The year was 1987. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) was prominent in the news and Joseph Steffan had just admitted to two of his classmates he believed he was homosexual. At the time, Steffan was six weeks away from graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, a service academy where gaining admission and persevering through grueling academics and military indoctrination was a significant accomplishment in itself.
Once leadership found out, his dreams of being in the Navy and serving his country were shattered. He was forced to resign or face unsettling consequences and career difficulties. He resigned, but almost immediately reconsidered and sued to be reinstated so he could graduate from the Academy. With assistance from the LAMBDA Legal Defense Fund, he sued the Department of Defense. The DOD won the lawsuit, but a panel of judges ordered him reinstated. Later, in 1994, the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld his dismissal. Steffan was one of many servicemembers who over the years would also fight the injustice of not being allowed to serve because of their sexual orientation.
In 2000, Joseph Steffan (UConn Law ‘94) donated his personal papers, correspondence and legal files related to his lawsuit to the Law School. These papers provide an in-depth look at the legal research and strategy conducted by his team. Using original materials from the collection, the exhibit depicts his story from acceptance into the Academy, forced resignation and the long legal process to allow him to graduate from the Academy.
Joseph Steffan’s memoir: Honor Bound: A Gay American Fights for the Right to Serve His Country
Of interest in the collection were the many letters written to Steffan during the years long process from people all over the world, most who he had never met, in support of Steffan and his fight but also sympathetic because they too had been discriminated against because they were homosexual, or had to hide who they were in order to keep their positions. Many were also in the military.
Stop by UConn Law Library and check out this thought provoking exhibit.
Law Students Who Serve- Reflections on Veteran’s Day
In honor of Veterans Day, UConn Law highlights the stories of Andrew McCotter and Steven Jellen, of UConn Law student group VALOR (Veterans and Armed Forces Legal Out Reach). Balancing both military service and law studies, they talk about their military commitment and involvement in VALOR along the school’s growing community of veterans and service members. Students who serve are inspiring and possess leadership skills, discipline and dedication to service that enhance the UConn Law community.
McCotter is President of VALOR and a member of the United States Marine Corps who aspires to work with the U.S. Attorney’s office. Jellen is Vice President of VALOR and currently serving as a Medical Platoon Leader in the Connecticut Army National Guard, he was also a Paralegal at a Veterans Disability Law firm before coming to UConn Law.
McCotter reflected on how his military experience has influenced his law school career:
As President of VALOR, (Veterans & Armed Forces Legal Outreach Society), I am proud to say that being a member of the United States Marine Corps has profoundly shaped my perspective and prepared me for law school. The discipline, resilience, and commitment to service instilled in the Marines have been invaluable in the rigorous environment of law school.
UConn Law Student Andrew J. McCotter, Second Lieutenant, United State Marine Corps
The ability to manage time efficiently, handle stress, and take the initiative have transferred seamlessly. My decision to apply to law school stemmed from a desire to continue serving in a different capacity.
While the transition from the military to law school can be tricky, UConn’s Vet Center has made the process easy, giving me the info and tools needed to get the most from the benefits available. Balancing law school and the Marine Reserves is challenging, but I find it to be manageable and extremely rewarding.
VALOR has allowed myself and others at UConn Law to support the veteran community and military families through pro bono legal work and advocacy by partnering with outstanding Non-Profits such as the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center. I intend to carry the values of the military into my legal career, hopefully finding work as a U.S Attorney. The Marine Corps has not only prepared me for the challenges of law school but has also given me a sense of purpose that I will carry into my legal career.
Jellen talked about his journey to law school and his experience balancing active duty service with his studies.
Serving my country and my Soldiers has been the most challenging, yet rewarding, thing I have ever done. Everyone who has served our nation has faced—and has ultimately overcome—many challenges that seem daunting and even impossible at first. It was this process of consistently proving myself wrong by overcoming these obstacles that gave me the confidence that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
UConn Law Student Steven Jellen, Connecticut Army National Guard
After graduating Basic Officer Leader Course in early 2023, I knew that I wanted to continue challenging myself and hopefully make a lasting difference in people’s lives. This is what pushed me to start studying for the LSATs and applying to law schools.
Although juggling both law school and National Guard obligations has been difficult at times, my past military experiences have shown me that anything is possible if you put the work in. Plus, the Connecticut National Guard covers all of my tuition here, which is a big help.
If you are a Veteran or current Service Member thinking about coming to UConn Law, I would highly recommend it! VALOR and the school as a whole will welcome you with open arms.
VALOR
UConn Law’s VALOR (Veterans and Armed Forces Legal Out Reach) Society promotes scholarly discussion of law regarding Veteran and Military related topics; and builds social ties between interested students, the law school, and the local community to promote professional development.
Members of VALOR’s E-board and 1L reps at The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center annual “Salute to Service” Gala. Featured guest speakers included Senator Blumenthal, and Marine Infantry Platoon Commander, and Wall Street Journal Report Ben Kesling.
VALOR’s October 31st meeting featuring Alison Weir, director of The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center. Alison lead a discussion on the issues facing veterans in the CT Community.
VALOR’s October 31st Meeting
Veterans make it possible to express our thoughts and emotions freely, have meaningful debates on vital issues, strive for positive change, and exercise our rights as Americans. Please take a moment to thank all of our UConn Law active duty members, veterans and their families for their service and support!
Supporting Military Families: Overcoming Employment Barriers
As a new law school graduate (and military spouse) in 1992, I had the option to "throw the dice" and pick a state to take the bar in (Mississippi? California? Florida? Virgina? All were contenders) while dealing with costly fees for bar registration in a state I didn't even know I would live in.
With a husband in flight training who was months away from any permanent duty station due to training delays, our permanent "home" announcement was months away. After weathering several deployments and moves, funds ran low, we had a family on the way and I scrapped my dream of becoming a licensed attorney.
Prior to 2012, there was no assistance for military spouse attorneys in any state when they transferred across state lines. This led to many spouses deciding to not take the bar exam, endure family separations in order to stay employed, or choose to move with their spouse and endure underemployment due to licensing red tape. In 2017, Connecticut enacted a rule reducing barriers to practice for military spouse attorneys, thus paving the way for career opportunities for attorneys who are military spouses.
Other professions still lag behind or are caught in a vortex of state regulations. For spouses in professions requiring state-specific licenses—such as teaching, real estate, healthcare, or law—the need to re-certify or meet different state requirements can be both costly and time-consuming. Navigating the time consuming and costly process can be discouraging to military spouses, who rely on employment and are often times single parents to boot.
In my attempt to find employment in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area, I was once told by a prospective employer that they could pay military spouses far less simply because they were a "captive audience". This issue not only delays their ability to enter the workforce after a move but can also discourage some from pursuing their careers altogether.
As President Biden has also noted, it's the military families that make it possible for those to do their job, "While our veterans are the steel spine of this Nation, their families are the courageous heart — they also serve and sacrifice so much for our country."
In 2022, President Biden issued the Executive Order on Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors which called for most comprehensive set of administrative actions in our Nation’s history to support the economic security of military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors. There is still much work to working to be done to better support military and veteran families on everything from making school transitions easier for military children to expanding economic opportunities and improving well-being for military spouses, caregivers, and survivors.
The UConn Law Library, along with UConn students, faculty, and staff, thanks all of our veterans and their families for their courageous service.
After the Votes: Election Outcomes and Legal Challenges
As election season unfolds, the aftermath often brings its own set of challenges, particularly concerning the validity of the results. Challenges to election results can arise for various reasons—ranging from allegations of voter fraud to disputes over the counting process. We’ve gathered some resources that summarize and explore the legal framework surrounding election result challenges and their implications. There are a number of open access resources to help with your research questions.
Case Tracker
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law tracks pending and resolved election cases from across the country. You can browse a list of cases, search by case name, or filter by jurisdiction and topic. This resource provides case summaries and court filings.
50 State Surveys
The National Conference of State Legislatures has assembled state laws from across the country on topics including absentee voting, voter ID requirements, felon voting rights, election recounts, poll watching, and the Electoral College. For some of these topics, the laws are synthesized and displayed in tables and infographics that allow for easy browsing and comparing.
U.S. Voting Laws & Legislation Center
A free, publicly accessible tool for locating U.S. federal and state voting and election law and for tracking proposed legislation on the topic. This voting law tool is provided by the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation to provide citizens with free access to the most comprehensive collection of US voting laws, and legislative developments.
HeinOnline Database (UConn Law Students, Faculty and Staff)
HeinOnline Voting Rights & Election Law
Browse and search through a collection of thousands of subject-coded titles that illustrate the nuances and complexities of elections and voting systems—the lifeblood of democracy—both in America and across the globe.
For additional insight, check out the UConn Law library display and make sure you get out there and vote!!!
Witches, Goblins and Ghosts…Oh My! Spooky Season Legal Research
As Halloween approaches, it’s not just ghosts and goblins that come out to play; the spirit of inquiry and legal research also rises to the occasion.
While the rest of the world is busy preparing for trick-or-treating and costume parties, legal professionals can take a cue from the season to refresh their research strategies and explore the eerie yet fascinating intersections of law and Halloween.
A spooky gem for research into all things spooky and perhaps macabre, is Hein Online!
Congo Week will be recognized on UConn Law’s campus for the second consecutive year. Observed October 13-October 19, it’s a week of activities that supports the people of the Congo by raising awareness of Cobalt mining and the interrelated conflict in the Democratic Republic of The Congo. Congo Week is brought to you by BLSA (Black Law Students Association) in collaboration with HRLA (Human Rights Law Association), PILG (Public Interest Law Group), EELS (Energy and Environmental Law Society), ULBC (UConn Law Basketball Club) and The UConn Law Library.
UConn Law 3L Toni-Ann Gayle
Guest blogger Toni-Ann Gayle launched the first ever Congo Week in 2023 and has spearheaded the event again for 2024. She shares her perspective on Congo Week and what it means to her:
I’m so excited that we will be recognizing Congo Week for the second year in a row on campus! This year, we are extremely fortunate to be partnering with UConn undergrad to ensure that students in the undergrad can watch some of the events and know what is taking place on the law school campus. We are also partnering with Adelphi University and sitting in on one of their events!
This year, we were intentional in making Congo Week activities even more accessible for our day and evening students. Here are just a few examples:
Scavenger Hunt
This will be available for participants throughout the week, so both day and evening students can participate,
Library Display
Books covering Congo’s history and mineral rights are on display in the library are of course, available to check out.
Congo on Campus : A Live Conversation with Congolese Cobalt Miners
Our main event on Wednesday, which features cobalt miners from the Congo will be recorded and available in person as well as virtually, and on Thursday, we will be having 2 events both of which are virtual (with watch parties in person) – one of which is during the traditional lunch hour for day students, and another which is in the afternoon and is accessible to evening students.
Perhaps what I am even more excited about is, well, two things: first, that students get the opportunity to directly ask questions which will be answered by the miners themselves, and second, our basketball game on Saturday which will be in collaboration with ULBC where we will be encouraging students to donate to causes of their choice which benefit people in the Congo!
Buckets 4 Congo (Basketball Game)
Held in collaboration with ULBC – we will be encouraging students to donate to causes of their choice which will benefit people in the Congo!
Community
This year, we were very intentional about the community aspect of Congo Week (as it is a community service project at its core) and we have partnered with organizations in the community such as YACO International’s African Community Resource Center to assist Congolese migrants in the surrounding community with various immigration needs, and even the food we are getting is from an organization that supports refugees and asylum seekers from a number of countries, Congo being one of them.
Congo Week this year promises to be even better than last year, and this is because we have a team of dedicated people on board working around the clock to ensure that each day is intentionally planned with the cause at the forefront, and that each day is designed to accommodate as many students (and faculty) as possible!
I am excited that students will get the chance to learn about the plight of the Congolese people through various forms, and I am even more excited for the thoughtful discussions that will take place – we tried very hard to ensure that there is something for everyone – from watching films to playing basketball, we want to ensure that everyone knows that there is something that they can do!
As this is my final year at UConn, this year’s Congo Week is a bit emotional for me, as it will be the last time that I am planning and executing this event. However, I am confident that the baton will be passed to competent hands who will make the event even better for years to come. I hope that everyone can come out and support in any way that they can!
Prioritizing Wellness – Law Student Mental Health Day – 10/10
Fall is beautiful in Connecticut! Leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and there are apple cider donuts around every corner. However, for law students, Fall is also when coursework and extra-curricular activities begin to pile up and deadlines start to feel more imminent than the first hard frost.
The American Bar Association designates October 10th as Law Student Mental Health Day to align with World Mental Health Day, recognized by the World Health Organization. This day recognizes stress, anxiety and substance abuse issues among the legal community, and is an opportunity to promote and educate about resources available to students and lawyers facing these issues.
UConn Law and the American Bar Association have an ongoing commitment to raise awareness, eliminate any stigma regarding help-seeking and self-care, and support a culture of well-being in law school and beyond.
UConn Law - Law Student Mental Health Day Featured Programs (all on October 10th) :
Breakfast Break - stop by our firm sponsored breakfast break in partnership with CCD on Law Student Mental Health Day (10/10) hosted by Carmody, Torrance, Sandak and Hennessey LLP from 9-11am located at the library patio. Representatives from this firm will be handing out breakfast items from Dunkin’, so please stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and introduce yourself!
Mental Health Committee/Student Affairs Tabling - 10/10 from 12:30-2pm on the library patio to promote the importance of caring for our mental health and combating the stigma surrounding mental health in the legal profession.
Guest Speaker Heidi Alexander - Join us in the evening of 10/10 for our guest speaker, Heidi Alexander, from 5-6pm in JMB. Heidi is Massachusetts’ first Director of the Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being and is the President of the Institute for Well-Being in Law.
Year round, UConn Law offers various resources to help you recognize mental health concerns as well as resources available to help you focus on your well-being. The UConn LawOffice of Student Affairs staff is located in One Stop on the second floor of the library. Students can also book an appointment to talk with our On-Campus Mental Health Counselors through the UConn Law Student Portal.
The following initiatives available to UConn Law students are offered in partnership with Student Health and Wellness at UConn-Storrs.
BeWell - offers free and confidential mental health support 24/7/365 by calling (833) 308-3040. This service can also be accessed outside of the U.S by calling +44-20-8987-6588 for in-the-moment support from a counselor, regardless of your location, to help you manage your concerns.
On-campus Mental Health Counselor, Corrine, offers one on one counseling. Please email her at corrine.ochsner@uconn.edu to set up a time to meet!
Togetherall -completely anonymous online peer-to-peer mental health support community available free to UConn students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Togetherall provides access to an online community and a wealth of useful resources, including self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, depression and more. Register with your UConn email at:https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student
Headspace - The City of Hartford partnered with the app Headspace for a self-care and mental wellness initiative. You can download it for free (expires 5/31/25)
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Connecticut - offers free and confidential peer support, support groups and other mental health resources to all attorneys, judges and law students in Connecticut.
Finally, there are numerous supportive resources online:
Institute For Well-Being In Law - (lawyerwellbeing.net): Focuses on a holistic approach to well-being. There is a wealth of knowledge on this platform…a monthly electronic newsletter, the latest research, resources, a podcast, events and more.
Virtual Sits — Mindfulness in Law Society: Mission is to help promote wellbeing in the legal profession and they offer free virtual mindfulness sessions twice weekly
Law Library’s Wellness Guide- Includes information on wellness and the law, contemplative spaces at UConn Law and resources available.
Remember, the UConn Law Library and UConn Law are here to support you as your navigate the stressful years of law school and beyond.
Newsflash! Digital Access to New York Times and WSJ
Digital Access to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal is available to all current law students, faculty and staff!Once signed up, you can read the publications on your computer or phone apps!
New York Times
Students, faculty, and staff can create an account to view the New York Times website by following the instructions from our catalog. To create an account, complete your registration (use your UConn email address and create a password!)
Once you have an account, you can access the New York Times from anywhere on any device by going to http://www.nytimes.com and logging in with your username and password. You can access from the New York Times app on your phone as well.
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal access is provided by the UConn School of Business to all active students, faculty and staff at the University. You can activate your complimentary membership by logging on to this link (you will be prompted for your NetID and password to activate your subscription using this link): Wall Street Journal Sign Up. To access the WSJ from your phone, simply download the app and log in with your credentials.
September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic American Heritage Month. This month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrates heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
UConn Law student Dominic Bellido visiting El Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI), Lima, Peru.
The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. In keeping with this concept, UConn Law recognizes the impact that Hispanic American students bring as advocates for reform, to UConn Law and the legal profession.
This month we highlight Dominic Bellido, a first-year law student who joined the library this past summer. A Colby College graduate with a commitment to justice and advocacy, Dominic intends to pursue a career in human rights or immigration law.
Dominic reflects on what it means to honor his heritage and the legacies he carries forward in his pursuit of legal education.
As a first-generation Peruvian / American law student, I have often felt intimidated or anxious entering into higher levels of education. Being the first in my family to enter law school has come with not only a sense of pride but also fear for the all the unknowns ahead of me. But whenever I begin to doubt myself, I remember the way my grandparents used to sing me lullabies in Spanish whenever I had nightmares a child, soothing me with old bolero songs or nursery rhymes.
Dominic’s family’s journey ignited a desire to pursue a career in law, aiming to create positive change and advocate for those in need.
Now I draw my strength from the love my grandparents kept for me, from all the culture and pain and joy they carried on their backs, from all the hard work it took for them to help my parents build a new home in America. And as I pursue my studies, I think to myself, if I am able to help my community and shed light onto the new paths which my generation and the next will forge—then, all credit is due to the ancestors that came before me. Only the mistakes are truly mine.
Sentiments such as Dominic’s are a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the positive changes that emerge from embracing diverse voices.
Check out Dominic’s library display of print and digital titles highlighting Hispanic Heritage by the entrance to the law library. By celebrating all UConn Law students of Hispanic heritage and their achievements and supporting their journeys, we contribute to a more diverse and equitable legal profession.
Welcome back alumni! We look forward to the 2024 UConn school of Law Reunion. This weekend’s reunion promises to be an event filled with nostalgia, reflection, and reconnection.
Check Out Our Exhibits!
For a walk down memory lane, we have created an exhibit of photos for the classes ending in 4 and 9 near the stairs on the library’s main floor.
We also currently have an exhibit, Honor Bound: Coming out in the Military, which highlights Joseph Steffan’s papers and other items from the Steffan Collection in the School of Law Archives.
Remember, we are here to help!
Our expert law librarians are available to assist alumni with personalized research guidance long after graduation. Our comprehensive research guides, curated by librarians, offer step-by-step guidance on conducting legal research in a variety of practice areas.
Connect with us!
There are four easy ways to connect with us: in person, thru online chat, via email or give us a call (860) 570-5200.
Reach out with questions, and we’ll help you find the right tools to support your legal practice.
The Law Library is turning 100!
The Law Library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this Spring, we invite you to join us so stay tuned for details!
This year, we were very intentional about the community aspect of Congo Week (as it is a community service project at its core) and we have partnered with organizations in the community such as YACO International’s African Community Resource Center to assist Congolese migrants in the surrounding community with various immigration needs, and even the food we are getting is from an organization that supports refugees and asylum seekers from a number of countries, Congo being one of them.
