![handle is hein.journals/schom23 and id is 1 raw text is: FOREWORD
DEAN PATRICIA E. ROBERTS*
Thank you for offering me a seat at the table. In my first year as the
10th dean of St. Mary's University School of Law, the idea that we are
all part of the table set by the Marianists resonates in every decision I
make and the goals we are setting together.
Since my arrival, I regularly encounter the Marianist spirit, a
welcoming, inclusive atmosphere of congeniality. It is one of the
characteristics that called me to St. Mary's initially, the idea that this is a
family and that all are invited to sit at the table, a round one with no
hierarchy, only equality. Given that we are a Hispanic-serving institution
focused on equality around a table, diversity, equity and inclusion are not
new concepts for us; they are ever-present as part of the Marianist spirit.
* Patricia E. Roberts is the tenth dean of St. Mary's University School of Law. A legal
educator for two decades, her work as a clinical professor involved supervising law students while
providing pro bono assistance to those in need. Roberts practiced law for eight years after earning
her law degree from William & Mary. She returned to her alma mater as a Clinical Professor of
Law and Director of Clinical Programs, ultimately serving as Vice Dean prior to becoming the
Dean at St. Mary's in 2020. Roberts has been a nationwide leader in access to justice issues and
legal efforts to aid veterans. She was the inaugural President of the Board of the National Law
School Veterans Clinic Consortium and created Military Mondays, which provides advice and
counsel to veterans in multiple Starbucks locations nationally. She helped lead ABA efforts in
support of veterans and served on the Virginia State Bar's Access to Justice Pro Bono Committee
and Section on Legal Education Board of Governors. Roberts is a Fellow in both the American
Bar Foundation and the Virginia Law Foundation. She was recognized as one of the Influential
Women of Virginia and as a William & Mary Woman of Influence.
1. Melba Fisher, Setting the Marianist Table: A Metaphor for All Things Marianist,
(Sept. 25, 2012), https://www.marianist.com/files/2012/10/Marianist-table-Melba-Fisher.pdf
[https://perma.cc/E4YH-BQ93].
xi](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/schom23&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
What Is HeinOnline?
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most