Law Professors with Disabilities and Allies, Sponsored by Disability Law and Law and Mental Disability

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Session Type: Section Pedagogy Programs

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Room: Grand Salon Section 3

Floor: First Floor

This discussion-style panel, titled “Pedagogy, Advising, and Beyond: Disabled Law Students, Disabled and Allied Law Student Association (DALSAs), and Other Student Organizations Focused on Disability,” will address ways of improving the experiences of law students with disabilities, including by highlighting the critical role of Disabled and Allied Law Student Association (DALSA) chapters and other student organizations focused on disability. Student organizations focusing on disability are known for building supportive student networks, facilitating peer mentorship, advocating for disability diversity, and identifying and implementing inclusive and accessible solutions to problems in legal education. This panel will discuss these benefits as well as ways of improving: (1) communication and collaboration between disabled students and law faculty members within law schools; (2) communication and collaboration between and among DALSA chapters and similar student organizations across the country; (3) faculty advising of student organizations focusing on disability; and (4) faculty liaison services, including student-to-administration liaison services. The need for faculty advisors to understand law students as individuals with experiences and needs separate from their immediate curricular needs will also be addressed. The panel will conclude by addressing the transition from law school to legal practice, offering insights and strategies for navigating this challenging period.