Jamie Gau, L’16 brings a unique combination of technical expertise and a deep passion for teaching to RWU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program., What distinguishes RWU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program?, According to Professor Gau, the Trial Advocacy Program doesn’t just teach students how to advocate—it immerses them fully in the practice. Students learn the procedural mechanics of litigation and how to connect those skills with persuasive, justice-oriented storytelling. It’s a mission-driven environment where experimentation, practice, and meaningful growth are more than encouraged—they’re…, What qualities do students cultivate in the program?, Gau emphasizes that the program fosters qualities that extend well beyond legal technique:, Professional vulnerability, : Students learn to embrace trial and error—even stumbling in front of peers—but also to acknowledge progress, saying, “I haven’t perfected this yet, but I’m going to keep trying.” That openness builds resilience and allows the human element of advocacy to shine alongside technical skill., Adaptability, : Through repeated practice and thoughtful critique, students learn to pivot and grow in real time—a fundamental skill for any litigator facing an unpredictable courtroom., Confidence paired with humility, : Students build the ability to stand firm and articulate their case in court while also remaining curious—asking questions, inviting feedback, and refining their approach in front of others. These qualities are essential not only for trial work but also for a sustainable legal career. About this article This story is adapted from an interview with Jamie Gau L’16, originally published by Juris…
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Integrating Doctrine & Diversity Speaker Series presents The Life and Work of Attorney Fred D. Gray: Embedding Advocacy Histories in Legal Learning, The career of civil rights attorney Fred D. Gray is worth teaching about. Attorney Gray is one of the most consequential civil rights attorneys in American legal history. From representing Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to litigating school desegregation and voting rights cases that reshaped constitutional doctrine, Attorney Gray’s work helped dismantle Jim Crow…, FEATURED SPEAKERS, Jeffrey R. Baker, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Clinical Professor of Law, The University of Alabama School of Law Jeffrey R. Baker Jeff Baker is the Law School’s first Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Clinical Professor of Law. He directs the, Law School’s seven clinics, and helps lead other programs of experiential education across the curriculum. His scholarship focuses on issues of human rights and dignity, social justice, legal education, and ethics, at the intersections of law, theology, jurisprudence, and public policy. From 2013 to 2025, Dean Baker served as the Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Global Programs at Pepperdine University Caruso School…, The Malibu Times, , among other honors. From 2006 to 2013, Dean Baker served as an Associate Professor of Law and the Director of Clinical Programs at Faulkner University Jones School of Law in Montgomery. There, he directed the Family Violence Clinic and founded the Elder Law Clinic. While at Faulkner Law, he received the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Honors Award from, The Montgomery Advertiser, in 2009, was named an Honorary Member of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and was named Professor of the Year in 2012. Dean Baker holds degrees in political science and ministry from Harding University. After graduating from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2000, he returned to his home state of Mississippi where he had a diverse trial and appellate practice in complex…, Clinical Law Prof Blog, and is actively involved with the Clinical Legal Education Association and the AALS Section on Clinical Legal Education. He has served as a director and counsel for several nonprofits devoted to human rights, social justice, and community development, and he is active in church service and leadership. He is a 2025 Fellow of the Fred D. Gray Institute for Civil and Human Rights. Dean Baker is a…, Jonathan L. Entin, JD, David L. Brennan Professor Emeritus of Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Jonathan Entin Jonathan L. Entin is David L. Brennan Professor Emeritus of Law at Case Western Reserve University, where he taught Constitutional Law, Civil Rights, and Administrative Law for four decades. Among his many publications, he has written extensively about the work of legendary civil rights lawyer…, Dr. David Fleer, Director of Advancement, Fred D. Gray Institute for Human and Civil Rights David Fleer is a distinguished scholar, minister, and advocate whose life’s work brings together preaching, leadership, and a deep commitment to racial healing. Across four decades of service in universities and churches, he has consistently united intellectual rigor with pastoral wisdom and public engagement. From 2007…, Ayesha Bell Hardaway, JD, Professor of Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Ayesha Bell Hardaway Ayesha Bell Hardaway, JD, is a Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University where she serves as Director of the Law School’s Social Justice Law Center and its Criminal Defense Clinic. Professor Hardaway also serves as Director of the University’s Social Justice Institute. As Director of the Social Justice…, Georgetown Law Journal, ,, Boston University Law Review, , and, Stanford Journal of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, . Professor Hardaway has written on many topics including reparations, labor law, the Thirteenth Amendment, and policing. Her work on policing has also made her an influential voice in the field. Hardaway has made several appearances on CNN, including The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, and on ESPN’s The Undefeated, and was quoted in papers ranging from, USA Today to Rolling Stone, magazine. Professor Hardaway has also been asked to opine on other high-profile incidents in outlets such as, The Associated Press, ,, U.S. News and World Report, ,, The New York Times, ,, Washington Post, , and, The Boston Globe, ., MEET THE MODERATOR, Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Nicole P. Dyszlewski, is one of the editors of, Integrating Doctrine and Diversity: Inclusion and Equity in the Law School Classroom, . She currently serves as a Professor and the Director of Special Programs, Academic Affairs at Roger Williams University School of Law. She received a B.A. from Hofstra University, a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. She is a member of the Massachusetts State Bar and the Rhode Island…, SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, Persons who, because of a special need or condition, would like to request an accommodation for an event should contact Kara Dalessio, kdalessio@rwu.edu, as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the event, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Type: Event
