Two UA Law Students Receive National Honors

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Two third-year students at The University of Alabama School of Law were honored this week by national legal associations for their respective accomplishments in contributing to the advancement of women in the legal profession and demonstrating excellence in clinical fieldwork.

Katharyn I. Christian of Montgomery Village, Md., was honored with the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Outstanding Student Award and Kelly E. Forehand of Alexander City received the Clinical Legal Education Association’s Outstanding Clinical Student Award.

Both Christian and Forehand served two semesters in UA Law’s Domestic Violence Law Clinic where they distinguished themselves by exemplifying both diligence and creative legal talent.

Ken Randall, dean of the UA Law School, says that Christian “brings an impressive level of energy and commitment to her casework and is thoughtful and compassionate when working with her clients.”

Kimberly Ann Bart, director of the Domestic Violence Law Clinic and assistant professor of clinical legal instruction at UA Law, notes that Forehand “has a way of getting to the core of issues and problem situations to find ways to overcome obstacles in her clients’ cases, moving her cases ahead efficiently and with desirable outcomes.”

NAWL’s Outstanding Student Award is an annual distinction, honoring a law student’s commitment to improving women’s lives through public service in the law.

Also an annual accolade, CLEA’s Outstanding Clinical Student Award recognizes a law student’s excellence in clinical fieldwork and exceptional participation in an accompanying clinical seminar.

Each year, these organizations invite every law school in the U.S. to nominate a student from its graduating class who best exemplifies the qualities celebrated through the work of the organization. Based on these nominations, both awards highlight the top students at participating law schools who meet and exceed the qualifications.

Upon graduation in May, Christian will begin employment with Hunton & Williams LLP in Richmond, Va., as the firm’s 2008-2010 Pro Bono Fellow. She will provide domestic violence and family law services to low-income individuals and other underserved populations. Forehand, who will also graduate in May, will relocate to Montgomery to pursue opportunities in government and family law.