Volume 43, No. 1 – Spring 2021
Features
Court Packing: Should the Supreme Court be reformed?
Long after the Trump administration moves from headlines into the pages of history books, President Donald Trump’s impact on the nation will remain firmly entrenched in the US Supreme Court.
21 Reasons for Optimism in 2021
Despite the many challenges facing our country and world — a pandemic, racial injustice, economic woes, to name a few — members of the UW Law community have reason for hope, too.
House Divided: The State of the Union
After a year of crisis, conflict, and change, four professors reflect on what the 2020 election tells us about the state of the Union, and what comes next.
Cancel Culture and the Future of Free Speech
When is “cancel culture” warranted and when does it go too far? How do we preserve the United States’ tradition of free speech and community-enforced speech norms without giving individuals and private companies too much control?
Departments
Dean’s View
Dean’s View: Daniel P. Tokaji
Dear Friends, As I sit down to write my first column for the Gargoyle alumni magazine, I’m just over a half year into my tenure as dean of this great law school.…
News & Notes
News & Notes: In Brief
UW Law Library Received Grant to Improve Access to Tribal Laws The UW Law Library received an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant for its Digital Publication of Tribal Laws Pilot…
LIFT Dane Launches Free App to Help Wisconsin Residents Resolve Civil Legal Issues
How can Wisconsin’s unemployed and underemployed residents get legal support on civil matters that might make it harder to find and keep a job? Thanks to an innovative partnership known as LIFT…
Recent Retirees
A number of cherished UW Law School faculty and staff have recently retired. UW Law School bids farewell to these individuals who have given so much to the Law School community.
UW Law School Announces the John and Rylla Bosshard Professorship
A new endowed professorship at the University of Wisconsin Law School will honor the memory of an alumnus and his wife, while supporting faculty work.
The Coyotes of Carthage Rakes in the Accolades
It’s safe to say that Professor Steven Wright’s debut novel, The Coyotes of Carthage, is a hit.
A New Book Highlights Contracts Scholar Stewart Macaulay’s Enduring Influence
A new book showcases the work of Stewart Macaulay, the University of Wisconsin Law School professor known for pioneering the “law-in-action” approach to contracts.
Improving Virtual Learning and Building the Classroom Community
As a co-chair of the Law School’s Excellence in Alternative Delivery Working Group, lecturer Megan McDermott dove into the world of virtual learning, building guidelines and toolkits for remote instruction.
Alumni News
Alumni News: In Brief
John Miller ’06 Appointed to UW Board of Regents, Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw (LLM ’85) launched “Under the Blacklight,” UW Law Graduates Among Wisconsin Women of the Century
Thomas Mitchell (LLM ’99) Named 2020 MacArthur Fellow
Thomas Mitchell, a property law scholar, was named a 2020 MacArthur Fellow for his work in reforming laws and developing policy solutions that help Black and other disadvantaged families deprived of land,…
Vel Phillips Statue Would Honor a Lifetime of Firsts
As the first woman and first African American to ascend to major political posts in Wisconsin, Vel Phillips’ career was full of firsts.
Shalanda Baker (LLM ’12) Named Deputy Director for Energy Justice by Biden Administration
Shalanda Baker, a professor of law, public policy, and urban affairs, has joined President Biden’s administration as deputy director for energy justice at the Department of Energy.
Class Notes
Class Notes, Spring 2021 Issue
Recent updates about UW Law School Alumni, where they are in their career and what recent news they have to share.
In Memoriam
In Memoriam – Volume 43.1
We remember and honor faculty and staff who have served the UW Law School community and UW Law School alumni who are no longer with us.
Last Word
The Last Word: Shabnam Lotfi ’11
Shabnam Lotfi, the founder of Lotfi Legal, specializes in immigration law.
In Focus
In Focus: Campus During the Pandemic
Things look a little different this year. During the fall and spring semesters, many classes were held virtually, and those held in person required a number of safety measures.
In Focus: Connecting to the Land through Indigenous Lens
Instructor Daniel Cornelius ’09 co-taught “Land Education,” part of a first-year interest group that connects students with the land through an Indigenous lens.