The Association of American Law Schools shares examples of innovative and outstanding programs to foster ideas and showcase the diverse approaches to legal education at AALS Member Schools. Previous programs featured on this page can be found at the Innovative and Outstanding Programs Archive.
Updated July 1, 2022
Mitchell Hamline Law debuts certificate with Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute
The Mitchell Hamline School of Law Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute introduced a new certificate in Native American Law and Sovereignty. The program allows students to explore Native American law and Indigenous legal practices. Certificate students may also choose to participate in the Native Law Clinic allowing them to work directly with in-house counsel at tribal governments.
UNLV Law launches online training program for gaming law and regulation
The UNLV Law Program for Gaming Law and Regulation is an online training program for operators, regulators, lawyers, and others who work in and around the gaming industry. This program aims to fulfill the need for more knowledgeable regulatory and operational professionals within gaming law. New courses will be offered to students including classes on casino operations, Indian gaming law, and player accountability.
The University of Miami Law Environmental Justice Clinic is addressing inequities brought about by climate change. Partnering with a local nonprofit organization, they have established the Equitable Weatherization Clinic to create equal opportunity to weatherization services for historically marginalized communities. Students and faculty work to address unequal distribution of access to services in order to protect underrepresented communities from future natural disasters.
University of Virginia Law Roadmap Scholars Initiative is a law school pipeline program for first-generation and low-income undergraduate students. The program will include a residential summer program, an internship in the legal profession, and financial and counseling support. This program aims to increase diversity within the legal profession and allow students to learn about the law before applying to law schools.
To submit a program for consideration for Innovative and Outstanding Programs, contact Jim Greif, Director of Communications at [email protected].
The Association of American Law Schools is proud to highlight the teaching, scholarship and innovation of law faculty at AALS Member Schools. A list of previous faculty highlights can be found at the Faculty Highlights Archive page.
Updated July 1, 2022
Dean emeritus awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from New York Bar Foundation
John D. Feerick, Dean Emeritus and Norris Professor of Law, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the New York Bar Foundation. Dean Feerick was recognized for his exemplary service to the public good and contributions to the legal profession. Having worked with the Bar for the past 60 years, Feerick has dedicated his life to improving the administration of justice and promoting high standards of professional ethics.
Professor named Visiting Fellow at Migration Policy Centre at the European University Institute
Yolanda Vázquez, Professor of Law, was selected as a visiting Fellow at the Migration Policy Centre at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. As visiting fellow, professor Vázquez will research migration laws and policies developed by the European Union and Italy to stop the flow of irregular migration from Africa. Vázquez aims to use this experience to inform her own research of the relationship between the United States and Mexico and how racism may contribute to immigration laws and policies.
Professor receives University of South Carolina Social Justice Award
Aparna Polavarapu, associate professor and executive director of the South Carolina Restorative Justice Initiative, is the recipient of a 2022 Social Justice Award from the University of South Carolina. Professor Polavarapu was recognized for her efforts in restorative justice as she works to reshape the criminal justice system to be more equitable. Polavarapu founded the South Carolina Justice Initiative in 2020 in order to help local communities in South Carolina learn about and receive restorative justice.
Professor honored for work on environmental and energy policy
Professor Craig Hart, Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center at Pace Law, was named on the 2021 Energy & Environment Power 100 list published by City & State New York magazine. Professor Hart was recognized for his work in the Energy and Climate Center as well as his efforts to advise governments on policies regarding renewables, grid modernization, and financing infrastructure.
To submit a law teacher for consideration for Faculty Highlights, contact Jim Greif, Director of Communications at [email protected].
