|
Dear alumni and friends:
Our thoughts are with the alumni and friends who were affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
This fall, like the ones before it, is abuzz with academic programming, student activities, career talks, and more. With this summer's renovation plans complete, the entire VLS community is back in the building. We have already hosted more than 200 events this school year, bringing scholars and expert practitioners to campus to engage students in settings large and small. This work is made possible by the generosity of our alumni and friends. Thank you to everyone who supported this important project.
If we can secure the necessary philanthropic support, we will launch the next phase of renovations in Summer 2025. This one will re-envision classroom spaces (specifically Bartholomew and Burch), repurpose the first-floor locker room into a seminar room, and reimagine some of the Law Library space.
Of course, with the onset of a new school year comes new people, programming, and other items to share.
The legal studies minor launched in August and over 100 undergraduate students have enrolled in the related courses we are offering this semester. The minor aligns neatly with the university’s larger plans for undergraduate education without disrupting the academic experience for J.D. and LL.M. students. I have enjoyed teaching many of these students myself this semester and am excited about the strong start to the minor.
Expanding on our recent efforts to model respectful debate, the Law School is kicking off a new programming series, titled “Respectfully Dissent,” that features scholars from VLS and other prominent institutions presenting two sides of notable topics. The first installment, which took place on October 17 at VLS, featured Professor Rebecca Allensworth and Missouri’s Thom Lambert discussing Google and the state of antitrust policy.
We introduced two new full-time faculty member to our ranks this summer. Sannoy Das, Assistant Professor of Law, focuses his scholarship on the intersection of international economic law, the history of economic thought, and political philosophy. Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea LLM'19, Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, directs the Immigration Practice Clinic.
Last, but not least, in faculty news: Vice Dean Lisa Bressman was recently elected a member of the American Law Institute.
I hope those of you in the Los Angeles area will join us on October 29 for the university’s Dare To Grow roadshow (details below). I also look forward to seeing many of our alumni who serve on our Board of Advisors and those of you attending Reunion Weekend on November 8-9. The class volunteers are working hard to make it a fun weekend, so I hope you’ll join us. To register and see the full list of activities, visit the Reunion website.
Sincerely,
| |
Chris Guthrie
Dean and John Wade-Kent Syverud Professor of Law
| |
Save the Date for the BLSA Banquet
The BLSA banquet for students and alumni will take place on Saturday, January 25. The reception and dinner will be held at Bass, Berry & Sims in Nashville beginning at 6:00 p.m. Be on the lookout for an invitation.
| |
|
Four Vanderbilt Law Professors Among 20 Most Cited Administrative and / or Environmental Law Faculty in the U.S.
Professors J.B. Ruhl, Lisa Bressman, Jim Rossi, and Kevin Stack made the list, which is based on the latest scholarly impact study by Gregory Sisk & colleagues at the University of St. Thomas. Vanderbilt Law had more representatives than any other Law School. Read more.
| |
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Dunn v. Blumstein
After moving to Nashville to join the faculty at Vanderbilt Law School, James Blumstein was denied the right to vote because of Tennessee’s durational residency requirements and decided to sue. Blumstein successfully argued the case himself before the Supreme Court, effectively enfranchising around 6% more potential voters. Read more.
| |
| Jackalope founder Bailey Spaulding, JD’09, partners with Vanderbilt on Conquer and Prevail Pale Ale
When Bailey Spaulding, JD’09, traded the mountains of Vermont for Vanderbilt’s academic landscape to study environmental law, her wildest dream of launching a craft brewery felt utterly distant.
Then she immersed herself in the collaborative Vanderbilt community with people who love to nurture and challenge bold ideas. Read more.
| |
Law School Reunion Weekend is November 8-9
Join us for Reunion! Classes with years ending in 4 or 9 will celebrate in Nashville.
The festivities begin on Friday, November 8, with Law School tours and a cocktail reception for all ten Reunion classes. On Saturday, November 9, there will be a continental breakfast, a presentation by Dean Chris Guthrie and other programming. Individual class parties will be held Saturday evening at locations around Nashville. Register here.
| |
Save the Date and Join Us at our Future Campaign Events!
| |
|
|
|
