Karen L. Kelley

Karen L. Kelley serves as the Clinical Professor of Law and Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She leads the Center for Legal and Social Justice (CLSJ), overseeing Clinical, Externship, and Pro Bono Programs that equip students with real-world legal skills while serving underrepresented clients. Additionally, she teaches the curricular component of the Externship course and holds the Englehardt Research Fellow title.

Education:

• J.D., University of Texas School of Law, 1988
• B.A., Rice University, English Literature and Legal Studies, 1985

Her research and professional interests center on Clinical Legal Education, Social Security Disability Claims, and Health Care Advocacy. Her work emphasizes ethical legal practice and access to justice for vulnerable populations, informed by her prior experience as a practicing attorney at Bexar County Legal Aid and Patton Boggs in Washington D.C., where she specialized in FDA regulatory matters and disability law.

She has received the Distinguished Faculty Award (2016) for her contributions to teaching and advocacy. While no grants are explicitly mentioned, her role in shaping clinical programs and supervising students reflects her dedication to legal education. She is licensed to practice in Texas and the District of Columbia.

Kelley is affiliated with the CLSJ, which coordinates interdisciplinary efforts to integrate practical legal training with community service. Her initiatives aim to bridge academic learning and real-world legal challenges, particularly for clients with limited resources.