Law Quick Links
Home/ The Advocate /
faculty and staff news Fall-2017
/ Bernie Vail: 45 Years of Service

Bernie Vail: 45 Years of Service

Professor of Law
Bernie Vail
Bernie Vail

Professor of Law

Path to Lewis & Clark

I was happily teaching at the University of Georgia when I got a phone call from a friend (Jerry Hughey) who was teaching at L&C, telling me that the law school was expanding and asking me if I wanted to come out and interview. I was reluctant to take the trip since I was quite happy at UGA, but he twisted my arm a little and I gave in. Best thing I have ever done!

Favorite Courses to Teach

First-year Property Law and Wills and Trusts.

Most Memorable Moment

Going to the international round with the Jessup Moot Court team.

If You Hadn’t Become a Professor

I would probably be a practicing attorney.

Biggest Change in Legal Education During Your Tenure

There has been a gradual shift to a very liberal attitude in legal education.

Favorite Place on Campus

My office.

What You’ll Miss

The students.

What Makes You Proudest

Helping students get through the bar exam.

What’s Next

Plenty of time for my woodworking and hunting.

Fun Fact

I am a dyed-in-the-wool conservative who is a confirmed gun nut and loves to hunt. I also started roller-skating competitively in my mid-40s and am happy to tell anyone how I got started if they’re curious!

email 

voice 503-768-6605 

Advocate Magazine is published for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Lewis & Clark Law School.

We welcome correspondence from readers. Please be sure to include your name and location. Submissions are subject to editing.

Judy Asbury, Assistant Dean, Communications and External Relations

  • Advocate Magazine
    Lewis & Clark Law School
    10101 S. Terwilliger Boulevard MSC
    Portland OR 97219

More Stories

Dean Alicia Ouellette chats with law students.

From the Dean

Speaking with students is one of my favorite parts of being dean. At Lewis & Clark Law School, I’ve discovered a rare and powerful combination: students who pair fierce dedication to their mission with deep collaboration and a genuine commitment to each other’s success.

A Decade of Dedication:

Professor Lydia Pallas Loren’s Work on the Landmark Restatement of Copyright.

Legal Expertise Supports Migratory Species

Professors Chris Wold and Erica Lyman facilitated a workshop with CMS Parties to discuss the legal contours of some of the treaty’s most important provisions.

Beyond the Bar

Most graduates of law school go on to practice law, working in law firms or providing legal counsel to organizations and businesses. Yet, for some, the lessons of law apply more broadly, and the outcome of their law school education has been a surprising and successful career outside of law. Here are just a few of our alums who followed an alternative route.