Kala Mueller, director of public interest and pro bono initiatives, has been named the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from the Association of American Law Schools Section on Pro Bono and Advancing Justice.
The Emerging Leader award recognizes early- to mid-career professionals whose work demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing justice through pro bono and public interest efforts. Mueller was selected for her transformative leadership at Nebraska Law and her growing national impact on access to justice initiatives.
Since joining Nebraska Law in 2015, Mueller has played a central role in strengthening the College’s culture of service. She advises students and alumni pursuing public interest careers, develops innovative programming, and leads efforts that expand access to justice for underserved communities. Her work embodies Nebraska Law’s mission to develop inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems, and serve with integrity.
“Kala’s leadership has reshaped how our students engage with public interest and pro bono work,” said Dean Richard Moberly. “She brings vision, creativity, and deep personal commitment to everything she does. This recognition reflects not only her individual excellence, but the values we strive to instill in our students.”
Under Mueller’s leadership, Nebraska Law has launched and expanded several signature initiatives, including the Public Interest Scholars Program, the Pro Bono Research Fellows Program, and renewed support for the Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund, which provides summer stipends to students pursuing unpaid public interest positions.
The award was presented at the AALS Annual Meeting.
