乱伦视频 Law received an 鈥淎,鈥� the highest rating in of law schools expanding access and success. 乱伦视频 Law is among 21 schools to earn an “A” nationally. It is the only law school in North Carolina named to the honor roll and among only three in the Southeast recognized in the list.

Schools were evaluated for the unranked list based on the scope and maturity of their programs, including evidence of scale and measurable impact. According to the National Jurist, institutions rated at an “A” demonstrate “multiple, well-established access strategies that work together to lower barriers to entry and persistence. The Honor Roll is a recognition of meaningful action at a moment when access pathways matter more than ever.鈥�

乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 distinctive academic model was singled out, noting that its 2.5-year J.D. program and the part-time Flex Program in Charlotte 鈥渞educe cost and widen access鈥� to legal education.

The recognition reflects 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 continued focus on removing barriers to the legal profession while preparing students for practice through hands-on learning.

鈥溌衣资悠� Law is the access law school. It鈥檚 who we are, and it鈥檚 in everything we do,鈥� said Dean of 乱伦视频 Law Zak Kramer. 鈥淥ur job is to open the door to the legal profession and prepare students to walk through it ready to serve with skill, integrity and purpose.鈥�

The school鈥檚 accelerated 2.5-year J.D. program in Greensboro allows students to complete their degree more quickly and enter the profession sooner than traditional law programs. The Flex Program in Charlotte provides a part-time evening pathway designed for working professionals and place-bound students seeking greater flexibility.

乱伦视频 and 乱伦视频 Law have applied to the American Bar Association to launch a full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Charlotte beginning in Fall 2027.

The Honor Roll recognition complements 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 strong national reputation for experiential learning. 乱伦视频 Law is the only law school in North Carolina to earn an A+ rating for Practical Training from PreLaw Magazine, the National Jurist鈥檚 sister publication. 聽乱伦视频 Law has placed in the top 10 with an A+ rating annually since 2023.

Together, these distinctions highlight 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to legal education while ensuring graduates enter the profession with the skills and experience needed to serve clients and communities.

About 乱伦视频 Law

乱伦视频 Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school鈥檚 distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

乱伦视频 Law has graduated nearly 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 540 students. The law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings, maintaining an A+ rating and Top 10 placement annually since 2023. 乱伦视频 Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

In downtown Greensboro, the 乱伦视频 Law campus spans several buildings within a two-block radius adjacent to the judicial hub of central North Carolina. Courts a short walk from the law school include the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Several branches of the North Carolina General Court of Justice, including the Superior, District, Drug Treatment, Mental Health and Small Claims Courts, are within walking distance. Dozens of large, medium and small law firms, as well as municipal offices, are likewise located nearby.

乱伦视频 Law is one of only a handful of law schools in the nation to house a working court with the North Carolina Business Court hearing cases in the Robert E. Long Courtroom on the Greensboro campus. The Long Courtroom annually hosts oral arguments of the North Carolina Court of Appeals and has twice welcomed the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

In Charlotte, the 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program 鈥� a part-time, in-person J.D. program for working professionals and place-bound students, launched in fall 2024. Housed at 乱伦视频鈥檚 national campus in Charlotte, the Flex Program is designed to be completed in just under four years. It enrolled its second cohort in fall 2025.

Once the additional program is approved and launched, 乱伦视频 Law will offer three North Carolina-based options for law students:

• A full-time, 2.5-year Juris Doctor program in Charlotte
• A part-time, 4-year 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program in Charlotte
• A full-time, 2.5-year Juris Doctor program in Greensboro

鈥淭he need for graduate and professional programs in one of our nation’s fastest-growing cities makes the launch of a full-time law program a natural next step for 乱伦视频 Law,鈥� said 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book. 鈥溌衣资悠� is deeply committed to serving the Charlotte community by introducing new and innovative programs that enhance educational offerings for professionals and address the expressed needs of the region.鈥�

乱伦视频 is deeply committed to serving the Charlotte community by introducing new and innovative programs that enhance educational offerings for professionals and address the expressed needs of the region.

– 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book

The new full-time J.D. program in Charlotte will mirror 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 existing, nationally recognized curriculum and successful approach to experiential learning. It also will expand the reach of the school’s robust law alumni network in a metropolitan region where a significant number of 乱伦视频 Law graduates live and practice.

With the launch of this additional program, 乱伦视频 Law will have a full-time presence in two cities that are home to influential federal courts 鈥� the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in Greensboro, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte 鈥� as well as the state court system; federal, state and municipal government agencies; and nonprofits that provide legal services to underserved communities.

The full-time 乱伦视频 Law program plans to enroll a class of about 75 students, a size that allows 乱伦视频 Law to strategically develop partnerships with Charlotte鈥檚 legal community and provide options for future growth. 乱伦视频 Law students in Charlotte will complete a full-time, course-connected residency-in-practice with a practicing attorney or judge during their second year.

“乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 advantage is that our students learn the law by practicing it in the community,鈥� said Zak Kramer, dean of 乱伦视频 School of Law. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been part of Charlotte for years. This is about deepening those relationships, building new ones and doing more through the community-connected model we鈥檝e developed in Greensboro.鈥�

Beginning in Fall 2027, 乱伦视频 Law plans to operate both of its law programs from the Queens University of Charlotte campus, either upon completion of the planned merger of the two institutions or through a lease agreement.

Applications will be accepted starting in August 2026. Per ABA requirements, offers of admission will not be extended until formal permission is granted.

Visit www.elon.edu/law for more information and updates on 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 offerings for aspiring attorneys.

What They鈥檙e Saying

• 鈥淚 am delighted to learn that 乱伦视频 Law is expanding its presence in Charlotte with the addition of a full-time program. As our city continues its remarkable growth, offering both part-time and full-time law school options will strengthen access to legal education and serve the needs of our community. Charlotte鈥檚 dynamic business environment attracts law firms and companies from across the country, creating new opportunities for lawyers and increasing the demand for legal services. 乱伦视频鈥檚 expansion ensures that Charlotte remains a hub for legal talent and innovation鈥攁 vision we all share and support.聽 As president of the Mecklenburg Bar Association, I look forward to collaborating with 乱伦视频 Law to provide networking and professional development opportunities that will enrich the experience of future lawyers and strengthen our legal community.鈥� – Sarah Motley Stone, partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, and 2025-26 president of the Mecklenburg Bar Association
• 鈥淎s a native of Charlotte and a practicing attorney in this community, I am excited about 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 plans for a full-time J.D. program in Charlotte. As a major metropolitan region, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has a growing need for legal services across both the public and private sectors. Establishing a law school here creates a pathway for aspiring attorneys to earn their law degrees in Charlotte, benefit from mentorship and experiential opportunities within our region鈥檚 legal profession and remain here to begin their legal careers. This will advance the legal profession and broader legal community鈥� 鈥� Dena King, partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina
• 鈥淟ocales in our state and region with far less complexity than Charlotte have long been enriched by local institutions of legal education and training. That same need has persisted here for many years. A growth explosion in our community requires 鈥� now more than ever 鈥� an expanded pool of skilled and proficient attorneys to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, particularly in public interest law. The safety and vitality of our community depend on preparing the next generation of prosecutors here in Charlotte, and 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 experiential programs cultivate competent and credible practitioners, rooted in a community they can serve and support throughout their legal careers.鈥� 鈥� Spencer B. Merriweather III, Mecklenburg County District Attorney

About 乱伦视频 School of Law

乱伦视频 Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school鈥檚 distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers. 乱伦视频 Law is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings, maintaining an A+ rating and Top 10 placement annually since 2023.聽The 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study, launched at 乱伦视频鈥檚 Charlotte campus in 2024. Tailored to students whose work or other obligations make Charlotte the ideal place to earn their law degree, the program is designed to be completed in four years and currently enrolls 77 students.

About 乱伦视频

乱伦视频 is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture. At 乱伦视频, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business administration, business analytics, accounting, education, higher education, physician assistant studies and physical therapy.

An internship at a small law firm confirmed her desire to pursue a legal career and eventually brought her to 乱伦视频 School of Law, where a residency-in-practice with Bell Partners sharpened her skills and confidence.

鈥淢y residency helped me shift from thinking like a law student to thinking like a practicing attorney,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 just research for the sake of it. You鈥檙e solving real problems, and that makes you more efficient, more focused, and more prepared.鈥�

乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Residency-in-Practice Program is the cornerstone of an innovative curriculum that emphasizes legal skills through hands-on learning. Every second-year law student spends the winter or spring in a full-time, 10-week placement under the supervision of jurists and lawyers inspired to mentor future legal leaders.

This is the third in a series of conversations with 乱伦视频 Law students in the Class of 2025 reflecting on their recent residencies-in-practice.

What inspired you to study law, and why did you select Bell Partners for your residency-in-practice?

From a young age, I was always interested in the law. In college, I majored in criminology and was required to complete an internship. I knew I didn鈥檛 want to follow the typical path, like interning with a parole officer, so I sought out my own opportunity and interned at a small law firm near campus. I realized this was something I truly enjoyed, and it confirmed my decision to pursue law school after graduation.

Bell Partners first caught my attention when their senior vice president spoke to one of our student organizations about what in-house counsel work is like. After the meeting, I introduced myself and explained my interest in business law. I even spoke to a former 乱伦视频 Law student who had completed a residency there and asked about their experience.

When it came time for the residency match process, Bell Partners was my top choice. I was excited by the opportunity to learn more about in-house counsels鈥� role 鈥� especially at a company focused on investment and real estate, which is an area I have a personal connection to through my family. The combination of business law and real estate made it a great fit.

What were some of your daily responsibilities?

My responsibilities varied day to day, which kept things interesting. Some days, I redlined contracts or non-disclosure agreements. Other days, I focused on legal research, looking into statutes that involve rental properties and issues.

My supervisors also involved me in day-to-day issues. For example, if an urgent legal matter arose and they needed to solve a problem, I was able to assist and support them. It was a great way to learn how fast-paced and dynamic in-house counsel roles can be.

What did you learn in your residency that surprised you?

What surprised me most was how broad in-house legal work really is. My supervisor once told me that in this role, you don鈥檛 need to know everything about one thing, you need to know a little bit about a lot of things. That really stuck with me. You don鈥檛 need to specialize in certain areas, you need to be versatile and know enough about different areas of the law to be able to research and resolve issues.

One of the biggest things I learned was how important it is to simplify legal language. As law students, we鈥檙e trained to explain everything in detail. But in the real world, sometimes the answer needs to be clear and simple 鈥� just a 鈥測es鈥� or 鈥渘o,鈥� especially when working with non-lawyers. I learned to adjust how I communicate based on my audience.

The experience with Bell Partners also improved my legal research skills. I honed abilities I already felt comfortable with, like issue-spotting and being able to analyze information quickly but in a very detail-oriented way. For example, in a contract, maybe you redline those terms you want to revisit and fine-tune in the final version.

Looking toward graduation and launching your career, how did your residency experience prepare you? What essential skills or connections did you develop?

This experience confirmed for me that this is the area of law I want to go into. As an undergraduate, I dabbled in business law and kept it in the back of my head throughout law school. Being able to work and see the daily lives of attorneys in an in-house counsel position proved that this is where I want to be.

My residency experience played a crucial role in preparing me for my job search. I built meaningful connections with my supervisors, several of whom have supported me with recommendations during the application process. The experience also gave me greater confidence in the quality of my work and affirmed my ability to contribute effectively in a legal environment.

Getting a taste of professional legal experience through the Residency-in-Practice Program before we graduate from law school and enter practice is very important. It helped me recognize my value as a potential employee at any law firm. Additionally, I developed stronger communication skills, particularly in understanding how different attorneys approach and respond to various situations. These insights have been essential in shaping my professional growth and readiness for the next step in my career.

Judges John Tyson, April Wood and Christopher Freeman heard arguments on April 3, 2025, in , which involves questions around statutes of limitations that govern when cases can be refiled. Attorneys for Puma Biotechnology argue the trial court erred in determining their case wasn鈥檛 re-filed within those prescribed time frames.

Attorneys in also presented arguments in a negligence case arising from a high school lacrosse game where a player was paralyzed during a play. The plaintiff-appellant鈥檚 counsel argues that the athlete鈥檚 family鈥檚 claims of negligence were improperly dismissed by a trial court, which also granted the defendant鈥檚 motion for summary judgment.

Arguments took place in the Robert E. Long Courtroom inside 乱伦视频鈥檚 downtown Greensboro law school. The N.C. Court of Appeals visits the law school annually to hear cases before students and faculty.

鈥淲e learn about, craft and practice oral arguments in class, but seeing experienced attorneys present their cases is completely different. It sets the bar in terms of what we should be aiming for,鈥� said Saniya Pangare L鈥�25, a graduate of North Carolina State University and a McMichael Law and Leadership Fellow at 乱伦视频 Law. Pangare is interested in complex litigation and completed her residency with Judge Jimmie V. Reyna in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

鈥淚 think the Residency program sets this school apart. I have found that putting students in a legal practice for an extended period of time daily to be invaluable. That鈥檚 been a boon for me and my chambers, and I think it shows why so many clerks have been hired from 乱伦视频: You鈥檝e gotten that training and you鈥檙e ready.”
– Judge John Tyson, N.C. Court of Appeals

Landon Eckard L鈥�25, who plans a career in appellate advocacy and constitutional litigation, focused on how lawyers responded to questions and the contrast in style among each judges鈥� questions and attorneys鈥� arguments.

鈥淭he most valuable thing for me was observing the spontaneity between the judges and advocates: how an advocate鈥檚 response prompted the judge to inquire further on a particular point or to shift to a different issue the case presented,鈥� said Eckard, who graduated from Appalachian State University and completed his residency this winter with U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez in the Western District of North Carolina. 鈥淚t shows that the true purpose of oral arguments is to engage in conversation with judges and address their concerns.鈥�

New alumni return as court clerks

The hearings marked a homecoming for several recent 乱伦视频 graduates now clerking for judges at the N.C. Court of Appeals.

Addie Ackley L鈥�24 began working as a judicial law clerk in Wood’s office last month after completing her Residency-in-Practice and an additional internship with Tyson’s office. Libby Fadl L鈥�24 and Ashton Hopson L鈥�24 both began clerking for Freeman this winter. For Fadl and Hopson, the oral arguments at 乱伦视频 Law were the first they鈥檇 attended as clerks in their new positions.

During a Q&A session after the hearings, Tyson praised 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 experiential curriculum and cited it as a primary reason 乱伦视频 Law graduates are frequently hired as clerks by judges on the Court of Appeals.

鈥淚 think the Residency program sets this school apart,” Tyson said. “I have found that putting students in a legal practice for an extended period of time daily to be invaluable. That鈥檚 been a boon for me and my chambers, and I think it shows why so many clerks have been hired from 乱伦视频: You鈥檝e gotten that training and you鈥檙e ready. It makes a difference when you can demonstrate that level of skill.鈥�

Both Fadl and Hopson listened to counsels鈥� arguments with new perspectives, focused less on how the attorneys made their arguments 鈥� which absorbed most of their attention during their law school days 鈥� and more on the content and persuasiveness they employed.

鈥淩eturning to 乱伦视频 Law for our first oral arguments, I felt such a deep sense of gratitude to share a small part of my early career with the community that helped me create it,鈥� Hopson said. 鈥淭he most important duty we owe to our clients is competency, and when speaking with someone in the legal field, they tell you they 鈥榩ractice鈥� law. I believe our profession always calls for us to be students, which is pretty amazing.鈥�

The student Q&A was moderated by Caroleen Dineen, associate professor of law and director of the Legal Method and Communication Program. Judges and attorneys representing the cases responded to students鈥� questions about how cases are decided and how lawyers craft persuasive legal briefs. Before the hearings, students and faculty interacted with judges and court staff over lunch.

鈥淲e are so excited each year to have the Court of Appeals visit and provide our students the opportunity to learn about advocacy through observing distinguished judges and advocates in action,鈥� said Alan Woodlief, vice dean and professor of law. 鈥淥pportunities like these spark student interest in advocacy generally and specifically in pursuing prestigious judicial clerkships upon graduation and Residencies-in-Practice while students. It was a proud moment when the judges recognized several 乱伦视频 Law alumni and students in attendance who are currently working with the court.鈥�

About 乱伦视频 Law

乱伦视频 Law in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required, full-time residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school鈥檚 distinctive curriculum offers a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which provides exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

乱伦视频 Law has graduated more than 1,500 alumni since opening its doors in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 440 students and the law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings, placing in the Top 10 for three consecutive years.

The 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study for working professionals, launched in Fall 2024 at 乱伦视频鈥檚 Charlotte campus.

Assistant Dean Jenny Lane L鈥�15 will lead an Office of Academic Success that offers courses and provides resources to succeed in law school, pass the bar examination, and develop habits that will carry over into a professional setting.

Lane鈥檚 return to 乱伦视频 Law – she previously worked for a few years in academic support for her alma mater – fully completes the Office of Academic Success. She joins Marty McAuliffe, who joined the law school community in August as director of academic and bar success, and Patrick Ellington L鈥�13, 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 academic and bar success specialist.

Assistant Director of Career Development Kristen Covington鈥檚 arrival also fully completes the Office of Career and Student Development where she will advise 乱伦视频 Law students on a range of topics including personal, career, and leadership development.

鈥淲e鈥檙e lucky to have Jenny and Kristen on the team. Our people are 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 greatest resource, and Jenny and Kristen are already making a difference for our students,鈥� said 乱伦视频 Law Dean Zak Kramer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 good to have their offices鈥攖he Office of Academic Success and the Office of Career and Student Development鈥攆ully staffed and charging forward with and on behalf of our students.鈥�

About the New Staff

Jenny Lane L鈥�15

Jenny Lane鈥檚 appointment to serve as assistant dean for academic success brings her back to 乱伦视频 School of Law after a year managing the AccessLex Champions Program, a nationwide program of more than 300 student representatives who shared resources in their respective law schools.

Lane had served from 2017-2022 in 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Office of Academic Success as an academic skills instructor and director of bar success programs where, among other responsibilities, she:

• Taught required 1L, 2L, and 3L courses including Bar Exam Foundations and Introduction to Legal Studies
• Designed and led the Bar Exam Mentorship program which connected bar-takers with an alumni or faculty bar mentor to assist in their bar exam journey
• Created the 鈥淭exts for Success鈥� Bar Exam Initiative, which featured daily texts containing study tips, motivational quotes, and more to bar-studiers

Lane graduated cum laude from Saint Vincent College before enrolling at 乱伦视频 Law. She started her legal career as the Julian T. Pierce Fellowship Attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina before accepting a full-time position with Legal Aid as a staff attorney in Gastonia.

鈥淚 am excited to return to 乱伦视频 Law and rejoin this hard-working, intelligent, and inspirational community. As the new Assistant Dean of Academic Success, I鈥檓 eager to help graduates prepare for and succeed on the bar exam while supporting our current students鈥� law school journey. My door is always open!

Kristen Covington

Prior to joining the 乱伦视频 Law community in November, Kristen Covington served as director of recruitment and employer development for North Carolina Central University School of Law. In that position, she designed marketing materials and assisted with event planning and promotion, collected data from events and programming, and maintained records for reporting for the American Bar Association.

She also provided career path coaching and directed the School of Law鈥檚 mentor program, matching nearly a hundred students with one of dozens of volunteer mentors.

Covington graduated magna cum laude University of South Carolina after double majoring in criminology and criminal justice/African-American Studies. She worked for a few years in the airline industry before returning to North Carolina Center School of Law and serving as a Lexis Nexis Ambassador and with the Women鈥檚 Law Caucus, the Durham County Teen Court, and the law school鈥檚 Dime Initiative.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to join the 乱伦视频 Law community,鈥� Covington said. 鈥淚 firmly believe that meeting students and building relationships will help me assist them in obtaining their dreams and goals. I look forward to being a resource and providing encouragement and support.鈥�

Krista Contino Saumby was among the professors and instructors on a plenary panel discussion titled 鈥淎ddressing the Alarming Shortage of Hispanic Law Faculty and Deans: Widening Pipelines, Increasing Representation, and Empowering Our Community鈥� on September 7, 2023, at the Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention in Minneapolis.

The session included panelists from the HNBA鈥檚 Special Committee on Hispanic Law Faculty and Deans formed in April. Anthony E. Varona, dean and professor of law at Seattle University School of Law, served as moderator.

The panel addressed the reasons for a shortage of Hispanic attorneys in the United States, the imperative to redress the shortage, and various successful strategies to increase the number of Hispanics in the legal academy along with providing specific guidance for Hispanic lawyers and law students interested in pursuing careers in legal academia.

Contino challenged attendees to consider the opportunity to instruct and enter academia.

鈥淚 spoke to a law clerk before coming up to the stage today,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey told me they could not be a professor because they did not go to a T-14 law school. I tell my students to never self-eliminate. I say the same to every individual here.鈥�

As of early 2023, only nine of the almost 200 deans of ABA-accredited law schools in the 50 states and the District of Columbia are Hispanic/Latino, and the percentage of Hispanic/Latino law professors is estimated to be 5%.

According to the most recent ABA Profile of the Legal Profession, only 5.8% of lawyers in the U.S. are Hispanic, despite Hispanics comprising 19% of the general population.

Contino was appointed last year to the role of regional president for Region VI of the聽Hispanic National Bar Association, the country鈥檚 largest professional organization to represent and advocate on behalf of Hispanic attorneys.

Prior to entering legal education, she leveraged her electrical and computer engineering degree from聽Carnegie Mellon University聽and law degree to counsel Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Apple, Adobe, Yamaha, and Boeing in patent law.

She joined the Office of Career & Student Development in June 2022 and, in addition to mentoring students who seek her expertise for career assistance, teaches a year-long required course, 鈥淟awyering, Leadership, and Professionalism鈥�, each year for the incoming class.

launched this spring its National Task Force on Hispanic Law Faculty and Deans, which includes Krista Contino Saumby, associate director of career development at 乱伦视频 Law.

In addition to representation, the task force looks to address a shortage of professional development resources specifically for Hispanic/Latino professors, deans, and other administrators.

According to a news release from the Hispanic National Bar Association, the task force will:

• Oversee the development of annual summer nationwide online workshops for prospective and existing Hispanic/Latino law faculty and law school deanship aspirants
• Plan in-person 鈥渉ow to become a law professor鈥� workshops at the annual HNBA conferences
• Assist with matching law faculty and law dean aspirants with suitable mentors
• Support the professional development of and networking opportunities for currently appointed Hispanic/Latino law faculty
• Promote better data tracking by national accreditation and membership associations
• Promote more Hispanic/Latino representation in the legal professoriate and decanal ranks

Contino was formally elected in September to the role of regional president for Region VI of the聽Hispanic National Bar Association, the country鈥檚 largest professional organization to represent and advocate on behalf of Hispanic attorneys.

Prior to entering legal education, Contino leveraged her electrical and computer engineering degree from聽Carnegie Mellon University聽and law degree to counsel Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Apple, Adobe, Yamaha, and Boeing in patent law. She joined the Office of Career & Student Development in June 2022 and, in addition to mentoring students who seek her expertise for career assistance, teaches a year-long required course, 鈥淟awyering, Leadership, and Professionalism鈥�, each year for the incoming class.

Members of the Task Force

• Raquel M. Matas (Co-Chair), former Associate Dean for Administration at the University of Miami School of Law
• Anthony E.聽Varona聽(Co-Chair), Dean and Professor at Seattle University School of Law
• Dolores S. Atencio,聽Esq., Visiting Scholar, University of Denver Latinx Center | Sturm College of Law
• Steven Bender, Professor & Associate Dean for Planning & Strategic Initiatives, Seattle University School of Law
• Kevin R. Johnson, Dean and Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law & Professor of Chicana/o Studies, UC Davis School of Law
• Jos茅 Roberto (Beto) Ju谩rez, Jr., Dean & Professor, Nova Southeastern University Broad College of Law
• Jenny Martinez, Lang Professor of Law and Dean, Stanford Law School
  Margaret Montoya, Professor Emerita of Law (and Medicine), University of New Mexico
• Jennifer Rosato Perea, Dean & Professor of Law, DePaul University College of Law
• The Hon. Jenny Rivera, Associate Judge, New York Court of Appeals
• Ediberto Rom谩n, Professor of Law, Florida International University College of Law
• Krista Contino Saumby, Esq., Associate Director of Career Development, 乱伦视频 School of Law
• Paulina Vera, Professorial Lecturer in Law, George Washington University Law School

Derrick Brent, deputy director of the USPTO, encouraged students to pursue experiences outside the areas of law they intend to practice. A focus on one practice area is helpful, he said, but having a broader background makes you a better attorney.

Brent accompanied Elizabeth L. Dougherty, the USPTO鈥檚 eastern regional outreach director, for a visit to Greensboro on April 6, 2023, as part of a larger tour of law schools and business organizations throughout North Carolina. Together, the duo encouraged more than two dozen 乱伦视频 Law students to consider careers in the federal government and to explore career opportunities with the patent and trademark office beyond work as a patent examiner.

Brent also praised 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Small Business and Entrepreneurship Clinic for its impact on the region. Having intellectual property assistance in clinics in law schools not only teaches students, he said, but it helps communities and small businesses.

Krista Contino Saumby, 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 associate director of career development, moderated the conversation.

鈥淢any law students only see attorneys on TV and movies and think being a litigator means being in the courtroom. Most attorneys never step foot in one,鈥� she said. 鈥淗aving individuals like Deputy Director Brent speak with our students allows them to understand the profession beyond their classes and to make informed decisions about their careers.

鈥淎nd it鈥檚 good for students to hear from someone with Deputy Director Brent鈥檚 breadth and depth of experience that they鈥檙e first position likely won鈥檛 be their last, and that having a law degree opens up so many more career opportunities than they realized.鈥�

Brent serves today as deputy undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and deputy director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office where he manages a wide portfolio of programs and operations for one of the largest intellectual property offices in the world.

His responsibilities include working with Director Kathi Vidal to lead the USPTO, advance IP policy and procedures for the benefit of the country, expand the USPTO鈥檚 outreach efforts to incentivize and support more innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide, and execute the agency鈥檚 policies, priorities, and programs.

Brent has served in all three branches of the federal government. In addition to six years of work as a chief counsel to Sen. Barbara Boxer in the U.S. Senate, where he was responsible for a broad portfolio that included IP and constitutional issues, civil rights, telecommunications, and judicial nominations, Brent clerked for the Hon. Algenon L. Marbley, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

He litigated in private practice in Ohio before working as a senior trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division.

Prior to joining the USPTO, he served on the leadership team of Cut Golf, an early-stage golf equipment and apparel company. Brent provided critical counsel, analysis, and project management to the founders on a variety of matters, including IP, contracts, marketing/advertising, business development, design/performance analysis, and supply chain management, resulting in continuous sales and customer base growth for award-winning products.

Brent received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University.

Student Reflections on the Visit

• 鈥淚’m grateful to Deputy Director Brent and to the USPTO for coming in and speaking to us. As someone who does not have a science background, it was nice to learn more about the areas of intellectual property law that I can still pursue. The most critical lessons I took away from Deputy Director Brent were to surround myself with great colleagues, immerse myself in the market, and to use law school as a tool to explore as many practice areas as possible.鈥� 鈥� Sydney T. 鈥淜ofi鈥� Ladans L鈥�23
• 鈥淭he discussion with Deputy Director Derrick Brent was extremely helpful and productive. He was able to demystify a lot of myths about pursuing a career in IP and give practical advice for future attorneys. As a law student who doesn’t come from a hard science background, I most often hear about 鈥榥ot being able to do IP.鈥� It was reassuring to hear that this industry has opportunities for lawyers with all backgrounds, especially as technologies like AI and NFTs grow and change all areas of IP, not just patents.鈥� 鈥� KimberMarie Faircloth L鈥�23

And when they bring their boss, the top jurist in the State of West Virginia, to their alma mater? That leaves an even bigger impression.

Dozens of students filled 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 largest classroom in downtown Greensboro on Feb. 20, 2023, for a lunchtime visit by of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and two of her law clerks: Evan Smith L鈥�20 and Mary Beth Royal L鈥�21.

Smith concludes a two-year clerkship with Walker in June, while Royal holds the distinction of serving as Walker鈥檚 first administrative law clerk, a position she has held for almost exactly a year to the date of the trio鈥檚 visit to 乱伦视频 Law.

Over the course of an hour, Walker and her clerks discussed the evolving role of the top court in West Virginia. They reflected on the many decisions issued after oral arguments, which are only held for a fraction of the appeals that reach the court鈥檚 five justices.

And they reiterated to students – most of whom were in their first year, joined by a handful of second-year students with interest in clerking – what writing and advocacy skills make for effective appellate advocacy. That included:

• Don鈥檛 start oral arguments with a statement of facts. Judges and their clerks know the facts of a case; get right to the point and clearly pose the question of law you want decided in your favor.
• Keep your legal writing concise. In many (but not all) instances, briefs should be written so that someone with an eighth-grade education can understand your argument.
• Make eye contact with judges during oral arguments and learn how to read your audience.
• Be confident and calm, not aggressive. Some appellate lawyers come across as angry at opposing parties and even the bench itself, and that can detract from your argument.

Walker, a staunch advocate for well-being who encourages lawyers to prioritize their physical and mental health, reminded students that everyone makes mistakes. It鈥檚 how you respond to errors in a courtroom that can mean the difference for future clients.

鈥淪ometimes you have to recover from adversity,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭he ability to recover from a misstep is a great skill to have. Pivot and go back to your strong points. I鈥檓 sure you learn this in moot court, but that鈥檚 because it鈥檚 important in real life.鈥�

Walker was elected in 2016 to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia after two decades in private practice at Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love (now Bowles Rice) in Charleston, West Virginia, followed by service in Morgantown as associate general counsel for the West Virginia United Health System

Active on social media, Walker joined with Justice Rhonda Wood of the Arkansas Supreme Court, then-Chief Justice Bridget McCormack of the Michigan Supreme Court, and former Justice Eva Guzman of the Texas Supreme Court to launch the podcast , which features discussions of the judicial branch of government and their experiences on their states’ highest appellate court.

Walker鈥檚 visit was hosted by 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Office of Career and Student Development as part of the mandatory Lawyering, Leadership and Professionalism course for first-year students.

鈥淪tudents need to hear from the source, from someone who is at the top of the profession, that legal writing is the foundation of our legal system,鈥� said Krista Contino Saumby, 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 associate director of career development. 鈥淎nd students also need to hear that a good lawyer can practice any area of law, but a better lawyer will perform at a higher level when they focus on their own well-being.鈥�

A new addition to 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Office of Career and Student Development also has a new leadership role in a professional association now celebrating its 50th anniversary year.

Krista Contino Saumby was formally elected in September to the role of regional president for Region VI of the , the country鈥檚 largest professional organization to represent and advocate on behalf of Hispanic attorneys.

The Hispanic National Bar Association is divided into 19 regions encompassing the United States, Puerto Rico, and its territories. Regional presidents serve concurrently as members of the association鈥檚 Board of Governors.

Contino鈥檚 two-year term representing the Carolinas allows her an opportunity to develop a team of deputies to ensure the region has programming, networking and mentoring events, and conduct fundraising for law school scholarships on behalf of an underrepresented community in the practice of law.

Hispanic attorneys comprise just 5% of all lawyers in the United States, according to , while the general population is more than 18% Hispanic.

Contino said she looks forward to developing pipeline events through her role as regional president to encourage Hispanic undergraduate students to consider legal careers.

鈥淢y goals are to mentor and forge a greater network of Hispanic attorneys and connect them to each other,鈥� Contino said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 another opportunity to tell people about 乱伦视频 Law, its program, and how it鈥檚 unique among law schools.鈥�

Contino has been an advocate and educator committed to simplifying the path to success for first generation law students throughout a 15-year legal career focused on patent law with work for law firms of various sizes, including a solo practice.

Prior to entering legal education, Contino leveraged her electrical and computer engineering degree from to counsel Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Apple, Adobe, Yamaha, and Boeing.

She joined the Office of Career & Student Development in June 2022 and, in addition to mentoring students who seek her expertise for career assistance, teaches 鈥淟awyering, Leadership, and Professionalism鈥� each year for the incoming class.