The legal education community gathered recently in St. Louis, Missouri, for the Association of American Law Schools Conference on Clinical Legal Education. The event has become a cornerstone for clinicians across the United States. This year, the conference bore the theme "Unfinished Arcs: Ferguson and Beyond," a nod to the ongoing journey toward justice and equality in the American legal system.
Among the faculty attending was Kele Stewart, a respected figure in clinical legal education. As co-director of the Children and Youth Law Clinic, Stewart had long dedicated her career to the intersection of legal education and public service, making her a perfect fit for the role she had recently stepped into as co-chair of the AALS Section on Clinical Legal Education. This position placed her at the helm of the largest professional organization of law faculty committed to clinics, externships, and experiential learning—a role she approached with a mix of humility and excitement.
"I remember my first clinical conference back in 2005," Stewart said. "I was welcomed into this incredible national community of educator-advocates, each of us bound by a commitment to justice and our students. To now lead this section as co-chair is both an honor and a profound responsibility."
The conference itself was a whirlwind of activities, panels, and workshops designed to foster discussion, share insights, and explore the complexities of legal education in a changing world. Stewart was at the heart of it all, welcoming attendees and sharing information about service opportunities at the New Clinicians Conference. She co-chaired an executive committee meeting that set the course for the year ahead and presented the AALS Clinical Section awards at a luncheon that celebrated the achievements and contributions of clinicians nationwide.
Moreover, Stewart's influence extended beyond the AALS conference. As a Board of Editors of the Clinical Law Review member, she played a vital role in shaping the discourse around clinical legal education, even though the journal was not directly affiliated with the AALS.
The conference in St. Louis was more than just an annual gathering; it was a testament to the power of community and the impact of dedicated educators like Stewart. As co-director, co-chair, and editor, she exemplified the service and advocacy spirit defining the best clinical legal education. As the event concluded and attendees returned to their respective law schools and clinics, the conversations and connections made in St. Louis promised to inspire and influence legal education for years to come.
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