University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School professor Cara McClellan is set to receive an award in honor of her civil rights work this weekend.
McClellan, the director of the Advocacy for Racial and Civil Justice Clinic, was nominated for The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia’s 2026 Presidential Award of Courage. The organization — which has served Philadelphia’s Black legal community for 76 years — will honor McClellan at its annual gala on May 2.
“I am honored that Barrister’s President Samantha Fitzpatrick has chosen to recognize my work as Director of ARC Justice Clinic,” McClellan wrote in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian.
The Barristers’ Association described McClellan as a “distinguished civil rights attorney, scholar, and educator” in its award announcement. The statement pointed to her work at the justice clinic and contributions to The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense Fund.
“McClellan leads impactful civil rights litigation and prepares the next generation of advocates to challenge systemic inequities,” the organization wrote.
McClellan joined Penn’s faculty in 2022 and founded the ARC Justice Clinic in February 2023.
“The clinic provides pro bono representation to Philadelphia residents,” McClellan wrote to the DP. “Our advocacy is done in collaboration with grassroots organizations and individuals on the frontline of the fight for racial justice.”
Penn students can become involved with the clinic’s work. Participants gain “hands-on experience working in civil rights litigation and policy advocacy in the Philadelphia region using a movement lawyering approach,” according to its webpage.
“Every day I am inspired by our clients’ perseverance and the deep commitment of our students to working for social justice,” McClellan added.
