Law Review Symposium: A Celebration of Professor Catherine Carpenter's Impact in Law and Academia
Friday, February 7, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
In-person at Southwestern Law School
Register here
Join us in celebrating the extraordinary career and legacy of Professor Catherine Carpenter, a trailblazer in legal education and scholarship. A nationally renowned expert in criminal law, particularly in the areas of sex crimes and sex offender registration laws, Professor Carpenter's work has influenced courts and guided attorneys nationwide. Her decades of service at Southwestern include leadership in law school accreditation and curriculum development, earning her recognition as one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People in Legal Education” from the National Jurist.
This symposium honors her profound impact on the legal profession, her unwavering dedication to her students, and her contributions to restorative justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Schedule of Events
8:00 - 8:45 a.m. — Registration & Breakfast
Check-in at the registration desk and enjoy light refreshments.
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. — Welcome & Opening Remarks
The Southwestern Law Review officially opens the symposium with a warm welcome and introductory remarks.
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. — Panel One: Legal Education: The System
This panel examines the structure and challenges of the current legal education system, exploring its impact on students, faculty, and the legal profession as a whole.
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. — Break
15 minute break.
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. — Panel Two: Legal Education: Teaching
This panel focuses on teaching methodologies in legal education, highlighting innovative approaches, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Panel Two Speakers
Panelists 
Steve Friedland
Professor of Law and Senior Scholar,
Director of the Center for Engaged Learning in the Law,
Elon University School of Law
View bio
Michael Hunter Schwartz
Dean,
McGeorge School of Law
View bio
Tracy Turner
Associate Dean for Learning Outcomes and
Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills,
Southwestern Law School
View bio
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch
Luncheon with keynote presentation.
- Keynote Luncheon Presentation
Keynote Speaker 
Kellye Y. Testy
Executive Director and CEO,
Association of American Law Schools
View bio
1:30 - 1:45 p.m. — Break
15 minute break.
1:45 - 3:00 p.m. — Panel Three: Criminal Law
This panel delves into pressing issues in criminal law, exploring recent developments, systemic challenges, and potential reforms shaping the future of the criminal justice system.
- Panel Three Speakers
Panelists 
Erica Jansson
Adjunct Associate Professor of Law,
Southwestern Law School,
and Associate Attorney, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
View bio
Aya Gruber
Harold Medill Heimbaugh Professor of Law,
USC Gould School of Law
View bio
Laurie Levenson
David W. Burcham Chair in Ethical Advocacy and
Professor of Law,
Loyola Law School
View bio
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. — Break
15 minute break.
3:15 - 4:30 p.m. — Panel Four: Sex Offender Registration
This panel will delve into the complex and often contentious legal, social, and policy issues surrounding sex offender registration. Panelists will discuss recent reforms, advocacy efforts, and innovative approaches aimed at balancing accountability with restorative justice.
- Panel Four Speakers
Panelists 
Elizabeth Letourneau, PHD, MA
Director, Moore Center for the
Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, and Professor
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
View bio
Wayne Logan
Steven M. Goldstein Professor,
Florida State University College of Law
View bio
Miriam Aukerman
Senior Staff Attorney,
ACLU Michigan
View bio
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. — Closing Remarks
Professor Catherine Carpenter delivers the closing remarks.
- About Professor Catherine Carpenter
Speaker 
Catherine L. Carpenter
The Honorable Arleigh M. Woods and William T. Woods Chair, Emerita,
Southwestern Law School
View bioProfessor Carpenter, elected to the American Law Institute in 2012, is a nationally recognized criminal law scholar specializing in sex crimes and sex offender registration laws. As Executive Director of Access to Restorative Justice Fund and Vice President of the Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offenses, she champions reintegration through education, legislation, and advocacy. A leading expert on law school curricula and accreditation, she has held prominent roles within the ABA, including chairing key committees and authoring national surveys. Named among the National Jurist's "Top 25 Most Influential People in Legal Education," she has been a cornerstone of Southwestern Law School for over three decades, earning Alumna of the Year in 2013.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. — Reception
Join us for a networking reception to conclude the symposium. Connect with panelists, attendees, and members of the Southwestern Law Review over light refreshments.