Penn State Dickinson Law Dean and AALS President Danielle M. Conway releases President’s Message

CARLISLE, PA— Penn State Dickinson Law and School of International Affairs Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway recently released a President’s Message in her capacity as president of the Association of American Law Schools. You can read the full message by clicking here.

The message begins with recognition of students’ accomplishments amid graduation season and an acknowledgment of the importance of the staff, faculty, administrators, and deans who make legal education possible.

“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. “It is where knowledge is created and advanced, where intellectual inquiry is protected and cultivated, and where future lawyers are equipped to serve justice and the public good. These values are at the center of my AALS presidential theme, Emancipate. Academic. Freedom., a call to recognize academic freedom as both a privilege and a special duty, one grounded in facts, evidence, inquiry, and accountability.”

In addition to applauding legal educators on their many achievements, Conway also shares several initiatives underway that “that reflect our collective responsibility to meet this moment with clarity and purpose,” including the establishment of a new AALS artificial intelligence (AI) clearinghouse that will gather information, institutional policies, and innovative approaches emerging across our institutions. Penn State Dickinson Law Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships Daryl Lim is a member of the project’s advisory committee.