AALS Presidental Opening Plenary Session

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins 2023 AALS President Mark Alexander in conversation about her life, career, and thoughts about how law schools can help defend democracy.  Secretary Benson provides a unique perspective on the current issues facing our democracy and the law.

Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. In this role, she has become one of the nation’s most prominent leaders in ensuring elections are secure and accessible. A graduate of Harvard Law School and expert on civil rights law, education law, and election law, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. When she was appointed dean at age 36, she became the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school. Previously, Benson was an associate professor and associate director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights. Benson is the author of State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process. She is also a co-founder and former president of Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.