Lectures bring criminal law experts to classroom

“A Conversation With” and “The Mentor” might sound like reality shows but are two new law school lectures designed to give students insights into the practice of criminal law.

The National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law launched the two lecture series to raise professionalism and reach out to members of the Mississippi legal community.

“The Mentor” began in September with retired Hinds County Public Defender Tom Fortner. The 1981 UM law graduate spoke with students about his many experiences in public office.

Fortner’s 25 years representing people charged with criminal offenses and his rise to the top of Mississippi’s largest law office made Fortner the ideal inaugural “Mentor” speaker, said NCJRL Director Tom Clancy. 

“Mentor” organizers hope other Ole Miss law graduates and members of the judiciary, prosecution and defense will provide additional insights into criminal law from their perspectives.

“‘The Mentor’ series is designed to give students exposure to persons with extensive experience in criminal law,” Clancy said. “That’s what mentoring is about, giving someone advice and the benefit of their experience.”

“A Conservation With” began in October with Baltimore State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy, a 1974 UM law school graduate who is the city’s first black female chief prosecutor.

Michael Vitiello, an established authority on criminal appellate practice, presents the next “A Conversation With” on March 30. To demonstrate the different skills needed by trial and appellate attorneys, Vitiello will speak on “Effective Oral Argument Skills.”

“The goal is to expose students to different levels of practice from different but highly respected people,” Clancy said.

Vitiello, a former visiting professor at the UM law school, is a professor at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

—Kara Givens

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