On April 17, 2025, the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, in partnership with Cornell Law School, convened the 2025 Law School Conference entitled: “The Role of Law Schools in Addressing Legal Deserts”. This free virtual conference brought together online representatives from New York’s law schools, civil legal services organizations, the courts, community organizations, and other partners to explore innovative strategies for expanding access to justice in underserved areas, with a focus on rural communities. The conference provided a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive change in under-resourced communities.
View the Conference:
Agenda, Videos, and CLE material
If you would like to be added to the Law School Conference mailing list for future events, send an email to accesstojusticecommission@nycourts.gov.
2025 Law School Conference Planning Committee
- Dena Bauman, Lecturer of Law and Director of Externships & Pro Bono Scholars Program, Cornell Law School
- Kim Diana Connolly, Professor of Law and Vice Dean for Innovation, Interdisciplinary, and Community Impact at the University at Buffalo School of Law; Member, Permanent Commission on Access to Justice
- Matthew Diller, Professor and Dean Emeritus, Fordham University School of Law; Member, Permanent Commission on Access to Justice and Chair, Law School Involvement Working Group
- Hon. Helena Heath, Executive Director, NYS Permanent Commission on Access to Justice
- Donna Lee, Co-Chair; Professor, CUNY School of Law; Member, Permanent Commission on Access to Justice
- Beth Lyon, Clinical Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Experiential Education and Clinical Program Director, Cornell Law School
- Lori M. O’Brien, Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY); Member, Permanent Commission on Access to Justice
- Oliver Wang, Pro Bono Scholar, Cornell Law School, and Legal Intern, Steuben County Public Defender's Office
Acknowledgments
The 2025 Law School Conference Planning Committee extends its deep appreciation to the following individuals for their support of the conference:
Hon. Seth M. Marnin, Hon. Christina Ryba, and Janet Sabel, Esq., Co-Chairs,
NYS Permanent Commission on Access to Justice
Michael Baker, Cornell Law School
April Denman, Cornell Law School
Michael d’Estries, Cornell Law School
Lisa Pruitt, UC Davis Professor of Law
Ryan Schmohe, Cornell Law School
The Planning Committee recognizes the following Cornell Law Students for their thoughtful participation in the conference and congratulates them on their law school graduation:
Cole Quigley
Anna Temchecko
Oliver Wang