Aspen Leading Edge

97: The Past and Future of AALS with Melanie Wilson and Austen Parrish

Melanie Wilson, Dean of Washington and Lee University's School of Law, and Austen Parrish, Dean of UC Irvine School of Law, discuss Melanie’s year as president of AALS. They also share the changes the organization has made throughout the years. Austen provides hopes for his upcoming year as president of AALS.  

96: The Work/Life Juggle with Melanie Jacobs

Dean Melanie Jacobs shares how the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law revolutionizes legal education by combining doctrinal rigor with hands-on experiential learning. She also introduces an innovative immigration law clinic. Plus, learn about Justice Louis D. Brandeis's legacy, including the story of how the school obtained his robe. She also talks about the prestigious Brandeis Medal being awarded to Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

95: How Do I Learn Best? With Chance Meyer and Patty Baia

Chance Meyer, New England Law, and Patty Baia, Touro Law School, discuss the upcoming Aspen course Mind for Law. This mini course helps students either entering or already in law school discover their learning style and how to use it properly. They discuss the details about the course, including the importance of enhancing long-term memory and avoiding regurgitation of knowledge.

94: The Art of Failing Gracefully with Leah Teague and Elizabeth Fraley

Leah Teague and Elizabeth Fraley, Baylor University, discuss the second edition of their book, Fundamentals of Lawyer Leadership: A Skills Guide to Professional Identity Formation, including more in-depth sections about the leadership of self and civil discourse. They discuss the importance of having tough conversations and how to do so with compassion and civility.

93: The 28 Clinics at Minnesota Law with William McGeveran

Join us for an enlightening conversation with William McGeveran, the newly appointed dean of Minnesota Law, who brings a wealth of experience and insight to the role. In this episode, we dive into his vision for the law school, including the impressive array of 28 clinics that offer students hands-on learning opportunities, such as a groundbreaking clinic focused on gun violence and a unique name/image likeness clinic tailored for college athletes and influencers. McGeveran discusses the importance of transactional skills in today’s legal landscape and his plans to expand the faculty while raising the national profile of Minnesota Law. We also explore the importance of including data privacy courses in the curriculum.

92: Race and the Foundation of American Law with Nicole Dyszlewski

Join Nicole Dyszlewski, Assistant Dean for Curricular Innovation at Roger Williams University, as she discusses the groundbreaking Race and the Foundation of American Law course, now required for all law students. Nicole shares how the course explores race in the legal system through guest speakers and a public webinar series. She also talks about the impact of the first Social Justice Summer Camp for middle school students. Tune in to hear how Nicole is shaping the future of legal education and social justice.

91: NextGen Bar Exam Unpacked with Sophie Dye Gayle

In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Dye Gayle, Director of Legal Education and Innovation at Themis Bar Review, to explore the exciting changes coming to the bar exam and legal education. Sophie discusses the NextGen Bar Exam, including the integrated questions, change in scoring, and inclusion of Family Law. She also shares how Themis is preparing future law students and schools for the new exam as well as predicts other upcoming changes to bar prep.

90: Conversations with Deans: Lolita Buckner Inniss

Lolita Buckner Inniss, Colorado Law, shares her journey to becoming dean and her thoughts about being the 17th dean, the second woman dean, and the first Black dean. She also talks about being President of the women in legal education section of AALS and the increase in female law students. Lolita also brings up the new Introduction to Law for undergraduates at the University of Colorado Boulder.

89: Excellence in Policing and Public Safety with Seth Stoughton and Chris Cowan

Seth Stoughton and Chris Cowan, University of South Carolina, share the origins and details of the Excellence in Policing and Public Safety (EPPS) Program, which is designed to advance policing and improve public safety outcomes through collaborative training, assistance research, and community partnerships. They also discuss why this program is important for current and future law officers.

88: Conversations with Deans: Julie Hill

Julie Hill, University of Wyoming, shares her journey from the University of Alabama and her favorite things about Wyoming, including the new building dedicated to clinics. She also talks about her thoughts about being the only law school in the state and how she wants to further support students.