Booth says the pleasure Strossen takes from her job is reflected in part by the attention she gives to students.

"She's somebody who everybody likes--a wonderful lecturer and teacher, very inspiring," Booth says. "The staff really likes her."

Strossen says she does not plan to quit teaching anytime soon, despite her position with the ACLU.

The average tenure of an ACLU president--Strossen is only the sixth leader of the organization--is about 15 years. Strossen says she plans to continue her advocacy even after she steps down as president.

"I can't top it in terms of my personal values, but I also believe in passing the torch of leadership," she says.

Strossen says she will continue to teach law and will still do pro bono work for the ACLU, as she has done throughout her career.

"It is absolutely essential that there be some organization that is there to champion all of these rights for everyone," she says.