2007 Virginia OFA Recipient

Professor A. Benjamin Spencer, who has served as an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law since 2004, is the 2007 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award “Rising Star” designee. In a relatively brief period of time, Professor Spencer has already built an impressive scholarly record by publishing in some of the most prestigious national law reviews and has developed a reputation among students as an excellent classroom teacher. Additionally, Professor Spencer has authored two books in the area of civil procedure and operates two legal Web logs or “blogs” that are relied upon by academics, practitioners, and students from around the country.

Professor Spencer’s scholarly publications have tackled some of the most important issues facing our national and international legal systems, including the complex issues relating to jurisdiction arising from internet activity. These articles have made a substantial contribution to the field; as one senior colleague remarked, “I’ve read dozens of judicial decisions and much academic commentary on the subject. Without question in my view, [Professor Spencer’s] piece sheds more light on the subject than the aggregate work product of all those judges and commentators.”

In addition to journal publications, Professor Spencer has been active in making his innovative and engaging approach to teaching civil procedure available to students around the country through his two books. Acing Civil Procedure organizes key civil procedure concepts in a new and creative way that has enabled students to develop a clearer understanding of this complex topic. His forthcoming casebook, Civil Procedure: A Contemporary Approach, strives to revolutionize the law school casebook market by offering a text with a more appealing visual display and an accompanying electronic version of the book containing hyperlinks connecting students to important legal and other materials available online. This new format will offer students a contemporary, interactive approach that well suits their learning style and online connectivity.

Professor Spencer has also become a major player in the nascent legal “blogosphere” by founding and editing two significant legal blogs: the Federal Civil Practice Bulletin and Split Circuits. His two blogs have enhanced his reputation as a current, high-energy scholar and have quickly gained national respect for their contribution to the legal profession.

Inside the classroom, Professor Spencer is renown among students and colleagues as a highly effective and beloved classroom teacher. As one third-year student has remarked, “Professor Spencer is one of the most engaging professors I have had the opportunity to witness. . . Professor Spencer is a model faculty member because in addition to being a true scholar he is also enthusiastic, down to earth, and truly committed to bettering his students and his school.” Professor Spencer holds a J.D. from the Harvard Law School and a master of science from the London School of Economics.

Nomination Package