Hello, I am Michael Conklin, a dedicated legal scholar and university professor. I specialize in business law at the College of Business Administration. My work has led to over 100 publications in academic journals.
I focus on making legal theory practical, especially in data analytics and business ethics. This work helps bridge the gap between theory and application.
I’m proud to be one of the top legal scholars on SSRN. My career includes negotiating energy exploration contracts. This mix of theory and practice enriches my work.
Outside of law, I love street photography and mountaineering. These hobbies show my interests beyond the legal field.
My legal scholarship is inspired by thinkers like Randall Kennedy. He shows how race, law, and society connect. Around 2021 or 2022, we saw a shift away from “peak wokeness.”
Now, scholars like me must adapt to a changing landscape. This shift affects both popular media and academic research.
Background and Education of Michael Conklin
My background and education have greatly shaped my legal career. Growing up, I was surrounded by diverse cultural influences. These experiences sparked my curiosity and passion for law.
Early Life and Influences
My early years were filled with various influences. Family, community, and social interactions taught me important values. These values include integrity, justice, and the significance of education.
My interest in law began with family discussions. They shared their views on social issues and ethics. This sparked my desire to pursue a career in law.
Academic Qualifications
I completed graduate programs that enhanced my education. I studied business ethics, data analytics, philosophy, and international business law. This broadened my knowledge and honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Influential Mentors
I had several mentors during my studies. They played a crucial role in my growth. Their guidance and insights helped shape my approach to research and teaching.
These mentors emphasized the need for rigorous scholarship and ethical practice. Their teachings continue to inspire me. They greatly influence my work and interactions with students.
Professional Journey in Law
My journey in law has been filled with different experiences. These experiences have shown my practical skills and academic goals. I started by working directly in legal practice, focusing on energy exploration contracts. This helped me understand the legal world and improve my dispute resolution skills.
Career Beginnings
After graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2003, I worked in various areas of dispute resolution. I was a law clerk at the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office. This role helped me advocate for marginalized communities.
I filed the first Racial Justice Act motion in the county. This showed my commitment to justice reform.
Notable Positions Held
I’ve held many positions that deepened my legal knowledge. Becoming a misdemeanor attorney allowed me to focus on access to justice and pretrial detention. Each role has enriched my understanding of the legal system and the ethical challenges it presents.
Shift to Academia
In 2015, I moved to academia. Now, I teach at a university, educating future legal scholars and practitioners. This role lets me share my knowledge and guide students in their legal careers.
Films about the legal profession, like those in this list, spark discussions on ethics and the law’s role in society. These conversations shape the academic environment I create.
Research Interests and Contributions
My research covers important areas in law, like anti-discrimination laws and how technology affects legal systems. I also focus on making legal education fair for everyone. These areas of specialization guide my work on today’s legal issues and drive my research.
Areas of Specialization
I’ve looked into big topics such as:
- Anti-discrimination laws and their effects
- How technology changes legal work
- Ensuring legal education is fair for all
Key Publications and Papers
My key publications include “The Case Against Race-Based Quotas in Pharmaceutical Trials” and “Is AI Friend or Foe: Legal Implications of Rapid Artificial Intelligence Adoption.” These works show my effort to tackle big social issues in law. They help start important discussions and show my commitment to making law more accessible.
Collaborative Projects
I work on projects with others to deepen my research. Teamwork lets us tackle tough legal problems together. This teamwork shows my research interests in finding solutions to today’s legal challenges. For more on my work and goals, check out my profile here.
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
I believe in making classrooms interactive and welcoming for everyone. My goal is to empower students to think for themselves, make connections, and see different viewpoints. This belief drives my use of student engagement methods to improve learning.
Student Engagement Techniques
To keep students engaged, I use various strategies. These include:
- Collaborative learning that encourages students to share and work together.
- Real-world case studies that link theory to real-life situations.
- Activities that spark critical thinking and class discussions.
I aim to build a classroom where everyone’s voice is heard. Using platforms like Rate My Professor helps me see how well these methods work. This feedback helps me improve my teaching.
Use of Technology in the Classroom
Using education technology is key in today’s classrooms. I use tools like data analytics to track student progress and online resources for learning. This approach supports personalized learning and helps students grasp complex legal ideas.
By linking specific activities to broader goals, I aim for a well-rounded learning experience. This approach values diversity and lets students create their own understanding.
| Engagement Technique | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Collaborative Learning | Students work together on projects. | Encourage teamwork and communication. |
| Real-World Case Studies | Application of theory to practical scenarios. | Enhance understanding of legal principles. |
| Problem-Solving Activities | Challenges that require critical thinking. | Stimulate higher-order thinking skills. |
By combining engagement techniques with technology, I ensure students are active learners. They’re not just passive receivers of information.
Impact on Legal Education
I work hard to make legal education better by tackling today’s challenges. The law keeps changing, so we need to teach students for their future jobs. I create courses that are not just approved but also give students the skills they need to succeed.
Curriculum Development Contributions
I help make our curriculum better by keeping it up-to-date with the legal world. We add topics like technology, ethics, and social justice to our studies. I work with my team to update courses based on what students and the industry say.
Mentoring Future Legal Scholars
Mentoring is a big part of what I do. I guide students through research and deep dives into legal theory. I want students to feel supported and confident, so they can follow their interests in law.
Key Legal Cases and Commentaries
My work with legal cases has really helped me understand law better. Each case brings its own set of challenges and insights. I love discussing legal issues that affect us all, sharing my knowledge to help.
Involvement in Significant Cases
I’ve worked on many legal cases that touch on big social issues. One case looked into attractiveness discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This kind of discrimination is just as common as racism, affecting jobs and promotions for many.
Working on these cases has helped me teach and research better. It connects theory with real life.
Contributions to Legal Commentary
In my writings, I tackle big legal topics like tech’s impact on law and hate crime laws. I explore how these topics meet legal standards and what society expects. My goal is to show the need for stronger laws against discrimination.
My recent article highlights the harm of attractiveness discrimination. It’s key to understand Title VII broadly to fight against appearance obsession that harms people’s rights.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Issue | Attractiveness Discrimination |
| Comparison | As prevalent as ethnicity-based discrimination |
| Impact | Affects hiring and promotion decisions |
| Legal Framework | Title VII of the Civil Rights Act |
| Call to Action | Expansive interpretation for federal protection |
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to get many awards and recognitions. These show my hard work in legal scholarship and service. They highlight my commitment to excellence and making a difference in law and education.
Notable Academic Awards
In 2023, my work was celebrated with 889 colleagues marking career milestones. The university honored many for 20 years of service. Special awards were given for 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 years of service.
| Years of Service | Number of Recipients |
|---|---|
| 40 Years | 7 |
| 35 Years | 22 |
| 30 Years | 50 |
| 25 Years | Numerous |
| 20 Years | Numerous |
These awards celebrate our community’s achievements and our ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Professional Achievements
I’ve made significant contributions to law enforcement and been part of prestigious organizations. I’ve received the General Colin L. Powell Interagency Award and the U.S. Army Achievement Medal. These honors are for my exceptional service in challenging situations.
My work has also led to major convictions, thanks to the efforts of five agents. My leadership aims to foster a culture of teamwork and success. This approach is valued in the professional community.
Community Involvement and Advocacy
Being a legal scholar means more than just studying law. It’s about getting involved in the community and advocating for change. Through legal clinics, I offer pro bono work to help those who can’t afford legal help. This work lets me apply what I’ve learned to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Legal Clinics and Pro Bono Work
Working in legal clinics shows how crucial community involvement is in law. These clinics let me learn by doing and help those who can’t get legal help otherwise. The challenges faced by clients show us the need for ongoing pro bono work to fix the justice system’s flaws. This work not only helps individuals but also teaches future lawyers about fairness in law.
Advocacy for Legal Reforms
I work to push for important legal changes that help marginalized groups. I think change comes from working together with lawyers, community members, and lawmakers. By talking and working together, we can fix the legal system’s problems and make sure everyone has access to justice. I support places like the University of Washington School of Law, which values diversity and fairness in legal education.
Professional Organizations and Memberships
I’m part of several professional groups. These groups are key for working together and sharing ideas. They help me grow professionally and keep up with the latest in legal education.
Affiliations with Legal Societies
Being a member of legal societies has broadened my view of the law. It lets me meet others who want to improve the field. We talk about new ways to practice law at workshops and conferences.
Leadership Roles Within Organizations
Leading in these groups has given me a chance to shape legal discussions. I push for new ideas in teaching law and help guide the profession’s future. Plus, it connects me with leaders in the field.
| Year | Professional Organization | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | American Bar Association | Board Member |
| 2018 | National Association of Law Professors | President |
| 2016 | American Society of Comparative Law | Committee Chair |
Future Directions in Research
The world of legal scholarship is always changing. New trends help us see how laws adjust to society’s new challenges. My research will look at big changes in the legal field, especially how law and technology work together.
Emerging Trends in Legal Scholarship
There’s a big push to use artificial intelligence in law. Lawyers are seeing the need to keep up with tech. This makes us wonder how law and society’s trends and tech interact. I want to find out how these changes affect old legal ways and if they still matter.
Anticipated Areas of Exploration
There are key areas that need more study. These include:
- Looking at how AI changes legal decisions
- Seeing how changing values affect law
- Understanding the role of different fields in law studies
- Finding the best ways to teach new tech in law school
- Looking at the ethics of using tech in law
By joining workshops and talks in my field, like the recent symposium, I hope to add to legal scholarship. I want to use these trends to guide my research and make legal education more relevant. For more on different areas of law, check out this resource.
Conclusion: Legacy and Influence
Looking back, I see the big impact I’ve made in legal studies. I’ve mixed theory and practice in teaching law. This has helped many students and lawyers see law in a fairer way. Every class and article I’ve written has helped build a culture of inquiry and action in law.
Lasting Impact on Law and Education
I dream of inspiring future legal scholars with my work. I want to make sure law is fair and accessible to all. My goal is to steer the legal world in the right direction. I aim to give a voice to those who are often overlooked, just like Islamic law does.
Vision for Future Generations
I’m dedicated to making a mark on future scholars. I want to use new ways of teaching and researching to leave a strong legacy. My hope is that this legacy will lead to a more just and inclusive legal system. Together, we can make the legal world better for all.