BRIAN P. STERN, associate justice of the R.I. Superior Court, was elected chairperson of the Roger Williams University School of Law board of directors on Feb. 3. He has served as a Superior Court judge since 2009, presiding over the state business calendar, as well as civil and criminal jury trials. Before becoming a judge, Stern held various state government positions, including as a former gubernatorial chief of staff, executive director of the R.I. Department of Administration and deputy chief of legal services for the R.I. Department of Business Regulation.
What are your goals for RWU Law? My overall goals are to ensure that the school continues providing an exceptional legal education to its students and strengthening its reputation. … First, I will work to attract and retain the best faculty members and provide them with the resources and support they need to excel in their roles. Second, I will prioritize developing innovative academic programs and initiatives with other [RWU] schools … that will prepare students for the changing demands of the legal profession. Finally, I will foster strong partnerships with law firms, government agencies and other organizations to provide students with valuable practical experience and job opportunities.
RWU Law is celebrating 30 years as a law school this year. How meaningful is this milestone? Celebrating 30 years is a significant milestone for RWU Law, Rhode Island’s only law school. It marks the school’s continued commitment to legal education, social justice and community engagement. This achievement reflects the dedication of the school’s faculty, staff and students, and highlights the university’s investment in legal education and its impact on the local and global community.
RWU Law is also launching the Center for Race and the Law this year. In what ways will the center support diversity and inclusion in the legal sector?
This center represents a critical step toward promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal sector. It will provide a platform for meaningful discussions and advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion. It will also promote research and scholarship in race and the law, elevating important issues that may have been overlooked or underrepresented in the past. The center will also be a resource for the practicing legal community, providing education and training.
What initiatives is RWU Law looking to introduce to increase the legal sector workforce? We are working on several initiatives. One is the expansion of RWU Law’s business law clinic activities to provide greater service to Rhode Island’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to further enrich our students’ learning opportunities. Another initiative is the expansion of our summer stipend program, which provides financial support to students in nonpaying public interest internships. These internships provide valuable training and enhance career prospects, and we must ensure that our students can afford these opportunities.
