Each year, the Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA) invites law schools to nominate students as their Outstanding Clinic Student, and Outstanding Externship student. This year, two WashU Law Class of 2025 graduates have been recognized. Lawson Sadler, earning the Outstanding Clinic Student Award, and Sophia Carney, earning the Outstanding Externship Student Award.
Lawson Sadler Receives CLEA Award for Outstanding Clinical Work
In Fall 2024, Lawson represented nine immigrant clients through the Immigration Clinic. She worked on complex cases involving families seeking permanent legal status, and helped asylum-seeking families with affidavits, legal memos, work authorization, and ID applications. Her steady approach and attention to detail allowed her to handle a demanding caseload in just thirteen weeks, while also volunteering at immigration workshops in the community.
In the spring, Lawson joined the Appellate Clinic where she represented a habeas petitioner before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. After co-authoring the merits brief, she delivered a strong oral argument that drew praise from the bench. A career law clerk called it the best student argument she had ever seen. Lawson also assisted in drafting an amicus brief for a major civil rights case before the Missouri Supreme Court, conducting in-depth interviews with people directly impacted by the issue.
Sophia Carney Receives CLEA Award for Outstanding Externship
Sophia Carney was the first WashU Law student to extern in the chambers of Judge Rodney Holmes of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. According to chambers staff, Sophia’s professionalism, insight, and writing quickly made an impact. Her drafts were substantive and polished, often requiring minimal revision. Her questions demonstrated critical thinking, and her work consistently pushed judicial memos and orders forward in both clarity and content.
Clinics and externships are a vital part of the WashU Law student experience. These programs provide access to legal services for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them, while offering students the opportunity to engage directly with clients, courts, and the St. Louis community.
Congratulations Lawson and Sophia!
