Nancy B. Rapoport
What's the most important thing you are working on right now?
I’ve been working with a colleague, Joe Tiano (founder of Legal Decoder), on data analytics and how we can use the power of data to review legal fees. We’ve written several articles together so far, and we’ll continue to write together.
What is the most significant issue facing your field and how should it be addressed?
We need to solve the problem of how better to value attorneys’ work. The billable hour is easy to apply but difficult to link to any benefit to the client.
Which of your recent books or articles should I read?
Well, to get started on data analytics, try this one.
When you are working on an article or a book, what's your favorite part of the process? What do you do during the process that others might find odd?
I love the research part, of course, and putting the pieces together in a new way. I read and read and read until nothing new comes up, and then I start to write.
How does your research and scholarship influence your teaching and service and vice versa?
I spend a lot of time thinking about organizational behavior—what incentives trigger certain behavior—and I try to apply what I’ve learned to create positive incentives for learning in class.
How do you approach teaching your favorite topics? Your least favorite?
I don’t have a least favorite! For 1Ls, I try to help them build confidence in their skills, and for upper-level students, I want them to take on more of the work (active learning) to help them transition to practice.
What have you read, listened to, or watched recently that has influenced you or your work?
I actually think that books on leadership are really valuable for lawyers and law students. Each of our students will become a leader of people, and getting an understanding of what separates good leaders from bad is important.
When students ask you what they should read outside the required textbooks and other law-related books, what do you suggest?
They should read books written by great writers, period. We become better writers by absorbing the work of truly great writers.
What is it about being a law school professor that inspires or motivates you?
In addition to being allowed to work on anything that I find important? I love our students—they’re so bright, and they’re collaborative, too.