Cheng, Hahn-DuPont, Islo Named 2026 Teachers of the Year
04.21.26 — Northeastern Law faculty members Edward Cheng, Margaret Hahn-DuPont and Erin Islo are the 2026 recipients of the school’s Teacher of the Year award. Cheng and Islo are being recognized for teaching excellence and efficacy; devotion to student success; dedication to the social justice mission of the law school; commitment to experiential education; challenging students to think critically and appreciate alternative perspectives; creation of an inclusive learning environment; and innovation in pedagogy and curriculum. Hahn-DuPont is being recognized with the commencement-related Teacher of the Year award in recognition of her selection by the graduating class to deliver the faculty commencement address.
“All three of our distinguished recipients were lauded by our students for their deep expertise, dedication to student success and unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship,” said Dean James Hackney. “While each brings their own style and perspective to the classroom, they clearly share a passion for teaching, an ability to make complex legal concepts accessible and engaging, and exceptional interest in engaging with students through thoughtful listening and taking the time to ensure every student understands and knows how to apply the law in meaningful ways.”
Teacher of the Year Award Winners |
 Edward ChengCheng received the award for part-time teaching. He is a partner at Sherin and Lodgen, LLP, in the firm’s litigation department, where he specializes in complex commercial disputes, professional malpractice cases, defending bar discipline matters, and real estate litigation. At Northeastern Law, he teaches legal research and writing. “I am very humbled and delighted to have received the award,” said Cheng. “My students have been wonderful, and each semester I have been struck by their hard work and their dedication to learning. Working with Northeastern Law students has been an exceptionally rewarding experience.” |
 Erin IsloIslo is an expert on procedure, federal courts and the philosophy of law. Her work utilizes various methods to explore the normative dimensions of procedure and the rights of children. She teaches civil procedure, family law, federal courts and jurisprudence. “Teaching at Northeastern has been a privilege and an absolute joy. The law students are motivated and inspiring, and I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from them,” said Islo, who was also recognized with the 2026 Northeastern University Excellence in Teaching Award. |
 Margaret Hahn-DuPontHahn-DuPont teaches legal research and writing, advanced legal writing and civil procedure and serves as the program director for Northeastern Law’s Legal Skills in Social Context program. This is the second time a graduating class has selected Hahn-DuPont to deliver the faculty commencement address, which includes recognition as a Teacher of the Year. “I feel tremendously fortunate to teach at Northeastern. I learn so much from the students, far more than I could possibly teach them. I’m truly honored to have been selected to give the commencement speech,” said Hahn-DuPont. |
About Northeastern University School of Law
The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,000 employers in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.
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