Law Commons^™

Mmu: 01/19/26-01/25/26, Student Bar Association

Monday Morning Update

This Week @ NDLS

Mass Times

Commons Daily Menu

Saint of the Week

General Announcements

Ndls Communicator: Week Of 01.12.26, Notre Dame Law School

NDLS Communicator

The Latest News

• A Global Ripple Effect: Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic Expands Access to Justice in Kenya with the Strathmore Legal Aid Caravan

Alumni News

• Judge Elizabeth F. Tavitas ’85 B.A., ’90 J.D.

Student News

• Tyson Weeks
• John Blatt, Chloe Finn, and Grace Yeo
• Dennis Wieboldt

Faculty Briefs

• Paolo Carozza
• Kari Gallagher
• Lloyd Mayer
• Roger Alford
• Dian Desierto
• Mary Ellen O'Connell
• Kevin Murphy

Events

• Faculty Colloquium - Christian Burset, The Origins of Statutory Stare Decisis
• Faculty Meeting
• Walk the Walk Week

Around the Watercooler

• Pictures from the Retirement Party for Debbie Weiss

Mmu: 01/12/26-01/18/26, Student Bar Association

Monday Morning Update

This Week @ NDLS

Mass Times

Commons Daily Menu

Saint of the Week

General Announcements

Ndls Communicator: Week Of 01.05.26, Notre Dame Law School

NDLS Communicator

The Latest News

• Notre Dame Law School Welcomes Global Visitors for Spring 2026

Faculty Briefs

• Mary Ellen O'Connell
• Jimmy Gurulé
• Jeff Pojanowski

Events

• Retirement Party for Debbie Weiss

Around the Watercooler

• Christopher O'Byrne, Research Librarian resigns

Staff Spot Awards

• Nominations open now through March 10, 2026

Notre Dame [Lawyer] Judge - 2026, Notre Dame Law School

Notre Dame Lawyer

Cover

25 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett

31 The Rise of Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick

39 Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and the Pursuit of Justice

05 News

71 Alumni

81 Faculty

Judicial Profiles

35 Judge Ann Claire Williams ’75 J.D.

37 Q&A: Judge John Blakey ’88, ’92 J.D.

38 Judge Martha Vázquez ’75, ’78 J.D. ’43

43 Q&A: Judge Edward S. Kiel ’91 J.D.

45 Four Alumni: Their Roles as Federal Magistrate Judges

47 Judge Jerry Pappert ’88 J.D.

49 Justice Mary Yu ’93 J.D.

51 Judge Charles R. Wilson ’76, ’79 J.D.

53 The Specialists: Article I Federal Court …

John Bruce Dodds Memorial Scholarship, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Memorial Scholarship in honor of John Bruce Dodds, Notre Dame Law School Class of 1980

The John Bruce Dodds Memorial Scholarship was established by his classmates, colleagues, family and friends. The criteria considered for the Scholarship are need, merit, and a commitment and determination reminiscent of that shown by Bruce Dodds. Bruce studied in London during the 1978–79 academic year and graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1980. Before Law School, Bruce attended the United States Air Force Academy, where doctors discovered a cancerous growth in his hip joint which required the amputation of his leg. Following Law School, …

David T. Link Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a graduating law student for outstanding service in the field of social justice.

International Academy Of Trial Lawyers, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Chosen by the Trial Advocacy faculty, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award commends the following students for their distinguished achievement in the art and science of advocacy.

Farabaugh Prize, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

For High Scholarship in Law

Established by Gallitzin A. Farabaugh of South Bend, attorney-at-law

Peter A.R. Lardy Scholarship Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

In Recognition of our Beloved Classmate

We, the Class of 1975, Dedicate this Scholarship Award to those who exemplify his, Courage, Love and Understanding toward his fellow man.

It’s like this: When I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things. In the way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at a reflection in a poor mirror, but someday we are …

International Law Duties Not To Recognize, Not To Assist, And To Cooperate Against Peremptory Norms (Jus Cogens) Violations,, Diane A. Desierto

Journal Articles

Peremptory norms (jus cogens) are the highest norms of international law. When these norms are violated, all States and international organizations have, at a minimum, three international legal duties to discharge while the violation is occurring: (1) the duty of non-recognition, where no State or international organization should recognize the situation caused by the violation; (2) the duty of non-assistance, where no State or international organization should render any aid or assistance to maintain this situation caused by the violation; and (3) the duty of cooperation, where all States and international organizations should cooperate to bring the violation to an …

Women Speaking Law, Christine Venter

Journal Articles

From the Article

This Article will proceed in five parts.

Part I will briefly detail women's struggles to gain full access to legal positions generally throughout history.

Part II will emphasize women's lack of representation as oral advocates before the Supreme Court, while suggesting that the disproportionate selection of men as apex court clerks may be in part responsible.

Part III will cover the importance of oral argument and illustrate how women are effectively impeded from participating in a forum where decisions are being made.

Part IV will detail how both women advocates and women Justices are continually interrupted by …

Apalsa Faculty Of The Year Award, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Presented to a Notre Dame Law School faculty or staff member who has provided unwavering support and dedication to the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) student community and the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA). This award recognizes contributions that foster and uphold the values, heritage, and traditions of AAPI students.

Dean Joseph O’Meara Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

“Excellence is our platform, and we can be content with nothing less.” Presented annually to a member of the graduating class for outstanding academic achievement.

Established by the Class of 1964

Dwight King Service Award, Black Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Presented by Notre Dame Black Law Students Association to a BLSA member who has devoted considerable time, energy, and attention to both BLSA and the Notre Dame Law School community.

Jon E. Krupnick Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Chosen by the Trial Advocacy faculty or excellence in trial advocacy.

Judge Joseph E. Mahoney Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a graduating law student for outstanding leadership.

Colonel William J. Hoynes Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Hoynes Prize, is a gift of Dean William James Hoynes, 1878, LL.D. 1888, first dean of the Notre Dame Law School.

To the graduating law class member who has the best record in scholarship, application, deportment, and achievement.

Jessup International Moot Court Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

For excellence in advocacy as part of the Jessup Moot Court Team.

Joseph Ciraolo Memorial Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a graduating law student who exemplifies spirit, service, and significant achievement in the face of adversity as did Joseph Ciraolo, NDLS class of 1997.

Graciela Olivarez Award, Hispanic Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Notre Dame Hispanic Law Student Association, HLSA, annually recognizes The Outstanding Hispanic Lawyer or Judge that best exemplifies the principles and ideals of the pioneer for whom this award is named, including commitment to community service, demonstration of the highest ethical and moral standards, and dedication to justice.

William T. Kirby Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

For Excellence in Legal Writing.

Each year, a first-year (1L) student is chosen for excellence in writing a legal memorandum and third-year (3L) student(s) are chosen for excellence in brief writing.

All award winners will be recognized in their third year on Awards Day and in the Commencement Program.

Notre Dame Law School Distinguished Teaching Award, Student Bar Associaiton

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Notre Dame Law School Distinguished Teaching Award

Recognizing that Law School faculty members exhibit excellence in leadership, friendship, legal knowledge, legal teaching, and professional ability.

H. King Williams Memorial Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a graduating law student who has made a significant contribution to building community at the law school.

Whitton Prize For Excellence In Labor Law, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Established by Michael Whitton and awarded to the graduating third-year student who has demonstrated a commitment to the practice of labor and employment law through his or her course studies and work experiences

Patricia O'Hara Scholarship & Leadership Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes up to five graduating students who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership.

Anne C. Hamilton Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The annual award, in memory of the Law School’s beloved registrar, recognizes the graduating law student who has done the most to help his or her fellow students during his or her time at NDLS. Anne served the law school for 33 years.

Kyle D. Smith Mock Trial Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Chosen by the Moot Court Trial Team faculty for excellence in mock trial.

Arthur Abel Memorial Competition Writing Award, Notre Dame Law Review

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Each spring, the Notre Dame Law Review accepts entries for the annual Arthur Abel Memorial Writing Competition. Arthur Abel was a 1985 graduate (see page 26) of the Law School, serving on both the Notre Dame Law Review (Note, 60 Notre Dame L. Rev. 1187 (1985)) and the Journal of Legislation (Note, 11 J. Legis. 317 (1984)). After several years in private practice, Arthur served as Assistant General Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A tireless attorney possessed of a keen intellect and a wonderful sense of humor, Arthur achieved much success in a short period of time. …

Tia B. Paulette And Erika S. Gustin Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Given to the third-year law students who have demonstrated a personal and professional commitment to criminal justice and the public interest while furthering the goals of the Exoneration Justice Clinic and Notre Dame Exoneration Project student group.