Jae Barrick

What is the most significant issue facing your field and how should it be addressed?

The most significant issue I am facing as a practicing attorney and adjunct professor is the same as everyone else, the need for virtual meetings, hearings, classes, and mediations. The environment created by the pandemic has almost eliminated in person, face-to-face interactions with students, clients and even with the court. My initial fear that I would lose contact with my clients and students has been replace with a renewed confidence in our students and the community in general. Without the need for commuting between home and two offices, I have found that I actually have more time to “meet” with individual students, and clients. I believe that in the not-too-distant future the pandemic restrictions will be lifted, and life will be able to return to “normal”. I hope that we, as a law school and legal community, can recognize some of the benefits of virtual interactions and take those with us into the future.  

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

I am most inspired by the first-class scholarly work of the full-time faculty at Boyd. Being an adjunct professor at Boyd has given me the opportunity to continue to learn from some of the best and brightest in a variety of legal subjects that I would not have in any other position. I am inspired by and continue to learn from my colleagues.
I am most motivated by the students. Each student brings a unique story, background, and dream to Boyd. I am motivated to teach, encourage, and coach students to make the most of their time at the law school and to provide mentorship as they transition into various careers in the legal community. I am constantly rewarded by seeing prior students who have gone on to succeed in their chosen careers.