Program in Law and Government
The Program in Law and Government brings together legal scholars, students, and practitioners to examine how law shapes governance at the local, state, national, and global levels. Building on the historic legacy of the Center for Governmental Responsibility (CGR), the Program offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage in impactful research, develop practical legal tools, and contribute to informed civic discourse.
Unique nationally, the Program positions as a leader in providing opportunities for law students to engage in impactful research on matters of emerging importance across state, national, and global arenas, thus opening doors to them in public service, government, academic, and public interest employment.
Initiatives
State and Local Government Initiative
Led by Professor Jonathan Marshfield, this initiative examines core questions in state constitutionalism, public administration, and the evolving role of local government. Ongoing projects include digitizing Florida’s constitutional history.
First Amendment Initiative
Led by Professors Lyrissa Lidsky and Jane Bambauer, this initiative focuses on emerging free-speech issues involving artificial intelligence, social media, and public-sector governance. A First Amendment Laboratory will launch in Spring 2026 to support hands-on student work, including podcasts, citizen guides, and white papers.
International Initiative
Building on CGR’s longstanding partnership with Brazil, Professors Zachary Kaufman and Tim McLendon lead collaborations with foreign governments and scholars on comparative law, governance reform, and human rights. The initiative supports visiting scholars, study-abroad opportunities, and cross-border research exchanges.
Judiciary, Text and Tradition Initiative
Led by Professor John Stinneford, this initiative examines the role of text, history, and tradition in constitutional interpretation and judicial decision-making. The annual Originalism Conference convenes judges, scholars, and practitioners to explore current debates in constitutional methodology.
Environment Initiative
Led by Professor Annie Brett, this initiative explores how emerging technologies shape environmental governance, including oceans law and climate challenges unique to Florida. Students engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of science, data, and law.
Program Impact
Guided by legal scholars, each of the Program’s initiatives will act as a learning laboratory, a space for law students to learn from national experts but, ultimately, to conduct legal research and, importantly, apply to real world situations. The knowledge gained will extend well beyond legal insights: connecting with governmental and other leaders, navigating complex political situations, and finding ways to adapt to highly nuanced situations will dramatically enhance each law student’s professional skills.
Law and Government Events
In addition to a recurring Program in Law and Government lunch speaker series, where faculty engage in discussions with guest speakers, debate policy and legal issues, and respond to questions from students and the broader audience, the Program has several larger events annually.
Upcoming Events:
Originalism Conference
March 5 and 6, 2026
This year’s conference will feature three panels addressing key questions at the intersection of originalism and adjudication.
Secrets of the Killing State
March 12, 2026
A conversation with Professor Corinna Lain about her book, “Secrets of the Killing State”, Secrecy, Suffering, and the Future of the Lethal Injection and the Death Penalty
Impoundments Symposium
March 30, 2026
The Journal of Law and Public Policy, in coordination with the Program in Law and Government, is organizing a three-panel symposium.
Recent Events:
Technology, Media, and Privacy Law
(TMPL) Conference
February 27, 2026
The 2026 Technology, Media, & Privacy Law Conference: Innovations in Journalism.
Criminal Law & Policing:
Examining Aspects of Law (on the Books)
and Policing (on the Street)
February 11, 2026
Speakers included: David Barksdale, Melissa Nelson, and Ryan Scott.
The Life of Ben Ferencz:
Nuremberg Prosecutor to Global Advocate
February 4, 2026
Speakers included: Professors Gregory Gordon, Natalia Aleksiun, and Jocelyn Kestenbaum as well as Jenna Price.
Program Leadership
Julio Garcia
Brazil Events Co-Lead
Mieke Zylstra
Program Manager
History / Origins
The Center for Governmental Responsibility is Florida’s oldest public policy center, founded in 1974 with a grant from the McIntosh Foundation. Housed within the College of Law for 50 years, CGR provided students with one-of-a-kind opportunities to engage in impact research and advocacy on matters of public policy.
Bolstered by its early success, CGR employed more than a dozen staff attorneys who supervised student research on cutting-edge issues involving government operations and accountability. Recognizing the unique educational experience, students passionately attest that their participation in CGR activities opened doors to them for employment in the public sector and CGR graduates have served in the highest levels of government, including as cabinet members, state and federal judges, and elected officials at all levels.
UF Law’s recent investments, and the resulting successes, highlight the possibility of even greater impact. Additional investments, reflecting Florida’s changing priorities, aligned with UF Law’s existing areas of academic strength, and championed by influential advisors, promise to create a truly novel entity, one committed to fostering civil discourse through novel legal research. The Program in Law and Government will build on CGR’s commitment to real-world impact and law student engagement.
History at-a-Glance
1970s
- Executive Impoundment project
- Guide to Sunshine Laws
- Constitution Revision Research
1980s
- Water Law Center Merger
- Model Flood Management Ordinance
- Family Law Added
- Sea Grant Funding
- International Law Added
1990s
- Poland Program Begins
- PIEC Established
- Historic Preservation Study
- Haiti Program
- Florida Supreme Court Externship
- Conservation Clinic Begins
2000s
- International Trade Law Program Begins
- Americas Conference Established
- Summer Program in Costa Rica
- Election Law Database
- Summer Program for Brazilians
2010s
- Florida Farm Workers Survey
- Rumberger Fellowship Established
- Human Rights in Colombia Grant
Support and Contributions
The Mills Program board reflects the range of political, legal, and academic perspectives within the State of Florida and beyond. In addition to existing CGR supporters who wish to continue volunteer service, it is anticipated that Mills Program board members will include federal judges, law firm leaders, and donors.
Mills Program Board Members:
- Martha Barnett (1973)
- Clem Bezold (1973)
- Matthew Christ (2015)
- Anne Conway (1975)
- Benjamin Diamond (2003)
- Nelson Diaz (2004)
- Al Hadeed (1974)
- Josh Markus (1973)
- Winsome McIntosh
- Jasmine McNealy (2006)
- Karen Miller
- Clay Phillips (1983)
- Andrew Starling (2006)
Contact
Students interested in research assistantships, event participation, or initiative-specific projects may contact:
Opportunities are available during the academic year and over the summer, and new projects are added regularly as the Program expands.