Jeff Veitch

Associate Dean of Administration & Academic Affairs @ St. Thomas University College of Law, Miami FL, Seattle WA |Mission City, British Columbia 🇨🇦🇺🇸

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

Thirty years. Countless memories. One unforgettable experience.

STU College of Law's Summer in Spain Program has officially concluded its milestone 30th year, celebrating three decades of global learning, cultural immersion, and academic excellence.

From studying at the historic Real Centro Universitario Escorial-María Cristina to exploring Madrid, Toledo, Ávila, Salamanca, and Segovia, students experienced the law beyond the classroom through international coursework, cultural excursions, visits to legal institutions, and conversations with distinguished guest speakers.

The program concluded with its annual farewell dinner, where graduating student and outgoing 2025-2026 W. Michael Reisman Fellow Angel Armesto reflected on his international internship experience in France. The evening also celebrated the selection of Sky Gil and Kathryn Stepp as the 2026-2027 W. Michael Reisman Fellows in International Law, supporting the next chapter of their global legal journeys.

As we celebrate the program's 30th anniversary, we look forward to honoring its rich legacy and generations of alumni during a special celebration on campus this fall.

@TarlikaNavarro

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #SummerInSpain

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

Join our Unique LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights!

Human dignity and the flourishing of all human beings are key concerns of our time, highlighted by the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. As all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, this exceptional and timely program, with eminent instructors from across the U.S. and the world, featuring over 500 graduates from 95 countries since its inception in 2001, makes you a thorough expert, scholar, and skilled advocate in the field.

For further information and application, please visit:

🔗 https://t.co/ohkiZp2BwY

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

Associate Professor of Law David Upham's recently released book, "Taking American Citizenship Seriously: The Recovery of the Fourteenth Amendment," examines the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment, offering a new perspective on its protections of citizenship and constitutional rights.

Drawing on extensive historical research and primary sources, Professor Upham argues that the Amendment was intended to strengthen longstanding protections of both human rights and American citizenship, with important implications for contemporary constitutional debates.

To learn more or purchase a copy, click the link below:

🔗 https://t.co/GkA9RHdXAP

#STUMiami // #STULaw

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

⚖️ Bar Exam Boot Camp ✅

The Class of 2026 just wrapped up two days of intensive preparation focused on developing effective study strategies and reinforcing the skills required to pass the July bar exam.

A special thank you to our Academic Support Program for guiding students through this important step.

🎓 Commencement ➡ up next!

#STUMiami // #STULaw

[St. Thomas University @StThomasUniv]

Behind every graduate is a village that helped make these moments possible. 💙🎓
To the parents, grandparents, siblings, family members, friends, mentors, and loved ones who cheered from the sidelines, offered support through every challenge, and celebrated every milestone—thank you.
Commencement is more than a celebration of our graduates. It's a celebration of everyone who helped them get here.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and thank you to the family and friends who were part of the journey every step of the way. 🐾✨
@StThomasLaw
#STUMiami #Commencement2026 #BobcatPride #StuFeatured #BeGiant

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

Professor Dr. Roza Pati attended the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Religion and Foreign Policy Workshop on May 20-21, 2026—two days of expert panels and discussion groups on cutting-edge issues impacting U.S. engagement with the world. Participation in the workshop is by invitation and selection only. The CFR is a non-partisan, independent national membership organization, think tank, educator, and publisher, including of Foreign Affairs. It generates policy-relevant ideas and analysis, convenes experts and policy makers, and promotes informed public discussion. This year’s workshop focused on issues at the intersection of religion and U.S. foreign policy affairs. Panels focused on: The Future of Humanitarian Aid; Faith, Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence; Conflict in the Middle East; The Local to Global Dimensions of Immigration. Discussion group sessions related to Climate and Faith Movements; Gender Equality and Faith Communities; International Religious Freedom; Peace and Global Conflict; and the Rise of Religious Nationalism and Authoritarianism, in which Dr. Pati had her insightful contribution.

Professor Pati has also received an exceptional invitation from the Council of Europe to present at its Headquarters in Strasbourg before the 8th Plenary Meeting of the Committee of the Parties to the Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs (The Santiago de Compostela Convention), which will take place on June 9-10, 2026. Dr. Pati has been invited to share her “valuable experience and insights” in anti-trafficking, with particular emphasis on trafficking in persons for the purposes of organ transplant. The organizers express appreciation for Dr. Pati’s “willingness to engage with the work of the Council of Europe.”

#STUMiami // #STULaw

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

The 2nd Annual Spiritual Bar Boost Program continued this week with a session centered on "The Way of Surrender." Graduates reflected on managing stress and anxiety through faith while finding encouragement, fellowship, and spiritual support throughout the bar preparation journey. Inspired by Scripture and the example of St. Thomas More, the program continues to support the whole person as graduates prepare for the Bar Exam.

The session also welcomed STU Law graduate Vincent Reda, who returned to share his insights and experiences with the students, offering encouragement and practical wisdom as they continue their preparation for the Bar Exam.

A special thank you to President David Armstrong for his surprise FaceTime call and words of encouragement, which provided an uplifting reminder to our graduates that the entire STU community is cheering them on throughout their Bar Exam journey.

@TarlikaNavarro @STUPrez

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #BarPrep

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

In the classroom, students are exploring topics such as judicial decision-making, including independent factual investigation, judicial notice, and statutory interpretation. Outside the classroom, students are experiencing Spain firsthand through shared meals, cultural immersion, and excursions, including a hike led by Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro to one of the highest points in town, where the group enjoyed breathtaking views of the monastery and the surrounding landscape.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #SummerInSpain

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

From Miami to Spain, STU Law students are expanding their legal education beyond borders through the Summer in Spain Program in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Nestled in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains and just outside Madrid, the historic town of El Escorial offers students a unique setting to combine academics, culture, and community while living alongside centuries of history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

@TarlikaNavarro

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #SummerInSpain

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

This week, graduates participating in the 2nd Annual Spiritual Bar Boost Program gathered for a session centered on "The Power of No," exploring the importance of healthy boundaries, managing cognitive overload, and protecting their mental and spiritual energy during bar preparation.

Drawing inspiration from Scripture, the writings of Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, and the example of St. Thomas More, attendees reflected on the importance of guarding their hearts, embracing their human limitations, and finding peace amid the pressures of the Bar Exam.

The session also featured Director and Assistant Professor of Legal Writing, Carem Covaia, who shared reflections on faith through the lens of a passage from *Boundaries*, enriching the conversation and offering graduates additional encouragement as they continue their bar preparation journey.

Through prayer, discussion, and fellowship, the program continues to support the whole person throughout the bar preparation process.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #BarPrep

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

Congratulations to rising 3Ls Carolina Baca and María Duarte Matute, and student coach Barbara Santana, on their outstanding performance at the Orseck Moot Court Competition.

Competing against teams from all 12 Florida law schools, the team advanced to the championship round, where they argued before a distinguished panel of seven justices of the Florida Supreme Court: Justices Sasso, Grosshans, Labarga, Muñiz, Couriel, Francis, and Tannenbaum.

The team was recognized as Runner-Up Finalists and earned the award for Best Brief, an impressive accomplishment in one of Florida's premier moot court competitions.

Congratulations to Carolina, María, and Barbara on this remarkable achievement and for continuing STU Law's tradition of excellence in advocacy.

@TarlikaNavarro

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #MootCourt

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

On June 16th, Dr. Roza Pati, Founder and Director of The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy at STU College of Law, joined Attorney General James Uthmeier, South Florida business and civic leaders, and law enforcement partners for a roundtable discussion and press conference addressing the increased risk of human trafficking surrounding major sporting events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Coordinated by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted the importance of education, training, and collaboration in preventing and combating human trafficking.

During the discussion, Dr. Pati emphasized the power of public-private partnerships and encouraged businesses to provide anti-trafficking training and support initiatives that protect vulnerable populations. Quoting, "What the mind does not know, the eye does not see," she underscored the vital role awareness plays in identifying and combating trafficking year-round.

Also representing St. Thomas University was James Konschnik, CFRE, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy.

Through the continued support of the Brunetti Foundation, The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy remains committed to advancing education and promoting human dignity.

@AGJamesUthmeier

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #HumanTraffickingAwareness

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

On Saturday, June 27, members of the STU College of Law community attended the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association’s 37th Annual Scholarship, Awards & Installation Gala, “Una Noche Inolvidable,” at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

We proudly congratulate Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro, recipient of the Bravo Award, in recognition of her dedication and service to the Hispanic community. Congratulations also to Braulio Rosa, Executive Director of the Broward County Bar Association, recipient of the Gracias Award, and Chief Judge Carol Lisa Phillips of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, recipient of the Honorary Hispanic Award.

We also congratulate 3Ls Isabella Ceron and Juliette Valle, Lewis Menendez and Osuni Valdivia (’25), on being selected as recipients of Broward County Hispanic Bar Association scholarships.

STU College of Law extends its congratulations to incoming BCHBA President Elizabeth Rodriguez, Esq., the incoming officers and directors, and thanks outgoing President Mario E. Lopez, Esq., for his leadership and service to the organization.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating alongside members of the STU Law community, including Senior Director for Career Development Jennifer Ley-Soto, Javier Ley-Soto (‘05), Richard McNab, Carolina Veira, and Assistant Dean Ana Vallejo.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #BCHBA

[Jeff Veitch @VeitchJeff]

@Sassafrass_84 It is purely about avoiding an appeal for not allowing the jury to consider a lesser included offense. The State must prove the killing was a knowing and intentional killing, not in self-defense. Manslaughter is a killing with reckless disregard of a substantial risk of death.

[Jeff Veitch @VeitchJeff]

@canutescanoe @kingkapoor72 E est

[Pete Hegseth @PeteHegseth]

Two simple Truths:

Jesus Christ died for our sins.

America’s fallen died for our freedom.

May we live worthy.

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

Calling all STU Law Alumni! 📢

Join STU College of Law for a special evening at the Florida Bar Convention Alumni Reception. Reconnect with fellow alumni, meet current faculty and leadership, and celebrate the continued growth and success of STU Law. This reception is an opportunity to strengthen connections, share experiences, and enjoy a memorable evening together.

Register: https://t.co/CzvtyYXlYz

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #STULawAlumni

[David A. Armstrong, J.D. @STUPrez]

National Champion! @StThomasUniv

[St. Thomas University College of Law @StThomasLaw]

On Friday, May 8th, Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro served as a panelist during Panel IV, “The Future of AI for Lawyers: Where is AI taking us?” at the Third DCA Spring Seminar: The Power of AI — Practical Tools, Pitfalls, and Professionalism.

Moderated by Thomas Kroeger of Colson Hicks Eidson, the panel brought together leaders across law, technology, and academia to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the legal profession. Fellow panelists included Manny Perez, Dean of Miami-Dade College Engineering, Technology, and Design, and Professor Robert Plant, Chair of the Department of Business and Technology at the University of Miami Intelligent Computer Systems Research Institute.

Also attending the seminar were STU Law students Ana Navarro (rising 2L), Kevin Parekh (rising 3L), and Joseph Faradji (rising 2L), along with alumna Daihana Chang ('24). STU College of Law alumna Judge Kansas R. Gooden (’08) also participated as part of the judicial roundtable.

The seminar welcomed judges, practitioners, technologists, and academics for important conversations surrounding the future of AI in appellate and trial practice.

At the end of the program, Chief Judge Edwin A. Scales III was presented with the Chief Justice John Marshall Award by the Miami-Dade Bar Association.

#STUMiami // #STULaw

[The Florida Bar @TheFlaBar]

With legal recruiting moving earlier and becoming increasingly competitive, @StThomasLaw is rolling out its full 26-27 recruiting calendar months in advance, aiming to give employers greater flexibility and students earlier access to career opportunities.
https://t.co/OXqJZpniAp