The Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School announced on April 17 the launch of a new series called “Simmons Law School Scholars in Conversation,” which will highlight the scholarly work of its faculty. The inaugural event will feature Sheila Simon, an associate professor and former Illinois lieutenant governor, who plans to retire at the end of this semester.
The initiative aims to bring legal scholarship beyond traditional academic settings and into broader public discussion. Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson said the series is designed to provide “meaningful, accessible conversation about important legal questions” through both virtual and in-person programs held several times each semester.
Simon will be the first guest in the series, sharing insights from her research and reflecting on her career path that has included roles as a prosecutor, educator, state official, and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. The virtual program is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 via Zoom with required registration.
Brenner Johnson said the purpose of these conversations is to “highlight the research, ideas and expertise of academics from Simmons Law School and elsewhere, covering a wide range of legal topics that matter to our alumni, our region, and the broader community.” She added that hosting events throughout each semester allows every scholar’s work to receive attention while giving alumni opportunities for engagement regardless of location.
Reflecting on Simon’s contributions as she prepares for retirement, Brenner Johnson described her research focus on domestic violence as “an area of law with profound real-world consequences for individuals and families.” In recognition of Simon’s impact at SIU and beyond—including helping establish a domestic violence clinic—the law school recently created the Sheila Simon Fund for Domestic Violence Education. This fund will support programming and research opportunities related to domestic violence issues.
Simon expressed hope that this funding “can help steer the law school back in the direction of providing legal service to survivors of domestic violence,” noting its importance across all areas of legal practice. She said: “At the very least, the fund will help the school highlight how lawyers can help survivors of domestic violence get to safety.”
Simon concluded by reflecting positively on her teaching career: “Working at the law school has been fabulous… It’s great to see students come in as excited and nervous first-years and leave as excited almost-lawyers… And then I get to stay in touch with them as they go on and do great things — what a ride!”
A retirement party honoring Simon’s career is planned from 4:30-6:30 p.m., Friday, April 24 in Simmons Law School’s formal lounge.
