Guion Johnstone

Guion Johnstone is an Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Academic Enhancement & Bar Success Program at the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, University of Kentucky. She joined the faculty in February 2024, previously serving as an adjunct instructor for Immigration Law and Women & the Law, and supervising an immigration externship. Her career includes roles as Executive Director of the Kentucky Bar Foundation, directing attorney at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic (focusing on humanitarian immigration cases), and forensic social worker with New York County Defender Services.

Education:

• J.D., University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law (Executive Editor, University of Louisville Law Review)
• M.S.W., University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work
• B.A. in Psychology and Spanish Language & Literature, Transylvania University

Research & Practice Focus: Immigration law, social justice advocacy, clinical legal education, and gender-based legal issues. Her work emphasizes practical legal training and support for marginalized communities, particularly through humanitarian immigration cases and bar exam preparation initiatives.

Awards:

• Whitney M. Young Award for Commitment to Social Justice (University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work)

Key Roles & Contributions: Leads academic support programs at Rosenberg Law, oversees the Bar Success Program, and integrates experiential learning through externships. Previously directed legal clinics and served as a judicial staff attorney for Hon. Phillip J. Shepherd.

Labs/Teams: Oversees academic enhancement initiatives and collaborates with the Kentucky Bar Foundation on access-to-justice projects.