Davida Finger

Davida Finger is the Associate Dean of Law Clinic and Experiential Learning, Clinic Professor, and Director of the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic & Center for Social Justice at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. She holds the Rene August and Mary Jane Pastorek Distinguished Clinical Professor of Law title. Her roles include leading the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center and serving as a Fulbright Specialist through 2026.

Education: J.D., Seattle University (2002); M.A., University of Pennsylvania (1998).

Research focuses on housing justice, poverty law, and clinical education. Her empirical work on New Orleans' eviction crisis is pioneering. She leads initiatives like the Incubator Program for social justice lawyers and the Education Project for low-income families.

Awards include the Bellow Scholars Fellowship (2016) and recognition as an inspiring alum by Seattle University Law School (2007).

Advising: Directs law clinics and externships. Grants and leadership roles include Co-President of the Society of American Law Teachers (2018–2020), CLEA Board Member, and AALS Poverty Law Section Chair (2011–2012). She founded key programs and serves on national legal education committees.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center and collaborates with global institutions through Fulbright.