Faculty Hiring & Academic Careers

Professor Adrian McKinney, University of Toledo College of Law, talked about her paper, Back to the Drawing Board: A Reflection of Senate Bill 1437 and Felony Murder Rule in California. She argued that California’s SB 1437 is merely symbolic and requires more oversight and implementation. She discussed the felony murder rule in the context of two cases in which one defendant was young, carried no weapon, had a peripheral role in the conspiracy, and thought he was simply there to accompany someone selling marijuana when someone was shot and killed, and his request for relief from the application of the felony murder rule was denied. In comparison, another defendant who planned a robbery and selected the target received relief. Professor McKinney argued

This discussion group, moderated by Professor Joan MacLeod Heminway, focused on maintaining physical well-being among law faculty. The session brought together discussants from various law schools to explore challenges and strategies for improving physical wellness in academic legal careers. The group explored whether law faculty should develop a wellness manifesto, drawing on research from books like “Spark” by John Ratey (highlighting cognitive benefits of exercise) and “The Runner’s Brain” by Jeff Brown. Participants examined how crisis situations can serve as motivation for wellness changes and discussed the critical role of sleep and physical rest. Discussants shared numerous approaches for maintaining physical well-being: Self-assessment techniques and scheduled physical activities (like calendared walking) Accountability systems and conscious avoidance of multitasking Setting clear

The workshop titled “What’s ‘Write’? Who’s Writing? Exploring New AI Developments in Legal Writing Courses,” held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of AI in legal writing education. Moderated by Professor Suzanne Rowe from the University of Oregon School of Law, the panel featured a diverse group of faculty members who shared their experiences and perspectives on integrating AI tools into legal writing courses and seminars. While some, like Professors John Cook and Susan McMahon, expressed caution about the premature adoption of AI in legal writing, others, including Professor Michael Murray and Professor Kirsten K. Davis, highlighted their enthusiasm and cautious optimism about AI’s potential benefits. The discussion underscored schools’ varied approaches, from using AI for pre-writing exercises to