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View Full Version : Richard Epstein joins faculty at NYU


Keller
11-17-2008, 03:45 PM
One of the top 5 law professors today in terms of both intellectual horsepower and prestige in academia is leaving the University of Chicago Law for NYU Law.

This should have a substantial impact on NYU's reputation and the direction of the law school. One of the, if not the, most widely recognized libertarian law and economics scholars, Epstein should help recruit more top students and more alumni donations to the already top school.

http://www.law.nyu.edu/news/ECM_PRO_059743
TheEschaton
11-17-2008, 05:24 PM
And this is relevant to anyone how? None of the law students on teh PC go to either NYU or U Chicago, and I don't think anyone quite has the skill to get in anyways.
Daniel
11-17-2008, 05:29 PM
I could probably legacy into U of C, but then again I'd rather shoot myself in the face with a shot gun.
Keller
11-17-2008, 06:10 PM
And this is relevant to anyone how? None of the law students on teh PC go to either NYU or U Chicago, and I don't think anyone quite has the skill to get in anyways.

Why is it relevant that NYU picked up the most prominent libertarian law and economics scholar in the nation?

- The obvious implication is that NYU will be jumping at least one spot if not a couple up the USNWR rankings.
- The more subtle implication is that a relatively moderate to slightly liberal institution cherry-picked the a libertarian scholar from a right-leaning school. I think that says something about the rightward shift of NYU and the legal academia in general.
- Still further is the question of what this will do to UoC's reputation as a conservative institution. Will other's leave after Epstein packs his bags?
Daniel
11-17-2008, 06:13 PM
- Still further is the question of what this will do to UoC's reputation as a conservative institution. Will other's leave after Epstein packs his bags?

I doubt it will change much.

However, I haven't heard the outcome of the whole Milton Freeman center broohaha. I'll call home tonight and possibly revise this post.
TheEschaton
11-17-2008, 06:44 PM
A) NYU is already like #4.

B) I'm pretty sure NYU Law is pretty moderate-right already, unlike the rest of the University.
Keller
11-17-2008, 07:14 PM
A) NYU is already like #4.

B) I'm pretty sure NYU Law is pretty moderate-right already, unlike the rest of the University.

Re A: Which is why if they pass Stanford and possible Harvard, it's that much more notable. NYU has been cherry-picking law profs from UofC over the past few years. This is by far the most important of them.

Re B: Maybe compared to other law schools, but not compared to the legal profession.