New England Clinical Conference

Teaching and Practicing Resilience in an Age of Hyperawareness

In today’s legal landscape, marked by rapid changes and voluminous information about problems we can do little to change, both law students and clinical law faculty face unique challenges. The constant influx of information about global and societal issues beyond individual influence can lead to stress and feelings of helplessness. And yet, the ability to effect change, advocate against injustice, and protect our clients’ rights and dignity, is tantalizingly within our grasp as legal professionals. As the practice of law evolves with technological advances and deepening societal divisions, our educational approach must foster not only legal skills but also resilience and adaptability. And, clinical law faculty must prepare students to navigate these dynamic conditions while also managing their own well-being. This dual challenge emphasizes the need for educational environments that support both the professional and personal resilience of students and educators alike. The 2024 New England Clinical Conference invites proposals that explore innovative strategies for integrating resilience and adaptability into the clinical curriculum. Contributions should offer methods for faculty to model and teach these capabilities, ensuring that both students and faculty can thrive as proficient, compassionate attorneys in a rapidly-changing world.