University of San Francisco School of Law Achieves Recognition as Top Educational Innovators

University of San Francisco School of Law Celebrated as a Leader in Legal Education Innovation

The University of San Francisco School of Law (USF Law) recently made headlines by being recognized in the inaugural 'Top 50 Legal Innovators in Academia' list by The National Law Review and Wickard. This prestigious recognition highlights the contributions and efforts of its esteemed faculty in shaping the future of legal education. The honored individuals include Dean and Professor Johanna Kalb, along with Michele Benedetto Neitz, who is the Professor and the founding director of the USF Law Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good, and Alexandria Serra, an Associate Professor.

The honor signifies a crucial acknowledgment of legal educators who are not just adapting to changing times but actively transforming the landscape of legal education. As legal professions evolve with advancements such as artificial intelligence and technology, USF Law emphasizes the importance of preparing students to navigate these changes successfully.

Dean Kalb expressed her excitement regarding this recognition, stating, “Our location in the heart of San Francisco gives us a front-row seat to how quickly GenAI is transforming society and the legal profession.” She underscored the necessity for students at USF Law not only to learn about such technologies but to engage critically with them, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to discussions about AI’s broader societal impact.

The released list serves to honor those educators who have successfully launched innovative programs and modernized curricula while preparing students to tackle the demands of a rapidly evolving legal profession. The Selection Committee reflected a wide array of contributions, from technological integration and curriculum reform to research and professional training.

University Provost Eileen Chia-Ching Fung remarked on the faculty’s honor, indicating how having three members of their faculty included on this list exemplifies the level of innovation at USF. “Their bold commitment to reimagining legal education reflects USF's level of innovation and dedication to rigorous academics,” she stated.

Integral Steps Towards Legal Education’s Future

Dean Johanna Kalb proactively pursued the evolution of legal education, acknowledging early on that it required modernization to better prepare graduates for contemporary law practice demands. Under her leadership, USF became recognized as the first law school in the nation to incorporate AI learning objectives into its core curriculum, a pioneering move that has set the standard for future legal education institutions.

Michele Benedetto Neitz, who plays a pivotal role as the academic director of the Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good, has developed an environment conducive to both research and training future legal professionals. USF Law now offers an AI Emerging Technology Law Certificate that educates students on legal doctrines, ethical considerations, regulations, and practical technology applications, further aligning education with the needs of the current job market.

Meanwhile, Alexandria Serra’s innovative teaching approaches bridge generative AI, experiential learning, and advocacy education. Focusing on how law schools can adopt AI not just as a teaching tool but as a means to cultivate better lawyers, she has implemented numerous AI-powered advocacy tools that facilitate interactive learning experiences. Her scholarship has garnered accolades, with her work on revitalizing advocacy training recognized by winning the prestigious 2025 Stetson National Advocacy Writing Competition Award.

USF Law integrated generative AI into its first-year curriculum as early as 2025, marking an important step in redefining how legal students learn essential skills like thinking, writing, and advocating. By embedding these cutting-edge technologies into their coursework and pedagogical approaches, USF Law is instilling in students the critical thinking and judgment necessary for leadership in a dynamically evolving legal profession.

A Vision for the Future

Founded in 1912, the University of San Francisco School of Law has a long-standing tradition of producing adept legal professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field. With a diverse and supportive academic community, USF Law offers comprehensive Juris Doctor programs along with specialized degree programs designed to tackle contemporary legal challenges, including Master of Laws in Taxation, Intellectual Property, and Technology Law.

As USF Law continues to pioneer advancements in legal education, its faculty’s recent accolades serve as a testament to their commitment to fostering an innovative learning environment that prepares future generations of legal professionals for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.