From the Dean

photography by denmarsh

Each issue of Pitt Law Magazine is filled with stories of the many, diverse ways Pitt Law faculty, students and your fellow alums are making a difference. This third issue of the Magazine is no exception, as it focuses on members of the Pitt Law community who are effecting change and changing lives in virtually every corner of the world.

From faculty involvement in law reform efforts, to student internships in government agencies, law firms, and NGO’s from Peru to Prishtina, to LL.M. graduates playing important roles in the governments of developing democracies—international law at Pitt is characterized by cross-cultural learning and engagement. In our increasingly “flat” world, the implications of globalization arise and are addressed in courses ranging from civil procedure to intellectual property, and a third of our faculty address international or comparative law issues in their scholarship or service activities. The emphasis on advancing the rule of law around the world and a commitment to preparing our students to practice in a global economy should come as no surprise given the University’s increasing recognition worldwide as a leader in education. (Pitt was ranked 37th on a recent listing of the world’s leading universities.)

But a growing emphasis on international education is not the only way that legal education is changing these days, as you will see from other features in this issue. Professor Tom Ross’ provocative article argues that law schools can and should do more to prepare their students to face ethical and legal challenges in practice. And Professor David Herring’s innovative work applying behavioral biology research toward improved placement of children in foster care, a collaborative effort with researchers in Pitt’s School of Social Work, embodies a new understanding of the role legal scholars can play in collaborative research.

Just as Pitt Law faculty are making a difference, so, too, are so many of your fellow alums—from the litigator turned sports licensing and sponsorship consultant Andy O’Hara to Scott Bullock who argued the landmark Kelo v. New London case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

A central goal of Pitt Law Magazine is to renew your connection to the School by increasing your awareness of the activities of faculty, students and your fellow alums. We know that alums feel connected when we receive letters and e-mails with your feedback and comments or see you participating in Law School events and programs. Financial support is another measure of connectedness, and financial support from alumni is critical to the School’s efforts to increase its recognition as a leader in legal education. For the first time this Spring, law firms took part in the inaugural Pitt Law Challenge—a friendly competition among graduates to help increase the level of alumni giving to Pitt Law. I want to personally thank each firm that participated in making this pilot project a success.

So, sit back and enjoy this issue of Pitt Law Magazine as we show how so many of you, and the faculty who have taught you, are truly making a difference in the world. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Magazine as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.