Conference Overview

Bridging the Classroom–Practice Gap

This year’s conference centers on the theme Bridging the Classroom–Practice Gap, with a focus on how legal writing professors can best prepare students to meet the real-world expectations of judges and practicing attorneys. As the demands of legal practice continue to evolve, legal writing faculty play a critical role in equipping students with the skills, judgment, and professional awareness needed to succeed beyond the classroom.

The conference welcomes legal writing colleagues from near and far and offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about teaching, assessment, and professional preparation in legal writing and lawyering skills.

Special Conference Features

Plenary Session: Speed-Mentoring with the Bench & Bar

A dynamic plenary session featuring short, rotating conversations with experienced attorneys and federal and state judges. Participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from the bench and bar about what truly matters in the legal writing they read, evaluate, and rely upon in practice.

New Professors’ Discussion Group

A candid, practical discussion designed for faculty in their first few years of teaching legal writing. This session provides a supportive space to discuss common challenges, share strategies, and build professional connections.
Faculty interested in participating should contact Professor Brenita Softley at bsoftley@stcl.edu.

Registration and Travel

Registration for the conference is free, though advance registration is requested for planning purposes. Travel and lodging information is available here: Travel and lodging information

Questions and Additional Information

For additional details about the conference, please visit the conference website or contact the conference co-chairs:

• D’Andra Shu – dshu@stcl.edu

• Katherine Vukadin – kvukadin@stcl.edu

We look forward to welcoming you for a collegial, engaging conference and to continuing important conversations about the role of legal writing in preparing students for practice.

Conference Co-Chairs
D’Andra Shu & Katherine Vukadin