University of Miami - School of Law

Janet Stearns came to the University of Miami School of Law in October, 1999 as Director of our International and Foreign Graduate Programs. Before coming to UM, she lived in Santiago, Chile for three years where she taught law. She also was a clinical faculty member teaching in the area of affordable housing development at the University Of Washington School ff Law. She graduated from Yale Law School in 1988, and then practiced law for five years with a large firm in Hartford, Connecticut. She has been admitted to practice law in both Connecticut and Washington State. Since becoming Dean of Students in January 2007, Dean Stearns has made as one of her priorities promoting wellness and balance. She enjoys spending time with her twin sons, at music lessons or watching them play basketball or football.

Iris Morera is our Student Services Coordinator. She graduated from Florida State University in 2005 with a degree in Human Sciences and her background includes social work and counseling. Iris has been with the Law School since 2007 and oversees the Office of Disability Services. She also works on initiatives to promote student wellness and assists the Dean of Students with a variety of student concerns. One of her hobbies is singing.

Gloria Garcia is our Executive Administrative Assistant and has been working here since 2008. She has a great background in event planning and technology. She works with Dean Stearns directly. She also coordinates with our student organizations, special projects, provides support to the LAFAC committee, and keeps our Current Students web page updated. She is attending UM to finish her B.A. in communications. She loves to explore the great outdoors.

Maria Vesely is our Administrative Assistant and joined the School of Law in 2009, but has worked for the University since 1999 serving students in many different departments. She will be your first point of contact for many individual issues including writing certificates and letters, requests to visit away, take-home examinations, and faculty-course evaluations. Maria will be working with us to make many of these processes paperless with more online forms and automated approval systems. She loves to listen to music and play musical instruments on her spare time.

Sophie Darling is our Dean of Students Secretary. She may be the first person who you will see in our office, and she is a wonderful resource to direct you to important resources throughout the University of Miami. She will also help you schedule appointments as needed. She loves to travel.