The University of Virginia School of Law has made new faculty members part of its ranks. The School of Law has established a Center for Empirical Studies in Law (CELS) to train a next generation of lawyers to use empirical techniques in their practice. This center also hosts events to showcase the work of the CELS faculty.
In other news, the school announced a new law library director, Stephanie Davidson. She joins the law school after a seven-year stint as an administrator. Previously, she worked at the Governor’s Office. She will be an associate professor of law.
Another prestigious appointment is for a former federal jurist. Former Judge Abby DeBorde is the first licensed professional counselor staff member at the school. Her role will be to encourage citizens to prioritize the rule of law over politics.
Willamette Law continues to improve its profile. According to US News and World Report rankings, the school now ranks in the top 25 percent of all law schools nationwide. A new initiative will help low-income students become competitive applicants to leading law schools. Students can apply through the Roadmap Scholars Initiative.
In addition to the appointments, the university has announced a 4+3 Direct Admission Program, which allows Portland State University students to receive a four-year degree at the college. The program will be implemented in conjunction with the University of Alaska Anchorage. These students will then be eligible for admission to the college at Willamette Law.
The University of Virginia School of Law also announced the names of six new faculty members for the 2022-23 academic year. David Friedman, Associate Professor of Law, joins the ISG Legal department. He will be joining the faculty in the fall to teach Civil Procedure. Other faculty members include: Joel H. Samuels, Professor of Law, who will be the interim vice provost for interdisciplinary studies.
Liz Espin Stern ’86, a University of Virginia School of Law alumna, is the recipient of the Father Robert Drinan Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Practice. Additionally, she was named as one of the Bellow Scholars, which recognizes outstanding scholars who are devoted to legal aid and education.
Other new faculty includes: Rohan Grey, a professor of land use law and economics; Elizabeth Chambliss, a professor of constitutional law and special education; and Scott Beckstead, a professor of law who will be teaching a class on animal rights. All of the faculty members are renowned for their research and have received awards and recognition.
Willamette Law will continue to make improvements to its library. As a part of its historical progressive approach to legal education, the college has recently launched a Signature Strengths Initiative. This initiative is designed to build the leadership skills of its graduates. To celebrate this program, the Law Library held its first Signature Strengths Symposium on September 14.
The law school has a wide variety of resources and activities for its students. One of those is the Law & Business Association, which promotes career development opportunities. You can learn more about the organization on the Law Tech Hub. It is an online resource for the latest law school news, events, clinics, and more.