Mary A. Lynch

Professor Mary A. Lynch holds the Kate Stoneman Chair in Law and Democracy at Albany Law School. She has been a faculty member since 1989, specializing in clinical legal education, criminal law, and feminist jurisprudence. Her career includes directing high-impact clinics such as the Domestic Violence Prosecution Hybrid Clinic and the Disabilities Law Clinic. She has been recognized nationally for her contributions to legal education reform and advocacy for women’s rights.

Education:

• B.A., New York University
• J.D., Harvard Law School (cum laude)

Research & Clinical Focus: Professor Lynch’s work addresses multicultural awareness in legal practice, gender bias, and violence against women. She pioneered groundbreaking legal strategies, including a clemency victory for an incarcerated battered woman. Her scholarship emphasizes modernizing legal education and ethical lawyering skills.

Awards & Recognition:

• Excellence in Teaching Award (Albany Law School, 2014)
• Kate Stoneman Special Recognition Award (2014)
• Making Waves Award (National NOW)
• Irish Legal 100 Honoree (Irish Voice)

Leadership & Service: She led the Albany Law Clinic & Justice Center (2001–2009), directed the Center for Excellence in Law Teaching (2009–2020), and co-chaired the Clinical Legal Education Association. She contributed to state and national legal reform through roles on the NYS Bar’s Committee on Legal Education and the Future of the Legal Profession Taskforce.

Clinics & Teams: Founder/leader of the Domestic Violence Prosecution Hybrid Clinic, Disabilities Law Clinic, and Post-Conviction Remedies Clinic. Her work integrates advocacy with community coalitions like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Legal Aid Society.