Appalachian School of Law Dean Clinton Shinn today announced the appointment of Virginia Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth McClanahan as the first Street Memorial Distinguished Visitor in Real Estate Law. 

The Academic Chair had been established by the surviving four children, in honor of their parents, Willie Arthur (W.A.) and Frankie Mae McGlothlin Street, who had made many contributions during their lifetime to Buchanan County and the surrounding area. 

In making his announcement, Dean Shinn stated, “Today’s appointment of Justice McClanahan as a Visiting Professor allows our Law School to not only recognize a Buchanan County native but to access the expertise of one of the leading real estate legal minds in the country.” 

McClanahan grew up in Buchanan County, Virginia, practiced law with the PennStuart law firm in Southwest Virginia and was a recognized expert in real estate laws, regularly lecturing, writing, and publishing on various real estate topics.  She was the 1994 El Paso Fellow at the University of Colorado Natural Resources Law Center. 

She served as Virginia’s Chief Deputy Attorney General prior to the Virginia General Assembly appointing her to the bench and served eight years on the Virginia Court of Appeals before being elevated by the General Assembly to the Virginia Supreme Court this year. 

McClanahan stated, “Buchanan County is home to me and has been home to my family for generations.  I am honored to be asked to work with students, faculty, and the community in such an important area of the law for our region.  It is an unparalleled opportunity to mentor and teach lawyers of the next generation right here at home. ” 

On September 1, 2011, McClanahan became only the fourth female justice to serve on the Virginia Supreme Court. 

A member of the Street family stated, “When establishing the Distinguished Visitor professorship, they envisioned its use in just this manner.  Recognizing a well-known Southwest Virginia Jurist with expertise in real estate law furthers the law school’s academic goals.”

Dean Shinn further added, “We look forward to beginning this great journey with Justice McClanahan. The positive impact upon the law school will be felt for years to come.”