Thom Main

What's the most important thing you are working on right now?

My Civil Procedure Podcast is important (to me) because I’m trying to find more ways to help students learn civil procedure. The audio podcast is available at civilprocedure.com and on all podcast platforms. It’s mostly just a set of tutorial lectures at this point, but I’m developing a broader a range of content to enrich the study of various topics, doctrines, and cases. The intended audience is first-year law students, but I’m also intrigued by the prospect of providing something of value to bar examinees, young lawyers, and even—dare I dream—pro se litigants.

What is it about being a law school professor that inspires or motivates you?

I enjoy being part of this community. First, I recently co-authored articles with Professors Stempel and McClure. That close interaction reminded that my faculty colleagues are not only smart and curious intellectuals, but also kind and generous people. Second, teaching online brought me “into” students’ homes; seeing their kitchens and wall art and children has reminded me just how unique every student is. It is a privilege for me to be a part of these students’ professional training. And third, my deep appreciation for the administration and staff knows no bounds. Their ability to navigate with aplomb and good cheer the challenges posed by the pandemic—for 17 months and counting—is extraordinary. With faculty, staff, and student colleagues like these, I want to keep up.