Shobha L. Mahadev

Shobha L. Mahadev is a Clinical Professor of Law at Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law, where she also serves as Assistant Dean for Clinical Education. She works within the Bluhm Legal Clinic’s Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC), representing adolescents and adults in appellate, post-conviction, and clemency proceedings. Additionally, she directs the Illinois Coalition for the Fair Sentencing of Children, leading policy and litigation efforts for youth sentencing reform.

Education:

• BA, University of California, Berkeley
• JD, Northwestern University School of Law

Research Focus: Her expertise centers on juvenile justice reform, criminal appellate advocacy, and clinical legal education. She specializes in sentencing law for youth offenders, developing training resources for defenders, and influencing policy through amicus briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and state courts.

Publications: Her co-authored 2008 manual, Illinois Juvenile Defender Practice Notebook, remains a key resource for juvenile defense attorneys, reflecting her dedication to improving legal representation for youth. Her scholarly work emphasizes practical training and systemic reform in juvenile justice.

Leadership & Clinical Work: As project director of the Illinois Coalition for the Fair Sentencing of Children, she coordinates statewide advocacy and litigation strategy. She mentors law students in the CFJC clinic, overseeing cases involving youth sentencing and appeals.