Enduring values that guide us

At the core of a Richmond Law education are enduring values that guide our work and inspire our community. In the Autumn 2025 issue of Richmond Law magazine, we highlight three of them: the power of mentorship, a commitment to justice, and ethical responsibility.

You’ll see the impact of mentorship in the story of Lara Ballout, L’27, whose law school journey is supported by a network of mentors — faculty, peers, career advisors, and alumni — each offering unique guidance at critical moments. Our culture of mentorship is one of our greatest strengths, ensuring that students not only succeed in law school, but also feel a deep sense of belonging as they prepare to enter the legal profession.

You’ll also hear from professor Danielle Stokes, ’13, whose teaching, research, and advocacy embody a deep commitment to justice. Through her work on energy transitions and environmental equity, she is ensuring that the communities most affected by climate change and environmental burdens have a voice in shaping the policies that impact their lives.

Finally, we highlight the work of three of our alumni — Joyce Manna Janto, L’89, Nancy S. Kirkpatrick, L’99, and Teresa Miguel-Stearns, L’94 — who are advancing the field of librarianship during this time of rapid technological change. As AI increasingly impacts legal research and the profession, their contributions remind us that adapting to these changes must be grounded in human judgment and ethical responsibility.

These stories remind us that the values that guide Richmond Law are not abstract ideals, but living commitments carried out every day by our students, faculty, and alumni. I hope you are as inspired by them as I am.