Northern Illinois University College of Law recently hosted its second annual Chicagoland Junior Faculty Scholars Works-in-Progress Conference on September 27th at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
The conference allowed junior faculty an opportunity to present their works-in-progress and get detailed feedback on their articles from both senior and other junior faculty. It was also an opportunity to network and connect with other faculty across a variety of disciplines.
“We were thrilled to be able to host the junior scholars conference again this year,” said Assistant Professor Sarah Fox, one of the conference organizers. “Last year’s conference showed us the tremendous potential for bringing junior and senior scholars from the Chicagoland area – and well beyond – together in a collegial environment. This year offered another exciting day of scholarship and building connections,” she added.
Twenty-two junior scholars presented papers with twenty senior scholars from nine different law schools across the country serving as commenters. Senior reviewers came from NIU, Chicago-Kent, DePaul, Idaho, UIC John Marshall, Washington and Lee, Kentucky, Loyola and Northwestern. Junior faculty presenters came from NIU, Louisiana State, Marquette, Loyola, Michigan State, Ohio Northern, Quinnipiac University, St. Mary’s UIC John Marshall, Washington and Lee, Akron, Dayton, Houston, University of Illinois, Iowa and Notre Dame. Altogether, twenty-five different law schools were represented at the conference.
Interim Dean Laurel Rigertas also attended the program to support the efforts of the NIU Law junior faculty members who planned and organized the conference. “I’m very proud of the initiative and leadership of our junior faculty who have put this conference together for the last two years,” said Interim Dean Laurel Rigertas. “It is a wonderful opportunity for an intellectual exchange among rising scholars from many law schools.”
