Former Chief Justice Wells Serves as UF Jurist-In-Residence

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 12, 2010) -- Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Wells of GrayRobinson, P.A. will serve as the Peter T. Fay Jurist-in-Residence at the University of Florida Levin College of Law on January 20-21, providing law students the opportunity to learn from Wells' 43 years of legal experience.

In addition to attending classes and meeting with students throughout the two-day program, Wells will give a presentation on Wednesday, January 20. The lecture, to be held at UF Law's new Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center from 5-7 p.m., will focus on Wells' involvement in the vote recount of the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Bush. v. Gore.

"I feel honored to serve as UF Levin College of Law's Jurist-in-Residence. This is an important legal education program that focuses on the essential role of judges in the development and administration of the law," said Wells. "This program is also personally very important to me, since it bears the name of my long time friend Peter Fay who has contributed so much to the legal profession as both a lawyer and jurist by his exemplary professionalism, integrity and demeanor."

Wells' legal experience spans 28 years in private practice and 15 years on the state's highest court, including two years as Chief Justice. At GrayRobinson, Wells is involved in litigation and appellate legal services provided to the firm's clients. Wells also serves clients as of counsel in matters involving the executive and legislative branches of Florida's government.

The Jurist-in-Residence program, launched in 2009, brings experienced judges to campus to share their legal insights and experiences with students through participation in college activities and classroom discussions.

"Former Justice Wells will be an extraordinary resource and mentor for our students," said Jennifer Zedalis, UF legal skills professor, director of Trial Practice and chair of the Jurist-in-Residence program committee. "He has served as our Chief Justice, and he has participated in landmark decisions ranging from capital punishment to the electoral process. He brings more wisdom and experience to our school than we could possibly describe."

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