Joe Regalia
Boyd has rolled out virtual instruction for students to help weather the COVID-19 crisis, and your research and work focuses heavily on technology. What are your thoughts about this transition for the law school?
The story of how our faculty, administration, and students have responded to this crisis is nothing short of incredible. It’s a story of solidarity and support--and a story that has touched me deeply.
Amid the whirlwind of change we are all facing, I’ve watched our professors and administration move forward with fierce resolve. Everyone has been working around the clock to figure out how to deliver the same world-class legal education that Boyd is known for.
During every meeting, every informal discussion—all folks have talked about is how we can ensure our students are supported and safe and getting the same caliber of education that they did in prior semesters. It’s been humbling. I know my colleagues are facing real hardship themselves. But all I hear them talk about is our students.
And the support has been flowing in both directions. I’ve seen countless examples of our students coming together to support each other (and their professors).
The result is that we have transformed Boyd into a top-notch virtual law school in a matter of weeks. I’ve had the pleasure to sit in on several classes, and folks seem more engaged than ever. I’ve even seen students and faculty using this situation as a chance to think hard about the role lawyers can play during tragedies like this.
We are facing a terrible crisis. But the support and dedication in our community is making things better. This experience has reminded me once again that Boyd truly is a special place. There is nowhere else I’d rather be weathering this storm.
How has your work with legal tech been helpful during this crisis?
I have so much fun working with our students to explore how innovating the practice and embracing new tools like technology can open doors we never imagined. For example: my two classes of Legal Practice students have been working in teams this semester to design an automated motion app for pro se litigants in our community.
Each team has been designing and building an app that will automate a filing for pro se folks. One team is building an app that will prepare a name-change petition for people who need a new name but can’t afford to hire someone to file the paperwork. Other teams are working to automate simple motions used in small claims court. It’s pretty awe inspiring to see law students creating tools that can make a real difference. And some of our student-made tools will be showcased by a legal tech group later this year, which is a great way for students to get exposure into this field and network.
As another example of how technology and innovation is proving itself: We were able to put together a simple app to support faculty in transitioning to virtual teaching. You can check it out here. The feedback was so positive, we shared the app with faculty at law schools across the nation. My inbox has been flooded with emails either thanking us for the support or offering suggestions for new things to include.
With our whole society converting to virtual work, it’s been great to see students and faculty getting excited about legal technology and its possibilities. The excitement around how technology and innovation can help us do more, for more people, is a silver lining in all this. And we need all the silver linings we can get right now.