Hector A. Linares

Hector A. Linares serves as the Edward J. Womac, Jr. Endowed Clinic Professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he teaches the Youth Defense section of the Law Clinic. Joined faculty in 2017 after nine years as a clinical law professor, he directs students in representing youth within Louisiana's justice system.

His educational background includes:

• J.D. from New York University School of Law (2003)
• B.A. in International Relations and Latin American Studies from Tulane University (2000)

Professor Linares' expertise centers on Youth Defense, Education Law, and Disability Rights, with pioneering work in juvenile justice reform and special education advocacy. His scholarship consistently addresses systemic barriers facing children with disabilities, emphasizing courtroom representation and policy reform to prevent exclusionary discipline practices.

Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate deepening focus on international inclusive education frameworks and IDEA compliance strategies, while his foundational 2010 work on juvenile waiver systems remains influential in Southern juvenile justice reform efforts.

His distinguished contributions have earned national recognition:

• COPAA Award for Distinguished Advocacy for Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities
• Gault Center’s Robert E. Shepherd Jr. Leadership Award for Excellence in Youth Defense

As clinical supervisor, he trains law students in youth defense advocacy while leading systemic reform through the Southern Youth Defender Center. His service includes board positions with Louisiana Public Defender Board, Louisiana Mental Health Advocacy Service, and Innocence Project – New Orleans, with current appointments to Louisiana State Law Institute’s Children’s Code Committee and Gault Center’s National Advisory Board.

Through co-directing the Southern Youth Defender Center, he develops regional training programs that standardize youth defense practices across eight Southern states, directly impacting thousands of juvenile cases annually.