The Dangers of the Ivory Tower: The Obligation of Law Professors to Engange in the Practice of Law

Abstract

This Article considers whether law professors have a professional obligation to keep current with the practice of law by actually engaging in such practice on some limited or occasional basis.

The Author proposes that, at a minimum, law professors should be encouraged, if not required, to stay connected to the world of practice. Law professors could spend a sabbatical in practice, engage in some outside work while teaching, or simply observe, study, or communicate regularly with those who are actively engaged in the practice of law. If seen as a form of class preparation or as an nspiration for scholarship, such time will be well-spent and should enrich both teaching and scholarship.

Keywords: law professors. practice of law, law practice, legal educations, legal education