Executive Director, Institute for Children, Families, and Communities
Associate Professor of Law
“My role as the Director of the Child Protection Program is to carry out the program’s mission to promote legal-system reform on behalf of children and families through education and training, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This includes designing and providing attorney and stakeholder training for child protection system professionals; working collaboratively with other institutions to evaluate and study our model of parent representation, including use of parent mentors; and engaging partners in the child protection community around trauma based systemic change.”
Education
B.S., 1998, University of Wisconsin-Madison
J.D., 2004, University of San Francisco School of Law
Experience
Mitchell Hamline School of Law: associate professor of law, 2015-; director, Child Protection Program, 2015-; director, Re-entry Clinic, 2015-.
William Mitchell College of Law: associate professor of law, 2015; director, Child Protection Program, 2014-2015; director, Reentry Clinic, 2008-2015; resident adjunct professor of law, director Child Protection Clinic, 2011-2015; Trial Advocacy Skills adjunct professor, 2010-2015; WRAP program Representation Professor, 2010.
Minnesota State Public Defender’s Office: assistant state public defender, 2005-2011.
Associate: Goins and Wood, Minneapolis, MN. 2004-2005.
Admitted: Minnesota, 2004 (state and federal court).
Professional Focus
Professor Woolman directs two clinics at Mitchell Hamline. The Reentry Clinic assists women leaving prison with civil legal issues with a focus on reestablishing relationships with children and family. This holistic clinic also helps clients find community resources on their release to help ensure their success. The Child Protection Clinic provides direct representation to parents in the child protection system in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties. Professor Woolman researches, writes, and presents about women’s experiences in the criminal justice system, prison, and reentry. Professor Woolman also helps coordinate statewide training for parents’ attorneys.
Professional Accomplishments
Appointed member, Minnesota Supreme Court’s Juvenile Protection and Adoption Rules Committee, 2014-.
Awards
Woman of Distinction Award–Century College, 2011
Minnesota Changemaker–MN Women’s Press, 2010
University of San Francisco School of Law, 2004
– Haley Award (given to one member of graduating class by faculty for achievement in academics and service to the law school and community).
