GW Law Faculty and Staff Shine at AALS Annual Meeting

January 17, 2025
Three photos of people smiling for the camera to the left and the GW Law logo at AALS on the right

The faculty and staff of the George Washington University Law School made a significant impact at the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), showcasing their expertise and commitment to legal education. With a strong and diverse representation, GW Law's faculty and staff not only participated actively in various panels and discussions but also played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around contemporary legal issues. Their scholarly contributions, innovative research, and dedication to advancing the field were evident throughout the conference, reinforcing GW Law's reputation as a leading institution in legal education. Here are a few highlights from this year's meeting:

John Marshall Harlan Dean's Research Professor of Law Jessica Steinberg was honored with the Deborah L. Rhode Award. The prestigious award recognizes law professors who exemplify "the groundbreaking work, imagination, inspired action of Deborah Rhode," who was the Ernest W. McFarland Professor of Law and director of the Center on the Legal Profession at Stanford Law school before she died in January 2021, according to AALS. Professor Steinberg's research focuses to the areas of civil procedure, state courts, access to justice, and poverty law. She has authored several bills to promote a fair criminal justice system in the District of Columbia and received previous awards for her work to expand representation for prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It is an enormous honor to receive the Deborah Rhode award,” Steinberg said. “Professor Rhode was a visionary leader in the legal profession and her pioneering efforts serve as a great inspiration in my own work to push for greater civil access to justice and a more just and equitable legal system.”

David Weaver Research Professor Emeritus of Law Donald C. Clarke received the Jerome A. Cohen Award for Lifetime Achievement in East Asian Law and Society. Professor Clarke is a specialist in Chinese law and has published extensively in journals such as the China Quarterly and American Journal of Comparative Law on subjects ranging from Chinese criminal law and procedure to corporate governance. His research specifically focuses on Chinese legal institutions and legal issues presented by China's economic reforms. The Jerome A. Cohen Award is given to someone "who has impacted the legal community, the academy, and the issues that affect the field through mentoring, writing, speaking, activism, and by providing opportunities to others in the field," according to AALS. 

These accolades not only honor the exceptional accomplishments of two distinguished individuals but also symbolize the broader commitment of the legal community to excellence, scholarship, and the advancement of justice. As we celebrate their achievements, we recognize the indelible marks left by Steinberg and Clarke, inspiring future generations of legal scholars and practitioners to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of law.

The active participation of faculty and staff at events like the AALS Annual Meeting is of paramount importance as it fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, promotes scholarly collaboration, and enhances collective knowledge within the legal community. Read more about GW Law's faculty and staff panels, presentations, and discussions below:

Panels, Presentations, and Discussions