Early Career Scholars Award Recipients Revealed
Two accomplished early-career law professors, Professors Madison Condon of Boston University School of Law and Blake Emerson of UCLA School of Law, have been honored with the Early Career Scholars Medal by The American Law Institute. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding early-career law professors whose work is impactful on public policy and has the potential to influence legal enhancements. It aims to inspire practical scholarly work that contributes to the field of law.
Madison Condon, an Associate Professor at Boston University School of Law, is recognized for her expertise in climate change, financial risk, and regulation. Her scholarly contributions have been featured in collections of the best articles in various fields such as environmental law, corporate law, and securities law. Condon’s work has had a significant impact on academic and regulatory discussions surrounding climate risk, influencing policy decisions in areas like corporate and securities law and environmental policies, blending legal, economic, and scientific analyses seamlessly.
On the other hand, Blake Emerson, a Professor at UCLA School of Law and Political Science, delves into the normative and historical foundations of American public law. His research incorporates resources from political theory and American political development to comprehend the structure and objectives of the regulatory state. Emerson’s groundbreaking work has made him a leading voice in administrative law, shedding light on the democratic functions and normative structures of administrative law and the role of federal agencies in advancing democratically established public policies.
The ALI Early Career Scholars Medal Selection Committee Chair, Gerard E. Lynch, expressed delight in awarding the honor to Professors Condon and Emerson. He emphasized their intellectual prowess and the relevance of their work to public policy. Condon’s interdisciplinary scholarship has played a vital role in tackling climate risk, sparking advancements in academic and regulatory discussions and policy decisions. Emerson, with his insights drawn from history and political science, has carved a niche as an influential figure in administrative law, addressing critical issues concerning the administrative state’s future.
Speaking on the significance of the award, UCLA School of Law Dean Michael Waterstone commended Blake’s ability to bridge legal theory with practical solutions, marking him as a valuable contributor to ongoing debates concerning administrative agencies and government actors. Boston University School of Law Dean, Angela Onwuachi-Willig, praised Condon’s exceptional scholarship and her impact on legal academia and policy reform, particularly in addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.
Recipients of the Early Career Scholars Medal, including Condon and Emerson, are championed by The American Law Institute through support for conferences relevant to their work, and they are invited to speak at the ALI Annual Meeting. Crystal S. Yang, the 2023 recipient from Harvard Law School, will be discussing her research on empirical law and economics at this year’s Annual Meeting.
Madison Condon, who recently joined Boston University School of Law as an associate professor, teaches courses on Environmental Law, Corporations, and climate risk and financial institutions. Her work has been pivotal in shaping discussions on climate change, financial risk, and regulation, reflecting in regulatory rulemaking by institutions like the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Meanwhile, before joining BU Law, Condon worked at New York University School of Law and participated in litigation challenging federal regulatory changes. On the other hand, Blake Emerson’s research at UCLA School of Law and Political Science showcases his expertise in the historical foundations of American public law, providing significant contributions to the field of administrative law.
