John Upchurch Addresses Graduates at Warsaw University Polish-American Commencement Ceremonies

Mediator John J. Upchurch of Upchurch Watson White & Max, former Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, delivered the principal commencement address at ceremonies at the University of Warsaw marking the graduation of this year's class of the Center for American Law Studies. Dean Tadeusz Tomaszewski of the Warsaw School of Law and Dean Robert H. Jerry of the University of Florida Levin College of Law presided at the June 13th event. Mr. Upchurch addressed the graduates concerning the growth and development of mediation in the international arena.

(Photo: l to r) - Dean Robert H. Jerry, Ambassador Victor Ashe, with Karen and John J. Upchurch.

Working with the Warsaw University Law Faculty, the Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida Levin College of Law operates the Center. The program annually trains over one hundred Polish law students in various aspects of the United States legal system.

Following the ceremony, Dean Jerry and Mr. Upchurch met with Poland' s Minister of Justice, Andrezej Kalwas, and his senior staff to discuss a strategy for the introduction of mediation into the Polish civil court system.  The parties agreed to work toward a conference in the fall to promote the implementation of a civil mediation ordinance about to be adopted by the ministry. Delegates would include representatives of the bench, bar, academia and relevant governmental agencies,together with guests from other European Union member states that have developing civil mediation programs.           

Dean Jerry and Mr.Upchurch concluded their visit with a dinner meeting with the United States Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, at the Ambassador's residence in Warsaw .  The ambassador discussed the commercial potential of United States and Polish trade and the significance of  Poland 's rapid rate of

economic growth and recent entry into the European Union. Officials from the U. S. Department of Commerce stationed at the U.S. Embassy also joined in the meeting.