The WNE University School of Law proudly announces that Associate Professor Nicole Belbin ’09/L’20 has received the 2024 Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Pro Bono & Access to Justice Section Emerging Leader Award. The honor was presented on January 9, 2025, at the Association of American Law Schools’ Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

Professor Belbin, who also serves as associate dean for library and information resources, has led numerous impactful community programs since 2022, including Intro to Law, Law School for a Day, Future Lawyers of Springfield, and the Judicial Youth Corps. These initiatives provide transformative opportunities for middle and high school students, encouraging interest in legal careers and promoting diversity in the profession.

She has also helped forge strong ties between the University and the local legal community, strengthening support systems and expanding pro bono efforts. In 2023, the School of Law was named a finalist in Bloomberg Law’s Law School Innovation Program thanks in part to her work.

Professor Belbin began her career at WNE University School of Law nearly two decades ago as a library assistant. Balancing work and family, she earned her law degree in 2020. Her dedication continues through volunteer work with the Massachusetts Bar’s Dial-A-Lawyer program and advocacy for veterans.

Her forthcoming article, AIn’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, on artificial intelligence (AI) use by pro se litigants, will be published in the Charleston Law Review.

“Opening doors for others is at the heart of this work,” Belbin said. “It’s about building a more inclusive and just community.”