2026

Santa Clara University School of Law participated in the 2026 Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brought together law schools and legal educators from across the nation to reflect on the history of legal education and its lasting impact on the next generation of lawyers as well as the intellectual, pedagogical, professional, and theoretical underpinnings of the profession. Themed, “Impact, Excellence, Resilience: The Enduring Contributions of Legal Education,” the conference focused on the role educators play in shaping society, fostering resilience, and ensuring that legal education remains receptive to ever changing needs.

Additionally, a special Jesuit Law Schools Reception was held, where 14 Jesuit law schools came together to celebrate their shared values and 500 years of Jesuit legal education. Presented by Dean Michael Kaufman of Santa Clara Law and Boston College Law School Dean Odette Lineau, the reception honored Dean Emeritus William M. Treanor of Georgetown University Law Center for his steadfast dedication to cura personalis, which is the Jesuit concept that translates to “care of the whole person.” Santa Clara Law Dean Teresa Kopriva reflected that, “Our law school communities are united by a rich, 500-year heritage of Jesuit legal education and shared values. The annual joint reception of the 14 U.S. Jesuit law schools brings us together in fellowship to celebrate our enduring connections, distinctive strengths, and core Jesuit values. This special gathering strengthens our relationships in ways that will nourish and sustain our collaborative work now and in the years ahead.”

Beyond the Jesuit reception, several members of Santa Clara Law faculty were recognized for their outstanding contributions to legal scholarship and education. Professor Fiona McKenna was named Faculty Member of the Year for her exceptional work in the field and her dedication to advancing the law. Professor Sue Guan also presented her brilliant scholarship on copy trading. Professor Nicholas Serafin’s recent article was named a finalist in the Scholarly Papers Competition.

In addition, Santa Clara Law’s approaches to access and affordability for legal education were spotlighted by Dean Caitlin Jachimowicz. Dean Cheryl Caligaris shared her expertise in mission-aligned advancement, alumni relations, fundraising, and stewardship, and Deborah Moss-West, Evangeline Abriel, and law student Caitlin Strickland were recognized for their public service by being placed on the Pro Bono Honor Roll.

For 120 years, the AALS Annual Meeting has served as a crucial gathering for the legal academy. As the legal academy continues to evolve, the conference highlights the importance of recognizing advancements made in legal education, especially in areas such as public service, interdisciplinary scholarship, and student professionalization. Santa Clara Law’s presence at the AALS Annual Meeting highlights its commitment to fostering excellence and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society.