News

Catherine Ulrich, 1L, a student on the Law School's Diversity Committee interviewed Professor Neha Jain about teaching and learning in a diverse and inclusive Law School environment.

Where are you from?

I was born in and grew up in India, but I have spent most of my adult life living, studying, and working in multiple countries in Europe, SE Asia, Africa, and the US, so I do not identify as being from anywhere in particular.

What led you to MN?

Minnesota Law students and alumni have been on the frontlines of protecting the rights of asylum seekers in a challenging political climate.

While a number of legal actions have been brought against various aspects of the “zero tolerance” immigration policy, some of the most poignant stories have come from asylum seekers. Some are locked in jail-like detention facilities under harsh physical conditions; some are trapped at the border waiting endlessly for a chance for a hearing; and some have already been returned to the lands that they fled without a ever having had a hearing.

The Minnesota Law Review recently launched "Experto Crede,” a new legal podcast featuring a series of interviews with article authors and other thought leaders. The first three episodes, featuring Minnesota Law Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs William McGeveran, Rutgers Law Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor, and Rutgers Law Professor David Noll, discussing their MLR articles, are now available for streaming or download on your preferred podcast network. 

Joining the faculty as a visiting professor this semester is Eric Bylander, professor of procedural law at Uppsala University in Sweden. This is Prof. Bylander’s second tour of duty as a visiting professor at the Law School, and he was also previously here as an exchange student.

What courses are you teaching while you are with the University of Minnesota Law School?

The Law School’s Community Legal Partnership for Health Clinic is known for giving students rich experience in helping individuals with their varied legal issues. This year, the clinic added a new twist by providing students with an opportunity for first-hand involvement in policymaking through crafting legislation that would help protect Minnesota residents from radon.

Recent strong showings by the Law School’s moot court competition teams continue a highly successful season for the program.

In the McGee National Civil Rights competition held last month, the Respondent team (2L Isabel McClure, 3L Zachary Hofeld, and 3L Tariq Miller) advanced through the quarterfinals and semifinals to the final round, where they ultimately lost a split decision. McClure was named best overall oralist. The team also placed 8th in the brief competition. The Petitioner team (3Ls Fatjon Kaja and Matt McCord) had a perfect 3-0 record in the preliminary rounds.

The Law School Career Center’s Wendy Griak and Simona Suen were awarded one of this year's Campus Climate Micro-Grants to fund a new project they created that helps students who are first-gen, from families with little or no legal experience, and/or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds obtain professionally branded business cards.

3L Jessica Wheeler recently won second place in the Epstein Becker Green Writing Competition for her note, “Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: Privacy Protections in Integrated Care.”

The competition is designed to encourage J.D. and LL.M. students in the preparation of scholarly papers on current topics of interest relating to health law. Second place carries with it a $2,000 cash prize.

In January, students and staff of the James H. Binger Center for New Americans traveled to Alexandria, Louisiana, for what has become an annual service trip to work with immigration detainees in rural communities. Previously, the Binger Center worked with detainees in Arizona and Texas. This trip included students from the Binger Center’s Detainee Rights Clinic and the Asylum Law Project.

In January, students and staff of the James H. Binger Center for New Americans traveled to Alexandria, Louisiana, for what has become an annual service trip to work with immigration detainees in rural communities. Previously, the Binger Center worked with detainees in Arizona and Texas. This trip included students from the Binger Center’s Detainee Rights Clinic and the Asylum Law Project.