Richard L. Jolly

Richard L. Jolly is a Professor at Southwestern Law School, joining the faculty in 2021. He specializes in civil and criminal procedure, evidence, and torts, blending nearly a decade of legal practice, policy, and research with real-world applications in the classroom.

• Education: B.A. in Political Science & Mass Communications (University of California, Berkeley, 2009); M.Sc. in Political Sociology (London School of Economics and Political Science, 2010); J.D. (University of Michigan Law School, 2014).
• Professional Background: Litigated complex commercial disputes and class actions in Los Angeles, clerked for Judge Deborah L. Cook (Sixth Circuit), and conducted research as a fellow at Berkeley Law and NYU School of Law.

Research Interests: Professor Jolly explores the intersection of public and private procedure, focusing on how contractual agreements influence judicial institutions. His work emphasizes lay participation in judicial decision-making, particularly the role of juries in shaping legal norms and socio-political dynamics.

Recent Publications: His scholarship addresses administrative law, criminal settlements, jury impartiality, and procedural default rules, appearing in journals like the Michigan Law Review, Boston College Law Review, and Pepperdine Law Review.

Scientific Awards: Recognized for his contributions through fellowships with the Civil Justice Research Initiative and the Civil Jury Project.

Teaching Philosophy: Advocates for understanding law beyond textbooks, emphasizing its lived impact and the importance of connecting legal theory to societal outcomes.