While Drake Law School is celebrating Diversity Week with, “One Drake, Many Voices”, two professors have been recognized for their impact on legal education. Ellen Yee, professor of law and director of international programs, has been named to the Lawyers of Color “50 Under 50” list. Shontavia Johnson, assistant professor of law, has been named one of the “42 Under 40” by the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF).
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Professor Ellen Yee specializes in criminal law, professional responsibility, psychiatry and the law, and trial advocacy. She has been at Drake since 2005. Before beginning her academic career, Yee served as the deputy district attorney for Marin County in California. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Yee also oversees the Law School’s international activities including the Summer in France Program, a partnership with Southwest University of Politics and Law in China, and all international students and visiting scholars.
The Lawyers of Color’s “50 Under 50” list is a comprehensive catalog of minority law professors making an impact in legal education. The list will be released on April 7th in the Law School Diversity Issue (2014).
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Professor Shontavia Johnson was recognized as a JRF “42 Under 40” for her exemplary contributions in the workplace and her community. JRF was founded by Rachel Robinson, widow of the late Jackie Robinson, to give scholarships to students of color who embody the many things Jackie Robinson stood for. 42 is representative of Jackie’s jersey number during his baseball career.
Johnson was honored at the JRF annual Mentoring and Leadership Conference held in New York City in late February. In addition to the recognition, Johnson served on a “Law School and Legal Careers Panel” attended by students from around the country who are interested in attending law school.
Drake Law has been fortunate to have Johnson as an assistant professor since 2010, with specialties in intellectual property law, entrepreneurship, and property law. Prior to beginning her academic career, Johnson served as an intellectual property attorney for Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in the Southeast.