Joan Schaffner
George Washington University Law School
Professor Schaffner teaches at George Washington University Law School. She received her M.S. from M.I.T. and her B.S. and J.D. from USC Law School. Prior to joining GWU’s faculty, Professor Schaffner practiced law as an Associate in the Los Angeles firm of Irell & Manella and served as law clerk to Judge Mariana R. Pfaelzer of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She currently teaches Civil Procedure, Sexuality and the Law, and Remedies and writes in these fields as well. She serves as faculty advisor to Lambda Law and is the Editor-in-Chief of the American Intellectual Property Law Association Quarterly Journal.
Joan Schaffner On Law Preview . . .
Why do you teach for Law Preview?
I love to work with young people who are still excited about the prospect of learning the law. It is rewarding for me to know that I have helped people do well and feel more confident in their first year as law students.
Why is Law Preview better than other modes of preparing for law school?
Students have the opportunity (1) to hear personally from experts in the field rather than merely read about what law school expectations are; (2) get a bit of a dry run, the opportunity to attend live law school classes, and participate in the "Socratic" dialogue; (3) practice the basic skills so fundamental to a successful law school career while getting live feedback and (4) meet and share experiences with other students in the same boat!
Joan Schaffner On Law School . . .
What is the most important skill law students lack when they begin law school that Law Preview teaches?
Analyzing and briefing cases.
What are your favorite study aids for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Examples & Explanations Series: Civil Procedure by Joseph Glannon
What is your favorite fiction/non-fiction book for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
The Buffalo Creek Disaster by Gerald Stern.
What is your favorite casebook for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Freer and Perdue's, Civil Procedure: Cases, Materials, and Questions.
What's your favorite thing about teaching the law?
I love the interaction with students both in an out of the classroom. The first semester, first year is the most fun and rewarding time to introduce students to what the law is and how it can be used to make the world a more hospitable place. I also get involved with student organizations that focus on issues that are important to me -- most importantly the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and Lambda!
Joan Schaffner On Life . . .
What is your greatest accomplishment, professional or personal?
Co-creating and directing the Animal Welfare Project at GW Law School and (partly as a result) fostering and then adopting eleven beautiful kittens (now cats) who have brought such great joy and love to my life!
If you weren't teaching at your school, what would your "other dream job" be?
Professional drummer.
What are your 3 favorite musicians/bands?
Melissa Etheridge, Beatles, Chicago (I guess I am giving my age away!)
How do you relax?
I exercise. I love jogging, the cross-trainer, and weights.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
Mahatma Ghandi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
