Frederic Neustadt
Fordham University School of Law
Professor Neustadt is the Assistant Director of Legal Writing at Fordham University School of Law. He has been teaching Legal Writing since 1986, and has lectured on writing at numerous law firms around New York City. Prior to teaching, he was a member of the firm of Anderson Russell Kill and Olick, PC. Always a perennial favorite with the students at Fordham, Professor Neustadt has also appeared as an actor in the films Analyze This and Analyze That, Far From Heaven, Hollywood Ending, and several episodes of Law and Order.
Frederic Neustadt On Law Preview . . .
Why do you teach for Law Preview?
I enjoy the chance to work with students right before the start of their law school career, to answer questions at the beginning of the "journey."
Why is Law Preview better than other modes of preparing for law school?
It gives a good overview of the overall 1st-year experience; it de-mystifies what law school is, and offers a good strategies for handling the process.
Frederic Neustadt On Law School . . .
What is the most important skill law students lack when they begin law school that Law Preview teaches?
From my personal point-of-view, writing skills - but that's not unique to law students. Otherwise, I think most students don't yet have a disciplined approach for handling a large volume of work in different subjects - the sheer volume of work that first year involves.
What are your favorite study aids for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Not applicable.
What is your favorite fiction/non-fiction book for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Not really applicable - but Strunk & White's Elemnts Of Style, and George Orwell essays (Politics of the English language).
What is your favorite casebook for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
The BlueBook: A Uniform System Of Citation (just joking).
What's your favorite thing about teaching the law?
Interaction with students - working with them on writing/problem-solving.
Frederic Neustadt On Life . . .
If you weren't teaching at your school, what would your "other dream job" be?
Obviously - acting.
What are your 3 favorite movies?
My Favorite Year, Local Hero and The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby (BBC TV version).
What are your 3 favorite songs/tracks on your iPod?
Sultans of Swing (live), The Song of Bernadette, Anything by Joni Mitchell, and The Beatles or Mark Knopfler.
What are the best/worst things about your job?
Best - Working with students. Worst - Admininistrative duties.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
From my mother - don't let anyone force you to do anything you don't want to do and quit your job if you're not happy.
What are you most afraid of?
That these answers will be read by a responsible person.
