Legal Education Leadership 2026: Dean Conway's Monthly AALS Presidential Update for May

A monthly look at Penn State Dickinson Law and School of International Affairs Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway’s year of intellectual inquiry as president of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

CARLISLE AND UNIVERSITY PARK—AALS president Danielle M. Conway divided her time in May between speaking engagements that saw her crisscross the Commonwealth and the country. She also published a President’s Message reflecting upon a year of accomplishments for law schools and co-authored an article for Bloomberg Law titled "AI Legal Education Pushes Skills, Clinics, and Healthy Skepticism."

Conway wrapped up the busy month by recognizing students’ achievements during the commencement ceremonies for Penn State Dickinson Law and the School of International Affairs.

AALS President’s Message

Noting that graduation season invites reflection, Conway wrote a message that recognized students’ successes, supported by the tireless work of the staff, faculty, administrators, and deans who guide them.

“At this moment of celebration, we are reminded that legal education is more than professional preparation; it is part of the democratic project itself,” notes the message, which you can read by clicking here.

AALS Conference on Clinical Legal Education

From May 1–3, Conway attended the 48th annual conference in Portland, OR, whose theme was “Holding the Line: Clinical Education in Defense of Democracy.” Conway served as the keynote and opening speaker, discussing her own AALS presidential theme (“Emancipate. Academic. Freedom.”) while honoring the enduring legacy and promise of clinical legal education as a stronghold of civic engagement and justice. More than 850 attended the conference, including four of Conway’s Penn State Dickinson Law colleagues.

During her visit to the Pacific Northwest, she and Penn State Dickinson Law Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Josh Trego also met with Penn State College of the Liberal Arts graduate Deborah Betron. They presented her with the Judge John Reed Society trophy.

Women United Annual Luncheon

Conway returned to Pennsylvania for the May 5 Women United Annual Luncheon held by United Way Carlisle and Cumberland County. She delivered a fireside chat, titled “Leadership in Higher Education,” sharing her leadership journey foregrounded by her time in higher education.

Conway was delighted to share the stage with Penn State Dickinson Law Professor Emerita Jane Rigler, who led the conversation.

Pennsylvania Bar Association Annual Meeting

Conway reconnected with friends and fellow members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association at the Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, on May 6–8. One highlight was attending a Penn State Dickinson Law Alumni Reception on May 6.

Conway also enjoyed applauding her colleague and close friend Laura Williams, the Law School’s senior associate dean for external affairs and chief of staff, as she received the prestigious Anne X. Alpern Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession during the meeting.

Commencement Activities at Penn State School of International Affairs and Penn State Dickinson Law

As part of her decanal duties, Conway delivered the opening remarks and congratulated each graduating student during commencement at Penn State Dickinson Law. The Law School’s University Park commencement occurred on May 15, with the Carlisle ceremony happening the following day. More than 350 J.D., S.J.D., and Master of Laws (LL.M.) candidates were recognized.

Additionally, Conway attended the School of International Affairs Graduate Recognition Ceremony on May 10, with 30 students completing a master of international affairs (M.I.A.) degree and one completing a graduate certificate.

Bloomberg Law Article

In an article published May 19, Conway and co-authors Richard E. Moberly, dean and Richard C. & Catherine S. Schmoker professor of law at University of Nebraska College of Law, and Kellye Testy, AALS executive director and CEO, discussed the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal field and how law schools are adapting to utilize the technology.

“AI adoption has serious risks, including lack of transparency, the importance of disclosure, and disparate economic impact,” notes the article. “But the truth, and the landscape of AI, are messier—and more consequential. Legal education must evolve in real time to equip law students for an AI-driven future.”

You can read the full article by clicking here.

LSAC Board of Trustees Annual Meeting

On May 30, Conway addressed the LSAC Board of Trustees during the organization's annual meeting. She briefed the gathering on her AALS Presidential Theme, Emancipate. Academic. Freedom., and, alongside AALS CEO and Executive Director Kellye Testy, addressed myriad pressing issues impacting American legal education.

Up Next: Dean Conway’s June Speaking Engagements