons. Moreover, Mr. Bishop attended
several Certificate Program events and made
suggestions for fundraising. Mr. Bishop, a distinguished
alumnus, is the recipient of several awards for the work
that he does for families: 2011 John Carroll Society
Medal, 2009 James Cardinal Hickey 20th Anniversary
Award, 2006 Benemerenti Metal from the Archdiocese
of Washington, 2003 Order of Merit Award from the
Archdiocese of Washington, 2002 Griffin Award for
Outstanding Employee at Catholic Charities of the
Archdiocese of Washington.
MANNA BOOK SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
Attorneys, professors, authors and book publishers
have helped us to realize another goal of the programto offer book scholarships to Certificate candidates.
Other mentor attorneys and judges who assisted us this
year include:
Judge Patricia A. Broderick
Judge Jeanette J. Clark
Ms. Christy Aguirre received a scholarship and
purchased a Family Law textbook. Attorney James D.
Bishop donated the funds. Ms. Aguirre completed an
externship with Judge Jeanette J. Clark.
Judge Herman C. Dawson
Judge Milton Lee
Judge Lori Parker
Judge Robert Rigsby
Attorney Jennifer Fairfax
Attorney Erin Josendale
Attorney Edy A. Lawson-Jackson
Attorney Aileen Oliver
Attorney Betty A. Thompson
Attorney Jennifer Fairfax, Mentor
Ms. Courtney B. Scrubbs was awarded a book
scholarship in August 2011. She purchased a family law
book for Professor Robinson’s Child, Parent and State
course. Ms. Scrubbs’ book scholarship was donated by
Attorney Stanton Phillips, of Vienna, Virginia.
Ms. Sharaya Cabansag is holding an Adoption Law
textbook which Prof. Mabry donated for a raffle. Ms.
Cabansag had an externship with Judge Lori Parker.
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JAZZ CONCERT FUNDRAISER
With tremendous support from HUSL deans, staff,
students, alumni and friends, on February 11, 2012, we
held a jazz concert fundraiser. More than 200 individual
and corporate supporters helped us to raise $10,000
(net) for fellowships and additional money for bar
support. HUSL administrators, faculty, staff, students
and friends performed after a VIP champagne and
chocolate reception. Among the door prizes were a
$1500 BARBRI certificate, family law dictionaries, a
limousine ride, a makeover, and a facial. To see a photo
gallery
of
the
concert,
please
visit
http://www.law.howard.edu/1565.
Mr. Sean Preston (Class of 2013) won the BARBRI certificate.
CURRENT CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES
Kendra Courtney O. Adjei
Christina J. Aguirre
Sharaya L. Cabansag
Alain B. Cantave
Courtney B. Scrubbs
Eddie L. Holliday III
Brandi M. Lofton
Amy McAllister
Mr. Marcus Moore (Class of 2012) performs at the jazz
concert reception with two Howard undergraduate students.
Desmond Morrell
Courtney B. Scrubbs
Nikki K. Stewart
Darcey Thompson
Danielle White
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM GRADUATES
2010
Ms. Brandi M. Lofton (Class of 2013) displays her copy of
Family Law Terms, a family law dictionary. Mr. Paul L.
Hellickson, Account Manager, Law School Publishing West,
donated the dictionaries for Family Law Certificate Program
graduates and officers. Ms. Lofton, the Treasurer of the
Howard Family Law Society, also won a copy of Fundamental
Principles of Family Law, a textbook that Professor Laurence
C. Nolan donated to generate ticket sales.
Sasha D. Buchanan
Jelani A. Freeman
Natasha L. Hodge*
Michelle Y. Rose*
Rachel T. Yau
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2011
Brandes Ash*
Monica Ayala*
Brittany Blakeney*
Tanisha Elliott
Tamika C. Griffin*
2012
Mr. Elijah Johnson, Jr., Ms. Dorcas Owusu-Frimpong and Ms.
Brittany K. Ruffin prepare for their Baccalaureate Ceremony.
Mr. Johnson will clerk for a judge. Ms. Owusu-Frimpong will
work with Attorney Edy A. Lawson-Jackson-a family law
attorney. Ms. Ruffin will work with the Legal Aid Society.
Dorcas Owusu-Frimpong
ALUMNI NEWS . . .
Elijah Johnson, Jr.*
Our graduates are continuing to uphold the mission of
the Certificate Program. Nearly half of the twelve
graduates from the program have clerked for family
court judges or judges in other civil courts. Mr. Jelani
Freeman (Class of 2010) recently received training to
become a Guardian ad Litem. Another recent graduate,
Ms. Tamika C. Griffin (Class of 2011) worked with a
family law attorney for one year. In a few weeks, she
will begin a federal clerkship with Judge George L.
Russell III. Ms. Michelle Y. Rose (Class of 2010)
continued her clerkship with Magistrate Judges at the
Superior Court of the District of Columbia and assisted
other Certificate candidates to obtain internships.
Brenda Perino
Eva Moreno
Gabrielle N. Hall
Golden Marzett
Yolanda Melville (2010-2012)*
Maryam Mujahid
Elen T. Negasi*
Brittany K. Ruffin
*These graduates obtained judicial clerkships.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ms. Maryam Mujahid
(Class of 2012) was Editor-in-Chief of the Howard Law Journal.
She was graduated from HUSL Cum Laude on Saturday, May
12, 2012. She will join Kirkland & Ellis as an Associate.
Cynthia R. Mabry, Faculty Advisor
Howard Family Law Certificate Program
Howard University School of Law
2900 Van Ness Street, N.W., 309 Houston Hall
Washington, D.C. 20009
Phone: (202) 806-8067
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.law.howard.edu/1430
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