2025 CLEA Awards for Outstanding Clinical and Externship Students: Maryland’s Connor Lemma and Julianna Simpson

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 the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law: 

CLEA Outstanding Clinic Team: Connor Lemma and Julianna Simpson

Julianna Simpson and Connor Lemma were valuable additions to the LITC this semester.  Together, they participated in several outreach events, including Tax Compliance Day, Money Power Day, and the Resource Fair at Mondawmin Village.  At these events, thy both provided tax advice and attendees and represented the clinic with professionalism and care.

They both excelled in client representation as well.  Connor worked to resolve his clients’ cases by securing more manageable payment plans or obtaining Currently Not Collectible (CNC)/hardship status. His dedication and initiative throughout the semester demonstrated that he will be a strong and compassionate member of the legal community. Julianna, through her calm and steady approach, successfully resolved most of her cases with favorable outcomes, which included negotiating a 50% reduction in interest and securing the removal of penalties at both the federal and state levels on behalf of a client.