Alumni News 2008
2009 | 2008 | 2007
Please note that some links to external news sources may no longer be available.
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Burdman '56, longtime donor and volunteer, dies
B. Richard Burdman, 76, namesake of the Burdman Lounge and the Burdman Fellowships, was an honorary lifetime member of the Law School's Board of Visitors. » Legacy.com -
Salem '72 discusses efforts to unite businesses, disabled workers
Richard Salem, Duke Law's first blind graduate, founded Enable America, a non-profit organization that works to put the disabled in the workplace. » News & Observer -
Kohler '78 passes away following long battle with cancer
David Kohler became a full-time faculty member at Southwestern Law School in 2003 following a distinguished career of more than 25 years as a media attorney. He died of cancer on Oct. 15. » Southwestern Law School -
Rose '68 profiled in Fortune magazine
Article states, "Charles Peete Rose Jr. has the most earnest, essential public-affairs show on the air right now." » Fortune -
Lau '09 pens op-ed in Seattle Times
Jamie Lau observes in opinion piece that banks have been raising rates and changing terms in advance of reforms, actions which undermine consumer protections » The Seattle Times -
Farrin '90 supports Cell Phones for Soldiers program
Law Office of James Scott Farrin donates 62 phones to the program, which will convert them into 62 hours of free cell phone minutes to U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. » Business Wire -
Krouse '70 appointed to SBA Communications' board of directors
George R. Krouse Jr. joins SBA board of directors after his recent retirement from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where he practiced for 33 years in the corporate, capital markets, and merger and acquisition areas. » Globe Newswire -
Ponce '88 leads Xerox's $6.4 billion acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services
Mario Ponce, a member of Duke Law's Board of Visitors, heads Simpson Thacher team representing Xerox. » LegalWeek.com -
Duke Law mourns Federico Carvallo LLM’09
LLM graduate died in a polo accident in his home country of Chile. -
Dixon '04 joins Averett University Alumni Association Executive Board
Torrey Dixon, who serves as director of Fair Vote North Carolina, is one of six Averett alumni named to executive board. » Averett University -
Elias '93 played central role in Coleman-Franken election dispute
Marc Elias' efforts as part of Sen. Al Franken's legal team are discussed in the St. Paul Pioneer Press series "Overtime: The Story of the 2008 Minnesota Senate Race." » Pioneer Press -
Salem '72, Duke Law's first blind graduate, expands non-profit organization to Raleigh
Richard Salem is the founder and CEO of Enable America, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering people with disabilities to achieve independence through employment. » PR.com -
Heath '00 recognized for excellence in diversity
Michael Heath is a co-founder of the Washington Minority Bar Associations' Collaboration Project (WAMBAC). » Washington State Bar Association -
Malone '78 receives Distinguished Fulbright Chair
Linda Malone, the Marshall-Wythe Foundation Professor of Law at William & Mary Law School, receives the Distinguished Fulbright Chair in International Environmental Law. » William & Mary Law School -
Jolas '89 elected vice president of Regency Energy Partners
Paul Jolas will serve as executive vice president, chief legal officer and secretary of Regency Energy Partners in Dallas. » Reuters -
Brown '80 talks about his education, career, and teaching at Duke Law
"My goal is that my students will be better prepared for the legal and business world than students from any other law schools," Prof. Bill Brown says. » China.com -
Farrin '90 leads firm's effort to "Go Green"
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin’s “Go Green” initiative includes purchasing several new 2009 Honda Civic Hybrids and going paperless in the Social Security Disability practice area. » Business Wire -
Coupe '80 assists with dog rescue effort in Maine
Anita Coupe, the first woman to chair the Humane Society's board of directors, adopts two dogs from an Arkansas shelter, brings along eight more for placement in New England foster homes. » Portland Press Herald -
Matorin '93 discusses the experience of starting his own practice
Mitchell Matorin left Foley Hoag in 2007 to launch his own practice, the Matorin Law Office. » WSJ Law Blog -
Curtis '95 to help develop National Broadband Plan
Rob Curtis appointed to FCC team that will address broadband deployment, adoption, affordability, and the use of broadband to advance solutions to national priorities. » Cable Digital News -
Pourciau '09 named executive director of homeless coalition
Susan Pourciau to head Big Bend Homeless Coalition serving Florida's eight-county Big Bend area. » WCTV -
Isaacson '85 honored by Unitarian Universalist Association for pro bono marriage equality work
Eric Isaacson has provided pro bono legal services to the UUA and related groups for more than five years on cases including those related to marriage equality in California. » Unitarian Universalist Association -
Duke Law celebrates alumni accomplishments during NCBA annual meeting
Wester '72 is the third consecutive Law School graduate to serve as North Carolina Bar Association president; Fulton '80 and Harrington '87 receive "Citizen Lawyer" awards. -
Wester '72 installed as NCBA president
John R. Wester is the third consecutive graduate of Duke Law to serve as president of the North Carolina Bar Association following the terms of Charles Becton '69 (2008-2009) and Janet Ward Black '85 (2007-2008). » North Carolina Bar Association -
Dietrich '90 competes in American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
Inspired by the 2006 documentary "Word Play," Kristyn Dietrich has participated in the world's longest-running crossword puzzle tournament for the past three years. » Winter Park Magazine -
Brown '89 elected president of Allegheny County Bar Association
Kimberly Brown's term as Allegheny County Bar Association president begins on July 1. She has been active with ACBA for more than 19 years. » Market Watch -
Peter Kahn ’76 to join Duke University Board of Trustees
Kahn chaired Law School Board of Visitors from 2001 to 2007. -
Scholarship established to honor Hunt '73
Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA) honors the late Betty Jo Hunt, the first Lumbee woman to earn a law degree, with a scholarship at UNC Pembroke. » UNC Pembroke -
Remembering Judge Robinson Everett '59
Photos, stories, video, and a memory page pay tribute to a Duke Law icon. » In Memoriam -
The Honorable Robinson O. Everett, 81
Beloved professor served on the Duke Law faculty for 51 years and was a member of the Class of 1959. -
David Ichel ’78 to chair Duke Law Board of Visitors
Ichel is a partner with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and a longtime volunteer at Duke Law. -
Nazarian '91 appointed to NARUC board
Doug Nazarian is among four new state commissioners appointed to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' board of directors. » NARUC -
Duke Law honors Law Firm Challenge winners
Williams & Connolly and McDermott Will & Emery are named the winners of the inaugural competition between 10 Washington, D.C., firms. The event raised more than $180,000 for the Law School. -
Chisolm '85 asked to address death penalty case
Larry Chisolm, the first black district attorney in Chatham County, Ga., receives letters from former President Carter and the Congressional Black Caucus urging him to take action in 1989 case. » L.A. Times -
Oswalt '08 clerks for Supreme Court nominee
Michael Oswalt has spent the past year as a clerk for U.S. Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who President Obama has nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. » The Saratogian -
Oswalt '08 clerks for Supreme Court nominee
Michael Oswalt has spent the past year as a clerk for U.S. Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's Supreme Court nominee. » The Saratogian -
Aleman '78 appointed Panamanian ambassador to the United States
Jaime Aleman has been appointed by President-elect Ricardo Martinelli as Panama's ambassador in Washington, D.C., effective July 1, 2009. » Panama Guide -
Dan Blue '73 elected chair of the Duke University Board of Trustees
Blue has served on the board since 1995. » Duke University Office of News & Communications -
Gordon '54 reflects on his Rotary Club involvement
Abe Gordon, a member of the Bridgeport Rotary Club since 1973 and director with Rotary International from 1998 to 2000, discusses the organization's international charitable activities. » Connecticut Post -
Blue '73 elected to chair Duke Board of Trustees
Dan Blue, who was first elected to the board in 1995 and most recently served as vice chairman, will assume the new position on July 1. » Duke News -
Jolas '89 promoted at Trinity Industries
Paul Jolas will serve as vice president, deputy general counsel, and corporate secretary at Dallas-based company. » Market Watch -
Brown '87 appointed to North Carolina Utilities Commission
ToNola Brown-Bland among Gov. Bev Perdue's three recent appointees to the oldest regulatory body in state government. » Office of Governor Bev Perdue -
Beck '85 to speak at Appalachian State commencement
Gill Beck, a brigadier general in the Army Reserve and chief of the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina, will speak at May 10 ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and University College. » Appalachian State -
McCoy '66 addresses "What is Washington Thinking?"
Jerry McCoy will discuss charitable estate planning at May 12 professional seminar hosted by the Communities Foundation of Texas and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. » Dallas Morning News -
Shelton '98 to deliver Honors Day keynote
Susan C. Shelton will speak at Birmingham-Southern College's annual Honors Day Convocation on Thursday, April 23. » Birmingham Southern College -
Brown '89 selected as Litigation Counsel of America fellow
Kimberly Brown, a member of Thorp Reed's Commercial and Corporate Litigation practice group, chosen for honorary society that represents less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. » Market Watch -
Bernard '67 and wife honored with Distinguished Citizen Award
Longs Peak Council of the Boy Scouts of America recognizes Dan and Dale Bernard for their contributions to the community. » The Longmont Times-Call -
Zolot '98 to appear on History Channel program
U.S. Attorney Kevin Zolot discusses one of his cases during the upcoming "Killing Snitches" episode of the program Gangland, to air on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10. » The History Channel -
Adams '62, '05 to receive honorary doctorate from Hamilton College
John H. Adams, who co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council in 1970, will receive honorary degree at Commencement ceremony on May 24, 2009. » Hamilton College -
Torres '68 retires after 20 years on the federal bench
Senior U.S. District Judge Ernest C.Torres oversaw the corruption trial of former Pawtucket Mayor Brian Sarault and the trial and conviction of former Providence Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. » Providence Journal -
Simons '83 joins The Segal Company as senior vice president
Serena G. Simons will serve as senior vice president and national compliance retirement practice leader in Segal's Washington, D.C., office. » Market Watch -
Morgenstern '97 to serve as Senate chief of staff
David Morgenstern, a nine-year Senate veteran and legislative director since 2005, will take over as Sen. Lamar Alexander's chief of staff on May 1. » Knoxville News Sentinel -
Bilodeau LLM '87 appointed registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada
As registrar, Roger Bilodeau will be responsible for the appointment and supervision of Court staff, management of the Library and Registry, and publication of the Canada Supreme Court Reports. » Department of Justice, Canada -
Lisankie '77 named Alaska Regulatory Commissioner
Paul Lisankie, who was admitted to the practice of law in Alaska in 1985, has more than 20 years of state service. » Regulatory Commission of Alaska -
Felman '87 participates in Capitol Hill Crime Summit
Jim Felman served as a panelist at “Smart on Crime Policies: Increase Public Safety, Reduce Costs, and Improve Lives,” a Capitol Hill Crime Summit held on March 3rd. » The Sentencing Project -
Green '91 asks board of education not to give him a raise
Mo Green, superintendent of Guilford County Schools, says struggling economy would make his raise a hardship for the school system. » News & Record -
McKean '86 discusses Marbury v. Madison at Newseum
Justice John Paul Stevens serves as moderator for conversation with David McKean and Clifford Sloan, authors of "The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall and the Battle for the Supreme Court." » Legal Times -
Harris '93 named executive director of Ivy League athletics
Robin Harris' responsibilities will include overseeing Ivy League championships, officiating, and other athletic administration matters in all 33 Ivy League sports. » New York Times.com -
Pfeiffer '98 successfully concludes lengthy job search
Jessica Pfeiffer hired at Clark Hill as manager of professional development, a job that was eight months in the making. » Fortune Magazine -
Kehoe '78 sworn in to Maryland Special Court of Appeals
Christopher Kehoe fills vacancy in state's First Appellate Judicial Circuit, covering nine Maryland counties. » Star-Democrat -
Opel '02 brings passion for music to pro bono work
Ryan Opel provides volunteer legal services to Piedmont Opera and Winston-Salem Symphony. » Winston-Salem Journal -
Kang '01 selected for Obama's Legislative Affairs team
Christopher Kang to serve on staff that will assist the new administration in working with congressional leaders. » WashingtonPost.com -
Colangelo '89 appointed CEO at biopharmaceutical company
Dominick C. Colangelo will assume leadership role at Promedior. » Philadelphia Business Journal -
McKean '86 named staff director of Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Sen. John Kerry appoints David McKean to foreign relations post. » Boston Globe -
O'Neal '99 to serve on lieutenant governor's senior staff
Cynthia O’Neal will serve as director of external affairs for incoming North Carolina Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton. » Politics.MyNC.com -
Hofstetter '82 discusses role as attorney-turned-innkeeper
Says Rick Hofstetter: "What really motivates me is the freedom, the lifestyle and comfort in the knowledge that I am doing something lasting and worthwhile." » Indianapolis Star -
Gao Xiqing '86 analyzes the financial crisis
Gao says that the U.S. financial system must change fundamentally and acknowledge the global support it requires. » The Atlantic -
Nazarian '91 discusses regulation issues in Maryland
Alumnus is chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission. » WYPR (Maryland) -
Tamura pushes for Japanese sovereign wealth fund
Kotaro Tamura '95, a senator in the Japanese Diet, serves as general secretary of a panel promoting the fund. » Wall Street Journal (subscription required) -
Carter op-ed addresses diversity initiatives
Jessica Faye Carter '02 comments on the concerns of women of color in law firms and legal departments. » The National Law Journal -
Alumni join faculty and students in run to raise PILF money
Proceeds from a 5K, half marathon, and full marathon will help students do summer public interest work. -
Alumnus recognized for contributions to Southeast tech scene
John Yates '81 appears on list of 25 most influential people. » TechJournal South -
Mission driving new Guilford superintendent
Maurice “Mo” Green '91 talks about the transition from a large law firm partner to public school administrator. » North Carolina Bar Association -
Interview with the agent: Heather MacKenzie '90
MacKenzie discusses her career representing athletes in the international sports market. » SportsAgentBlog.com -
Michael Flynn '81 named HUD's acting general counsel
Flynn previously served as the general deputy general counsel to the department. » U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development -
IndyMac Federal Bank test the limits of leniency
"This is about maximizing the value of the mortgages," says FDIC special adviser for policy Michael Krimminger '82. "That will also help keep more people in their homes." » The Wall Street Journal -
Justin Klimko '80
Klimko, a leading attorney for mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, corporate financing, and governance, profiled in the November issue of Detroit's business journal. » DBusiness -
Collin J. Cox '01 recognized at Baylor University homecoming
The Herbert H. Reynolds Outstanding Young Alumni Awards are given annually to recognize professional achievement and distinguished service by Baylor alumni 40-years old or younger. » Baylor University News -
Richard Buhrman '66
Longtime chair of the Duke Estate Planning Council presides over its 30th annual Estate Planning Conference October 16-17. -
Kimberly Till '80 named president, CEO, and a director of Harris Interactive
Till, who succeeds Gregory T. Novak, most recently served as CEO of TNS North America. » MarketWatch -
Bachman Brown '50 receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Brown, a longtime attorney and first mayor of Kannapolis, N.C., was nominated by friends for the highest civilian award in the state of North Carolina. » Salisbury Post -
Ben Fountain '83 profiled in story of "late bloomers"
Fountain shares his story of being a late bloomer and how 18 years after leaving Akin Gump, he finally published a "breakthrough" novel. » The New Yorker -
Corey Ciocchetti '02
Ciocchetti finds success as a business ethics and legal studies professor at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business. » DU Clarion -
Professor James Thomas Royster Jones '78 appears at event sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Jones shared his struggle with mental illness at a forum highlighting Mental Health Awareness Week. » Louisville Courier-Journal -
James T. Crouse '80 co-authors aviation law book
Crouse has his own law firm in North Carolina specializing in aviation law and has taught this subject at Duke Law. » ClarisLaw.com -
Douglas R.M. Nazarian '91 experiences "baptism by fire"
Nazarian's new job takes an unexpected turn as Baltimore’s Constellation Energy Group Inc. agrees to be acquired by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. » The Daily Record -
John Higgins '79 throws out first pitch in Game 1 of the American League Division Series
Higgins serves as the Tampa Bay Rays' general counsel. » Rays Report Blog -
Who decides? The most terrifying part of the proposed bailout
Visiting Assistant Professor Zephyr Teachout '99 questions the powershift of the federal financial plan. » The Huffington Post -
Three Everetts take oath together as lawyers
Robinson Everett Jr. and Luke Everett, sons of Professor Robinson O. Everett LLM '59, and Sherry Honeycutt-Everett sworn in to practice law by Judge James Hardin '74. » The Herald Sun -
Gao Xi-Qing '86 named one of Esquire's 75 most influential people of the 21st Century
The magazine's anniversary issue calls Gao "one of the most powerful men in the world." » Esquire -
Dale Whitman '66 honored with first faculty chair at the University of Missouri School of Law
The Robert L. Hawkins Jr. /Dale A. Whitman Chair recognizes Whitman, who was a professor at the law school and dean from 1982-1988. » University of Missouri News -
'Off the Menu' captures associates' trials and tribulations
Christine Son '02 writes a novel following three women who excel in their professions, but struggle with meeting their parents' expectations and choosing their own paths in life. » lawjobs.com -
Amir Farokhi '04 starts campaigning early
Farokhi hopes to win a seat on the Atlanta City Council in the November 2009 election. » Payvand News -
Rich Baer '83 leads Corporate Counsel Magazine's "Best Legal Department"
Baer and his in-house legal department at Qwest selected for success in negotiating the settlement of shareholder lawsuits and for transforming an overworked legal department. » Business Network -
Bob Fox '68: A fascination that became a passion
Fox leads the U.S. Olympic table tennis team to China, the mecca of the sport. » Minneapolis Star Tribune -
Pam Gann '73 joins Southwestern Law School's board of trustees
Gann is the president of Claremont McKenna College and former dean of Duke Law School. » Southwestern Law School Press Release -
Kristi Bowman '01 tells what inspired her to become a lawyer
Bowman teaches at Michigan State University College of Law. » Rockford Register Star -
Tim Pakenham L'82, F'83: A connection to golf greatness
Pakenham is a partner at Alston & Bird in Atlanta and immediate past president of the Atlanta Athletic Club. » Daily Report -
Erin Gaddy '97
Gaddy is a prosecutor in South Carolina working with the National District Attorneys Association. » Earl Capps Blogspot -
Maurice Green T'88, L'91 named Guilford County superintendent
Green joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as general counsel in 2001 and later became district's chief operating officer and deputy superintendent. » WBTV -
Xi-Qing Gao '86 elected to Duke University Board of Trustees
The president and chief investment officer of China Investment Corp. began a five-year term on July 1, 2008. » Duke News & Communications -
John F. Sandy Smith '84 named founding chairman of IRiSS advisory board
The Institute for Research in the Social Sciences at Stanford University facilitates multi-disciplinary research and houses several research centers. » IRiSS Press Release -
Jessica Faye Carter '02 featured writer in Working Mother magazine
"Secrets of Success" column is adapted from Carter's book, Double Outsiders: How Women of Color Can Succeed in Corporate America. » Working Mother -
Two Duke Law graduates behind the North Carolina governor's race
Jack Hawke '66 serves as Pat McCrory's chief consultant and Mac McCorkle '84 is Bev Perdue's campaign adviser. » The Charlotte Observer -
Duke Law alumni and faculty collaborate on climate change article
"California, Climate Change, and the Constitution" published in the July/August 2008 edition of The Environmental Forum. » The Environmental Forum -
John R. Wester '72 selected as North Carolina Bar Association president-elect
A Charlotte attorney and longtime partner of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, Wester will serve as president in the 2009-2010 term. » N.C. Bar Association news -
Charles E. Burgin '64 inducted into N.C. Bar Association general practice hall of fame
Burgin has practiced law for over 40 years in McDowell County and is past president of the N.C. Bar Association. » N.C. Bar Association news -
Charles L. Becton '69 begins his term as N.C. Bar Association president
Becton installed on June 21 at annual meeting in Atlantic Beach, N.C. » N.C. Bar Association news -
Adam Buckley Cohen '93: Father-son connections are in the cards
Cohen writes about sharing first his trading cards and then trips to four sports halls of fame -- football, basketball, hockey, and baseball -- with his two sons. » The New York Times -
Washington, D.C. mayor announces new leaders for key economic development jobs
Erik Moses '96 selected to serve as chief executive officer of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission and Nicole Becton '98 will replace Moses as the interim director of city’s Department of Small and Local Business Development. » D.C. Mayor's Office -
Doug Nazarian '91 named chairman of Maryland's Public Service Commission
Nazarian joined the commission as general counsel a year ago and was one of the architects of the regulatory reform strategy currently in place. » Baltimore Sun -
Jessica Carter '02 featured in Essence magazine article
Carter's book "Double Outsiders: How Women of Color Can Succeed in Corporate America," received a gold medal in the career category for the 2008 Axiom Business Book Awards. » Essence Magazine -
Christine Son '02 writes debut novel "Off the Menu"
The book, about three high achieving women, will be published by Penguin Books/NAL in early August 2008. » Christineson.com -
Ben Fountain's '83 efforts pay off
Fountain is now an award winning author after quitting his job to become a stay-at-home dad and writer. » Law.com -
Cecily Hines '81 named president of The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks
Hines has 20 years experience serving as legal advisor for public and private institutions and has been active as a community volunteer throughout her life. » Minneapolis Parks -
N.C. attorney general appoints special prosecutor in case handled by Duke's Innocence Project
David Pishko '77 represents inmate requesting new trial. » Winston-Salem Journal -
The Price of Bananas: Terry Collingsworth '82
Collingsworth speaks to 60 Minutes about Chiquita's funding of Colombian paramilitaries; he has filed a lawsuit on behalf of families of Colombians killed by these groups. » 60 Minutes -
D. Todd Christofferson ' 72 named member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Christofferson's position announced during the first session of the two-day 178th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. » Salt Lake Tribune -
Patrick Kelley '73 named assistant director of the FBI's Office of Integrity and Compliance
Kelley is the first to assume this role. » Federal Bureau of Investigation Press Release -
Gao Xiqing '86 speaks with 60 Minutes
As head of China’s new sovereign-wealth fund, Gao pledges more transparency. » CBS News -
John Canning '69: Goal realized — and then some
Canning's mentors at First National Bank of Chicago convinced him to work in private equity. » Chicago Tribune -
Bob Fox '68: An Olympic Ambassador
Fox is the administrative leader and official chaperone of the U.S table tennis team heading to the Beijing Olympics. » MinnPost -
New York Times reporter Stephen Labaton ’86 discusses recent story on John McCain and lobbyist
Labaton is winner of DeWitt Wallace Center’s 2008 Futrell Award. -
Arlinda F. Locklear '76 honored as an American Indian legal pioneer
Locklear will be presented with the Kate Stoneman Award from Albany Law School for demonstrating a commitment to change and expanded opportunities for women. » Albany Law School -
Vikram Patel '05 waging a campaign of persuasion!
He's sent E-mail boasting a ready-made social circle. » On the brink of the wild, Alaska's largest city grows up... -
Ryan Crosswell '07 Inspires Others
Crosswell has distinguished himself as a runner and as a Marine. » The Republican & Herald -
Phil Moise '74 Named Recipient of 2008 GaBio Industry Growth Award
Moise recognized as an individual in the private sector who has made extraordinary contributions to the growth of Georgia’s life sciences industry. » Georgia Bio -
Charlie Rose '68 to contribute to 60 Minutes
Rose will return to the show as a correspondent. » CBS News
