Each year, the Clinical Legal Education Association invites law schools to nominate students as their Outstanding Clinic Student or Team and Outstanding Externship student. This series includes submissions from law schools celebrating their outstanding students.
From University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (UC Law SF)
CLEA Outstanding Student of the Year: Hilary Slauson
Hilary has taken full advantage of the law school’s clinical offerings and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public interest work. In the Refugee & Human Rights Clinic, she went above and beyond for her client, who was granted asylum. Her clinic professors loved her so much that she even agreed to stay on for two subsequent semesters as their invaluable Teaching Assistant. In the Immigrant Rights Clinic, Hilary worked with the litigation team at the National Immigration Law Center on cutting edge cases refining her writing and research skills. Hillary also graduated with a Concentration in Social Justice Lawyering and received the 2025 Nancy Stuart Public Interest Award for her social justice activities and commitment. We know she will go on to make many meaningful contributions in the field as she embarks on her legal career!
CLEA Outstanding Externship Student Award: Natalie Dybeck
Natalie's performance in both the Corporate Counsel and Judicial Externship Programs demonstrated exceptional dedication, curiosity, and initiative.
At Natalie's corporate counsel placement, her supervisor praised her research and analytical abilities, highlighting her ability to integrate legal knowledge with real-world insights. In meetings, she contributed meaningfully by drawing on prior professional experience, enriching the discussion on compliance and legal procedure. She consistently demonstrated a strong desire to learn, going as far as to visit a company facility during spring break to deepen her understanding of the organization. Before each upcoming rotation, she proactively researched the relevant area of law to be better prepared, setting a high bar for engagement and initiative.
Natalie also excelled in the judicial externship program, contributing insightful reflections in the seminar and staying deeply engaged throughout the semester. She was invited to speak on a panel for first-year students preparing for judicial internships, where her experience and perspective made a strong impact.
Outside of her legal commitments, Natalie manages a baking business, impressively balancing entrepreneurial and academic demands. Her contributions in and out of the externship programs reflect a combination of excellence, humility, and drive. Natalie embodies the spirit of this award and represents the very best of clinical legal education.