On Thursday, September 28, Catholic’s Professor Cara H. Drinan joined students for a conversation on her career path, her scholarship and her pro bono efforts. Co-hosted by the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Women’s Law Caucus (WLC), Drinan was the inaugural speaker for the organizations’ “Meet the Professor Spotlight Series,” a series designed to offer students an informal opportunity to interact with professors outside the classroom and to better understand faculty research and advocacy efforts.

After a brief introduction from WLC President Taylor Skala (3L), LALSA President Julie Orlando (3L) engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Professor Drinan, an expert on criminal system reform and juvenile sentencing. The dialogue touched on issues including Drinan’s teaching and research, how she fits pro bono work into her academic life, and advice for students on finding their own professional calling. Drinan also addressed the research that culminated in her book, The War on Kids: How American Juvenile Justice Lost Its Way (Oxford Univ. Press 2017); what has changed for youth in the criminal system in the last few years, especially in light of the pandemic; and the projects she is working on during her sabbatical this fall.

As the interview neared its conclusion, Orlando opened the floor to questions from the audience. The event concluded with a networking reception in the Louise H. Keelty and James Keelty, Jr. Atrium.

The next Meet the Professor Spotlight event will feature Professor Heidi M. Schooner and will be scheduled later this fall.