What’s your favorite thing about UVA Law?
Hands down, the people.
What were you like as a law student?
I was nervous my first semester, thinking, “Am I even doing this right?” and then I remember having a great time. I studied, got involved with student orgs, and hung out with Micah and my friends. Pretty typical UVA Law—very substantive and very fun.
I remember you studied English at Oxford—what are three non-legal books you’d recommend to law students?
People treat classics with a reverence that implies they must be unenjoyable, but don’t be fooled. Give one of these a try: Moby Dick—My favorite novel. Workplace drama, complete with crazed boss and cantankerous employees, that happens to be on a ship. Middlemarch—It is about how people become who they are. Instead of a last book, catch a play at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton. It is the world’s only replica of Shakespeare’s indoor theater.
What was your favorite class while a law student, and what was your favorite class to teach?
I loved all my classes, but Tort Theory changed my life. It was taught by Ken Abraham and Vince Blasi. Students included Professors Schwartzman and Barzun, and Judge Dan Bress, among other superstars. I can’t choose one class that is my favorite to teach; they are all my favorites.
What are you most excited about in your new role as Dean?
I love this place, so the thought of helping steward it into the future is what makes me the happiest.
Favorite spot in Charlottesville?
I like to be outside where I can see water or hills. Charlottesville and Virginia are good for that. In terms of everyday places, I like to be at the city parks and pools with my kids, who are all on the city swim team (Go Swordfish).
Favorite food and favorite dessert (they of course can be the same!)?
Too many to count, but here are some grab-and-go Cville favorites:
• The Birdwood sandwich at Bellair Market
• Spicy Senegalese peanut tofu soup at Revolutionary Soup
• Chicken cheddar fig sandwich at Feast
• Currant scones, challah, and princess cake at Albemarle Baking Company
Do you have any pets? If so, what animals are they/what are their names?
My daughter just got a hamster. While she’s working on a name, we are calling him Little Dude.
Trivia category you’d be surprisingly good at?
Popular Music, c. 1955-2005.
Anything you’d like UVA Law students to know about you that they likely don’t already know?
These answers notwithstanding, I generally don’t talk about myself much! I’d rather focus on you and the professionals you are becoming. This institution is special because of the effort you make to treat each other humanely, even in stressful times. Thank you for that. It’s one of the reasons I would rather be here than anyplace else in the world.
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Interviewed by Noah Coco '26