On Building a Successful Career as an Academic Lawyer

Abstract

I find myself in an ironic position this afternoon. This morning I was supposed to be a commentator on the keynote address, but pretty much gave my own independent perspective on legal knowledge and lawyers’ responsibilities. This afternoon I am supposed to give my own independent perspective on building a successful career as a legal academic, yet I find myself so stimulated by Ros Croucher’s paper that I can’t resist falling into the role of being a commentator on it. You might think that this is another example of the tensions and dilemmas I spoke about this morning. I rather think it is an example of my perverse streak, which actually launched me on my academic career, when, 35 years ago, against all advice, I forsook the US and the UK and took off to India for postgraduate study. But perhaps more of that later. I say perhaps because, despite Paul Moyle’s dangerous invitation to Ros and me to reflect on our personal experiences, I don’t want to cross the line into total self-indulgence.