Seton Hall Law Alumna Receives Clinical Education Award

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Sarah (Hill) Rogerson ’03 was awarded the M. Shanara Gilbert Award by the Association of American Law Schools’ Section on Clinical Education. The award recognizes her “commitment to teaching and achieving social justice and providing legal services and access to justice to those most in need.”

Professor Rogerson’s dedication to social justice was evident during her time at Seton Hall Law. Indeed, she describes her clinical experience at the Law School as pivotal in launching her career.

“My career in clinical legal education began in the Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Clinic at Seton Hall Law,” recalls Rogerson. “The clinic case assigned to me was that of a political asylum seeker, and, after all of these years representing immigrants in humanitarian crises, it is still the one I remember most vividly. Professor Lori Nessel had a major impact on my career and my passion in the law.”

“Sarah couldn’t be more deserving of this prestigious award,” said Professor Lori Nessel, Director of Seton Hall Law’s Center for Social Justice. “Sarah was an outstanding clinical law student and she has gone on to become a tireless and passionate advocate for immigrants and a beloved member of the national clinical law community. I am so proud that she is our alum.”

Rogerson is currently Clinical Professor of Law and Founder and Director of the Immigration Law Clinic at Albany Law School. She is humbled by the AALS recognition, calling it “more than an honor” because it reflects the recognition of the many educators and students “engaged in transformative work in their community.”

Once a student, now a teacher, Rogerson says: “From advocating on behalf of individual clients, to educating and equipping community groups with best practices, to acute crisis response, my work with students at Albany Law is rich in learning opportunities but incredibly stressful. I look forward to a time when our work can focus more on what the law can do to improve, rather than merely protect, the lives of our immigrant neighbors.”

Congratulations!