The State Bar Association of North Dakota Summer 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 27

LIZ MAGILL, NEW DEAN OF STANFORD LAW SCHOOL, SAYS HER FATHER INSPIRED HER PROFESSION Elizabeth (Liz) Magill, who for the past year has been dean of the Stanford Law School, describes her father, the late Judge Frank Magill, as an inspiration to her and many other members of her family in their choice of law as a profession. “We have a bunch of lawyers in my family,” said Magill from her office at the Law School in Stanford, California. “Dad was a great influence to so many of us in a very positive way. He was a wonderful man, both in his personal life and his career. Magill, a Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, died June 2 at his home in Fargo. “Dad loved everything about practicing law,” she remembered. “He loved representing clients and the intellectual challenges of appearing before juries and lobbying in Bismarck.” When he was appointed to the Court, he was 59 years old, and she said, “it was a joy for him to learn this new aspect of law. So much had changed since law school and he immersed himself in learning all he could about the challenges of this new position.” Magill was raised in Fargo. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1988, and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995. From 1997 to 2012, Magill was on the law school faculty at the University of Virginia. “When I went to law school, I knew I wanted to teach,” Magill said. “Moving from Virginia to Stanford was a great opportunity for me.” Stanford Law School is small compared to other law schools, she said, with 180 students in each class. “But we are a bundle of energy here with all the excellent work the students and faculty do. This includes Center for Mediation & Consultation Patricia R. Monson Office: 701.361.5976 Cell: 701.238.8794 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cmcpllc.com Mediation | Arbitration | Consultation The Gavel Summer 2013 c c M Avoid the costs & risks associated with litigation and achieve satisfactory resolution of legal disputes. c c M frequent programs of visiting speakers and conferences on campus. It is an inspiring place to be.” Magill said Stanford Law School has changed in the past decade, focusing more on experiential and practical education opportunities. “We are also much more connected to the rest of Stanford University, which is wonderful.” PLLC L AW F I R M With over 33 years of experience, including many and varied assist in settling conflicts outside the courtroom. Alternative Dispute Resolution Appellate Law Civil Rights Commercial mediation & settlement conferences, I am uniquely qualified to Construction Employment Health Care Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Railroad Worker’s Compensation & OSHA Licensed in all North Dakota & Minnesota Courts Qualified Mediator, Arbitrator & Neutral in North Dakota & Minnesota 25