Each honoree was announced by Alumni Association President Jared Davis, JD '99 who expressed his excitement to work with the newcomers. "This upcoming year will be transformational for the law school especially. We have initiatives in mind that will enhance activities for both the alumni base and students."
The Florida Bar Board of Governors has exclusive authority to formulate and adopt matters of policy concerning the activities of the Bar, subject to limitations imposed by the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. Among the new members is Ronald Ponzoli, Jr., JD '97. His father, Ronald Ponzoli Sr., also graduated from Miami Law in 1966, and said that he is "very proud" of his son. Of his election to the Board of Governors, Ponzoli Jr. is pleased as well. "I am really excited to be on the Florida Board of Governors. I look forward to working hard with my fellow Board members," Ponzoli, Jr. said.
Board members serve without pay, but that does not deter dedicated participants from diligently working to fulfill the demands of being a board member. Board member and Miami Law alumnus, Dennis Kainen, assured that "working for the integrity of the profession is some of the most rewarding work I've ever done." Kainen, now a criminal and tax attorney who was once editor of Miami Law's "Res Ipsa Loquitur" publication before completing his J.D. in 1981, spoke highly of his law school experience. "Whatever I've been able to accomplish as an attorney is because of what my foundation, my alma mater – the University of Miami, has given me."
Six current Miami Law students were also honored as new governors in the Law Student Division of the Florida Bar. The Law Student Division coordinates activities and projects for law students that encourage the free interchange of ideas relative to the duties, responsibilities, and problems faced by members of the legal profession. The new student governors were chosen by former student governors before the expiration of their tenure. Once elected, students represent the 1L, 2L, or 3L class throughout the duration of his or her time of service.
Rising second-year law student and Miami native, Leah Aaronson, is one of the newly elected members to the Board of Governors student division. "I am excited for the opportunities that being a part of the Law Students Division of the Florida Bar will bring," said Aaronson. "I'm honored to represent the UM School of Law class of 2015."
Miami Law Alumni and Students Honored at Florida Bar Reception
University of Miami
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