Bench & Bar January/February 2025

COLUMNS

CHASE GIVES MEANING TO THE LAW

A t Salmon P. Chase College of Law, the path to becoming a lawyer involves much more than traditional waypoints of blackletter law and judicial interpretations. Beginning with the traditional Professional ism Day program for first-year students to envision their futures and responsibilities, it is also an immersive journey of experienc ing what it means to be a lawyer, With the endowed David and Nancy Wolf Chair in Ethics and Professional Identity as a conceptual GPS, Chase is developing and coordinating opportunities for students in matters such as ethics, professionalism, social justice, diversity and inclusion, public-interest service and personal well being. “Our students can delve deeply into their professional identity formation journey, exploring how to best care for their clients and themselves in this high stakes career path,” says Dean Judith Daar. “Programming that exposes students to examples of ethical lawyering, both historic and current, has been very well-received.” With faculty and staff members as guides, this is how Chase is helping students under stand what it means to be a lawyer: The journey students begin at Chase will continue throughout their practices. “Law schools in general, and Chase in particular, are well-positioned to provide guidance, inspiration and instruction to enable future lawyers in the development of an ethical and professional view of their role in society in serving justice, fairness and truth throughout their legal careers.” ‒ Wolf Chair Professor Jack Harrison Classes include a new course on utiliz ing technology in pursuit of justice, the long-established foundational course of Professional Responsibility and some fresh historical perspective. “The Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Social Justice course helps students evaluate ways we can use AI and other

technological tools to improve social jus tice and access-to-justice issues.” ‒ Professor Michelle Browning Coughlin, who designed and teaches the course Professional Responsibility focuses on the Model Rules of Professional Conduct so students can understand how everything they learn fits into what it means to be a lawyer. “I teach the course with a constant eye to the here and now. The class discussion is usually a real-time role-play in which stu dents have to make decisions that are ideally as challenging as the ones faced by the law yers in the case reading,” ‒ Professor John Bickers For perspective, the course “Shedding Shackles: The Life & Legacy of Salmon P. Chase” offers a contemporary examina tion of the professional challenges of the 19 th century Cincinnati lawyer and Chief Justice for whom the college is named. “The entire course is built around the con cept of lawyers’ obligations to society. We discuss the historical work Chase did in that capacity and what shape that takes for law yers in our community today.” ‒ Professor Jennifer Kinsley, who teaches the course Numerous clinic opportunities connect the impact of law to individuals and society. “Among them, the Children’s Law Center Clinic does case work and policy work on

children’s issues, through direct representa tion and community education and policy projects.” ‒ Professor Amy Halbrook, associ ate dean for experiential learning Multi-cultural experiences help students understand how to relate to diverse clients. “Having cross-cultural skills is important for lawyers not only to be able to relate successfully with clients from different backgrounds, but also to be able to work toward eliminating discrimination and inequities in the law itself.” ‒ Maria Llambi, assistant director of admissions and diversity initiatives Attention to personal wellbeing, including a focused student organization and ongo ing college support, helps students learn to cope with pressures of the profession (and of law school). “The world, including the practice of law, will throw us curveballs, obstacles and stressors, but if one practices wellbeing, then one becomes more resilient and can effectively manage these things without being undone by them.” ‒ Ashley Siemer, director of student affairs With an integrated emphasis on doctrinal courses and what it means to be a lawyer, Chase is preparing students for practicing law … and for understanding that their careers will involve more than just know ing the law.

First-year students begin their law school journey at Chase with Professionalism Day and an oath to uphold professional standards, administered this past August by Chase alumnus and Supreme Court of Kentucky Justice Robert Conley.

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