Flashback: My Impromptu Lecture on Citizens United from January 21, 2010

I had read the 183-page opinion that morning, and lectured about it in the afternoon.

Yesterday, I wrote about Chief Justice Roberts's concurrence in Citizens United. That landmark case was decided on January 21, 2010. At the time, I was clerking on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. And I taught a federal courts class at the Penn State law school with Judge Gibson. Every week, Judge and I would drive over the State College and teach a three-hour class in the afternoon. This was my first experience in the classroom, and I absolutely loved it. This class also motivated me to pursue a career in academia.

The morning of January 21, the Court released Citizens United at 10:00 a.m. I managed to read the entire 183-page opinion before we made it to class. And Judge Gibson asked me to lecture on it.

The recording is very entertaining–especially for Judge Gibson's commentary. And it provides an early peek at my teaching style.

I don't think my style has changed much, though I have substantially slowed down my pace. I've put a lot of work into my pacing, and took a year of lessons with a diction coach–time very well spent. It's always fun to look, and listen back to your formative years. Enjoy!