A new year brings new law faculty, opportunities, and events at the University of Virginia School of Law. This year’s incoming class is the most academically accomplished in school history. The school also received a $1.035 million gift from the Konduros Fisherman Fund.
In addition to the financial support, the foundation also provided a gift to expand experiential learning. The gift will provide a first-class training space for the Children’s Law Center, as well as help fund the Center for Empirical Studies in Law. New law students will be paired with a faculty member in 14 locations across the Midlands.
The Center for Empirical Studies in Law will showcase the work of the empirical law faculty. It will train the next generation of lawyers to use empirical techniques to study law and the legal system.
The Children’s Law Center will also receive a new first-class training space and an improved program to protect children in the state. Currently, the Center provides free legal advice to low-income families. Several faculty members are working to improve outcomes for domestic violence victims and juveniles. Additionally, the Center will help develop a law and policy program for post-conflict countries and sheriffs in the U.S.
Professors will also host a series of lectures on gender non-conforming individuals. These sessions will be facilitated by women on the staff. Another event will feature an interview with Professor Danielle Citron about her new book Overcoming Necessity.
The Willamette Law Board of Trustees has approved the promotion of 10 professors to tenure. Six of these are experts in their fields. Other highlights include the appointment of Dustin Buehler, an alumnus who is a member of Governor Kate Brown’s staff and an adjunct associate professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Two alumni are also establishing scholarship funds. Jordyn Wickstrom JD’24 is assisting Congressional Resolution that will establish a streaming royalty for musicians. Her father, Richie Gergel, is an Uber and Virgin Hyperloop One executive. He grew up near the school’s new building.
Students will also be invited to join a pro bono opportunity through the South Carolina Law’s Adopt a Teacher Program. Additionally, the school is fostering an interdisciplinary approach to learning. With more than 34 affiliated faculty, the UVA School of Law is a leader in curricular modernization.
The College of Law also announced the Signature Strengths Initiative. This initiative will allow the school to provide its graduates with more access to top career opportunities. As part of the program, the School of Law will promote students’ strengths and encourage them to utilize their skills and passions.
The School of Law continues to advance in US News and World Report rankings. For the fifth straight year, the class has improved the school’s profile. By focusing on the needs of the community and developing a broad range of skills, the School of Law is helping students prepare to make a positive impact.
The School of Law welcomes 217 new first-year students to campus on August 17. The class is one of the most academically talented in school history. They will be joined by a variety of peer mentors.