Ward Farnsworth
Boston University School of Law
Professor Farnsworth graduated in 1994 from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was Hinton Moot Court champion, twice took first prize in the Kalven rotisserie baseball league, and was a member of the law review. He then worked as a law clerk for Richard A. Posner, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and for Anthony M. Kennedy, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In 1996, Professor Farnsworth served as a legal adviser to the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal in The Hague. He joined the Boston University School of Law faculty in 1997, where he currently teaches Civil Procedure and Tort Law. Professor Farnsworth won the Ronald A. Cass Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching (2004) and the Michael Melton Prize for Excellence in Teaching (2005).
Ward Farnsworth On Law Preview . . .
Why do you teach for Law Preview?
I think teaching law is thrilling. Michael Jordan used to have a 'love of the game' clause in his basketball contracts that allowed him to play anywhere, anytime during the off-season. I'm lucky enough to have a job that I like about as well as he liked his (whether I do it as well is another question!), so I take a similar liberty: I teach during the summers.
Why is Law Preview better than other modes of preparing for law school?
The greatest value of Law Preview, in my view, is that it gives the student a sense of familiarity with the entire first year of law school, which makes the actual experience of the first year less anxious -- and so leaves room for it to be more interesting and enjoyable.
Ward Farnsworth On Law School . . .
What is the most important skill law students lack when they begin law school that Law Preview teaches?
I'm really not in a position to answer this, because I don't do much teaching of skills in the program.
What are your favorite study aids for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Explanations & Examples Series: Civil Procedure. by Joseph Glannon and Hornbook Series: Prosser and Keeton on Torts. I also have written a forthcoming book -- due out in the spring of '07 -- meant to help law students understand the intellectual themes that run through all of their courses. When it's available, I will recommend it!
What is your favorite fiction/non-fiction book for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
A Civil Action. A majority of the issues discussed in a civil procedure course are illustrated at one point or another in that book.
What is your favorite casebook for the subject-matter you teach at Law Preview?
Farnsworth and Grady, Torts: Cases And Questions. I use my own materials to teach Civil Procedure.
What's your favorite thing about teaching the law?
Helping students to learn that thinking about legal questions is a fun thing to do, not a chore.
Ward Farnsworth On Life . . .
What organization are you most proud to have been a part of in law school?
The moot court. Thinking on your feet is fun.
If you weren't teaching at your school, what would your "other dream job" be?
General Manager of the Boston Red Sox.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
"Act well your part, there all the honour lies." -Pope
