Western New England University School of Law is proud to announce that Assistant Professor Nicole Belbin has been awarded the prestigious AALS Pro Bono & Access to Justice Section Emerging Leader Award. The award was presented on January 9, 2025, during the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA.
Professor Belbin, who also serves as the Associate Dean for Library and Information Resources at WNE Law, has dedicated her career to advancing access to justice and fostering community engagement. Since assuming her leadership role in 2022, she has developed and/or managed a series of impactful community service programs, including "Intro to Law," "Law School for a Day," "Future Lawyers of Springfield," and the "Judicial Youth Corps." These programs have provided transformative opportunities for middle and high school students, empowering them to explore careers in the legal profession and reinforcing the importance of diversity within the field.
Her work extends beyond program development. Professor Belbin has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between WNE Law and the local legal community, creating a network of support that has enriched Springfield and its surrounding areas. In 2023, her efforts were recognized when WNE Law was named a finalist in Bloomberg Law's Law School Innovation Program.
Professor Belbin's leadership stems from her own inspiring journey. Starting as a technical services assistant at the WNE Law Library nearly two decades ago, she pursued higher education while balancing family life, eventually earning her law degree in 2020. Her dedication to public service is further reflected in her pro bono work with the Massachusetts State Bar’s Dial-A-Lawyer program and her advocacy for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her scholarly interests include the forthcoming article, "AIn’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How Legal Research Programs Can Provide the Needed Safety Rails for Pro Se Litigants Using AI in Litigation," which will be published in the Charleston Law Review.
Reflecting on her work, Professor Belbin shared, “This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it affirms the importance of opening doors and breaking down barriers for those who might not otherwise have access to the legal system. Growing up, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to pursue a career in law, and now I see it as my mission to inspire others and help them realize their potential. This work isn’t just about law—it’s about building a more inclusive and just community.”
"We are incredibly proud of Professor Belbin's achievements and her unwavering commitment to our students and the community," said WNE Law Dean Zelda B. Harris. "Her work embodies the spirit of access to justice and exemplifies our law school’s mission to educate future leaders who are compassionate, innovative, and community-oriented."
This award celebrates Professor Belbin’s extraordinary contributions to pro bono service, access to justice initiatives, and her role as a mentor and leader in the legal profession.
