News Summary
The Florida State University College of Law has appointed Denise Harle as the founding director of its First Amendment Clinic. Starting August 2023, Harle will lead law students in hands-on pro bono litigation concerning free speech and religious liberty. Her experience includes constitutional law advocacy, and she will also oversee outreach programming to enhance civic engagement. This new initiative aims to deepen students’ understanding of constitutional issues and prepare them for impactful legal careers.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida State University (FSU) College of Law has announced the appointment of Denise Harle as the founding director of its newly established First Amendment Clinic. Harle, a partner at Shutts & Bowen in Tallahassee, will assume her new role in August 2023. In this position, she will lead law students in hands-on pro bono litigation related to free speech, religious liberty, and various other First Amendment issues.
As the founding director, Harle’s responsibilities will include not only overseeing the clinic’s operations but also teaching courses focused on First Amendment law and organizing related programming. This encompasses events such as speaker series, conferences, and discussions on constitutional freedoms, fostering an environment for civic engagement and scholarship among students and the community.
Denise Harle’s extensive legal experience includes a significant focus on constitutional law, where she established herself as a key figure in the Appellate Practice Group and Constitutional Law Practice Area at Shutts & Bowen. She has actively participated in high-profile constitutional cases in state and federal courts, contributing to shaping appellate strategies and delivering oral arguments.
In addition to her role at the First Amendment Clinic, Harle will head the Conscience Liberty branch at FSU’s Institute for Governance & Civics. This initiative aims to further scholarship and promote civic engagement concerning foundational principles of law and constitutional rights.
Benjamin Gibson, the managing partner at Shutts & Bowen, noted that while the firm will miss Harle’s contributions, they are proud of her new opportunity at FSU and believe her commitment to constitutional principles will greatly benefit the law school. Harle has a robust background in advocating for constitutional rights, ranging from free speech protections to controversial legal stances.
Before her tenure at Shutts & Bowen, Harle was the Deputy Solicitor General of Florida under then-Attorney General Pam Bondi. In 2022, she was a finalist for a seat on the Florida Supreme Court, a position that underscores her standing in the legal community. Additionally, Harle has been involved with the Federalist Society, a notable conservative legal organization influential in judicial nominations and discussions surrounding constitutional law.
Harle’s legal advocacy includes defending anti-abortion positions and upholding free speech rights for faith-based organizations. She gained recognition for challenging a state law in Connecticut concerning pregnancy resource centers and defended a Florida law in 2016 that halted federal funding to Planned Parenthood. In this case, she argued for the Florida Legislature’s authority to determine funding allocations for controversial groups.
The appointment of Denise Harle marks an important addition to the FSU College of Law, reflecting a commitment to strong advocacy for constitutional rights in education. Erin O’Hara O’Connor, the Dean of FSU College of Law, commended Harle’s commitment to constitutional advocacy, highlighting her potential impact on the law school’s community.
The First Amendment Clinic is anticipated to not only enhance the educational experience for law students but also deepen their understanding of and engagement with critical constitutional issues, thereby shaping a new generation of lawyers dedicated to preserving fundamental rights.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: Shutts & Bowen Partner Exits to Launch First Amendment Clinic at FSU Law School
- Tallahassee.com: First Amendment Clinic at FSU Law to be Led by Conservative Lawyer
- Law360: Shutts & Bowen Atty to Lead New First Amendment Clinic
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Google Search: First Amendment rights
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