Jeremy Paul
University of Connecticut School of Law
Jeremy Paul, the co-author of the popular book Getting To Maybe: How To Excel On Law School Exams, is a Professor of Law and the Dean at The University of Connecticut in Hartford. At the University of Connecticut he teaches Constitutional Law, Property, and Jurisprudence. A 1978 graduate of Princeton University, Professor Paul received his law degree from Harvard in 1981. Professor Paul has served as a law clerk to Judge Irving R. Kaufman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; as Professor-in-Residence at the Appellate Staff of the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice; and as Assistant to the President of TravelersGroup.
Jeremy Paul On Law Preview . . .
Why do you teach for Law Preview?
I have long been concerned that law school grading relies too much on people's preparation after only one semester of school. This means that the head start inevitably afforded to students who arrive more familiar with law school (such as those whose parents are lawyers) counts way too much. I enjoy teaching in Law Preview because I feel that summer programs can help reduce some of that head start and create a more level playing field. I don't believe that a summer program is any sort of substitute for strong undergraduate training or a love of reading, but I do think that letting everyone know what will be expected in law school helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Why is Law Preview better than other modes of preparing for law school?
Present respondent excluded, Law Preview has gathered an absolutely top notch faculty and this is by far the most important thing for a strong summer program.
Jeremy Paul On Law School . . .
What is the most important skill law students lack when they begin law school that Law Preview teaches?
The most important thing that law preview offers is a chance for students to become familiar with the much larger than expected amount of ambiguity in the law. It's such a privilege to have a chance to get acquainted with the idea that no one has all the right answers in a setting in which not getting the right answer won't cost you on a final exam.
What are your favorite study aids for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
I recommend Joe Singer's Introduction To Law Series: Property and, for a more traditional commercial outline, I suggest Gilbert Law Summaries: Property by James Krier.
What is your favorite fiction/non-fiction book for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
MiddleMarch by George Eliot.
What is your favorite casebook for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Property Law: Rules, Policies And Practices by Joseph Singer.
Jeremy Paul On Life . . .
What is your greatest accomplishment, professional or personal?
Co-authoring Getting To Maybe: How To Excel On Law School Exams with Michael Fischl.
What person in the legal profession do you most admire?
Barack Obama.
What are your 3 favorite movies?
The Godfather, Avalon and Bull Durham.
What are your 3 favorite musicians/bands?
Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Steely Dan and The Beatles
