May 10, 2025
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Welcome to Howard University School of Law
A Message From The Dean
It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you to Howard University School of Law. We are a community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners committed to unparalleled excellence in legal education, impactful scholarship and thought leadership, and social justice. Our rich history and tradition of producing leaders in law and public service inspire our ongoing efforts to champion racial equity and justice. I invite you to explore our vibrant community and learn more about the dynamic programs and opportunities that make Howard Law a special place to study law.
In Truth and Service,
Roger A. Fairfax Jr.
Dean and Professor of Law
Biography
Installation for Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr.
On April 4, Howard University School of Law celebrated the formal installation of Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. in a powerful ceremony, highlighted by a keynote address from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, alumni, and students, Dean Fairfax was honored for his unwavering commitment to justice, mentorship, and leadership.
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Featured Article
Howard Law names Cedric Merlin Powell Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, succeeding Mariela Olivares
Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. of the Howard University School of Law has appointed Professor Cedric Merlin Powell as the new Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, succeeding Associate Dean Mariela Olivares, who will return to the faculty after an impactful six-year tenure in the role.Olivares guided the law school through a period of institutional growth and transition with grace, rigor, and a student-centered approach. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening academic operations, advancing curricular development, and supporting both faculty and students. Read the ArticleFeatured Article
Howard University School of Law Welcomes Environmental Justice Pioneer Charles Lee as 2025 Visiting Scholar
Howard University School of Law is proud to welcome Charles Lee—widely regarded as a founder of the environmental justice movement—as a Visiting Scholar at the Environmental and Climate Justice Center. His decades of advocacy, including groundbreaking work at the EPA and beyond, will enrich the school’s commitment to equity and environmental law. Read the ArticleHoward University Launches 14th Amendment Center For Law & Democracy
Howard University School of Law hosted the 14th Amendment Center for Law and Democracy’s Inaugural Symposium on March 28, 2025 curated by Professor Sherrilyn Ifill, founder and director of the Center. The event featured keynote speaker and filmmaker Ava DuVernay and brought together leading voices from law, activism, academia, and the arts.
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HUSL Hosts Annual HBCU IP & Tech Law Summit and 22nd Annual IP Social Justice CLE
Last month, the HBCU Tech Law Summit and the 22nd Annual IP and Social Justice CLE Seminar, hosted by the Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice under the leadership of Professor Lateef Mtima, brought together law students and legal professionals to examine key issues and opportunities in the tech industry. The events highlighted the need for a diverse legal pipeline to promote fair, transparent, and accountable AI development and emerging technologies. Attendees engaged in insightful discussions, built valuable connections, and gained essential knowledge to help shape the future of tech law and policy.
News & Events
HPILS Auction Sets Fundraising Record for Public Interest Law Students
On March 28, the 20th annual HPILS Auction raised a record amount for public interest law students taking unpaid positions this summer, including a record $17,931 through the famous section battle. Students participated in games and line dancing, all while supporting a great cause. Auction items ranged from a stay in the Hamptons to Beyoncé tickets to faculty shared experiences.
Dean Fairfax Hosts Fireside Chat on 'Soul of the Court' Celebrating Chief Judge William Benson Bryant '36
On March 26, Dean Roger A. Fairfax led an insightful fireside chat on Soul of the Court: The Trailblazing Life of Judge William Benson Bryant Sr. by Tonya Bolden. He was joined by civil rights attorney and author Michelle Coles ‘06, along with William B. Schultz of Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, to discuss the legacy of Chief Judge William Bryant Sr. ‘36. The event was sponsored by the Historical Society of the D.C. Circuit.
HUSL Hosts Annual Conversation with Judges for First-Year Students
On March 19, first-year law students gathered in the Hon. Damon Keith Moot Courtroom for the annual panel discussion, 'A Conversation with the Judges,' hosted by the Legal Writing Program. Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, Associate Judge Errol R. Arthur, and Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya shared their personal journeys to the bench and offered valuable advice to students as they navigate law school and their future legal careers.
HUSL Hosts D.C. Circuit Oral Arguments
On March 13, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit held oral arguments at Howard University School of Law, with Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan presiding. After the session, attendees had a chance to network with Chief Judge Srinivasan, Judge Robert L. Wilkins, and Judge J. Michelle Childs at a reception in the Pauline Murray Suite.
HUSL Hosts Marcus Garvey: A Way Forward Panel; Prof. Justin Hansford Recognized for Pardon Efforts
In February, Howard Law hosted a panel on the posthumous exoneration of Marcus Garvey, featuring HUSL students and alumni, attorneys from the legal campaign, scholars, international advocates, and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey, joined for a fireside chat on the fight to correct this historical injustice. The event also featured performances from the Howard Gospel Choir and a Steel Pan ensemble, celebrating Garvey’s Caribbean heritage.
Virtual Tour
Join us on this virtual tour and learn about what makes Howard University of Law unique.
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Lecture Series Speakers, and Symposia
Howard University School of Law hosts a series of lectures each year which honor the name and legacy of a past deans Charles Hamilton Houston, James M. Nabrit Jr., C. Clyde Ferguson Jr., and Wiley A. Branton. Each of these deans served the law school during a critical era in history and all left a significant impression not only on the Howard University community but on the legal profession worldwide. The students, faculty, administration, and staff of the law school work together each year to find topics relevant to the current legal climate, particularly in areas of social justice, civil rights, human rights, and voting rights.
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