CommentaryIn 1996, when Professor Bernard Hibbitts first established JURIST, few could have foreseen the impact the project would have. Whether measured in terms of the individual lives it has touched, its global reach, or the impressions it has left on the landscape of online legal news coverage, JURIST’s role cannot be overstated.
What began as a modest online repository for legal scholarship evolved under Professor Hibbitts’ visionary leadership into a groundbreaking service that revolutionized how legal news reaches the public. Through his innovative approach of empowering law students as reporters and editors, he created a unique educational model that has trained generations of legal professionals while delivering accessible, authoritative coverage of rule-of-law issues to millions of readers worldwide. Upon his retirement in December 2024, after nearly three decades of service, his legacy endures in JURIST’s continued commitment to bridging the gap between legal academia and public understanding, fostering transparency and justice across borders.
A festschrift is a collection of writings published in honor of a scholar, traditionally during their lifetime. This digital festschrift for Professor Hibbitts will grow organically through regular contributions published several times weekly through February. All entries will be permanently archived and indexed on a dedicated section of JURIST’s website, creating a living testament to his transformative vision and lasting impact on legal journalism and education. This is the first entry in this ongoing series.
In an era when the dissemination of accurate legal information has never been more critical, Professor Bernard Hibbitts of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law emerges as one of the leading figures in legal education and journalism. His remarkable organizational skills have shaped JURIST, an online magazine that stands out as a paragon of legal information and analysis. Founded in 1996, JURIST has grown into a respected and widely read international media nonprofit, providing high-quality legal coverage that resonates with both laypersons and legal professionals alike.
Professor Hibbitts’ vision for JURIST was born from his recognition of a gap in accessing timely and reliable legal information. Under his stewardship, JURIST has established itself as a voice of reason in a complex world rife with misinformation and converging legal issues. His ability to mold this platform reflects not only his organizational prowess but also his deep commitment to legal education and public discourse. By attracting various contributors—including journalists, academics, and practicing lawyers—Professor Hibbitts has successfully created a vibrant community dedicated to discussing and analyzing pressing national and international legal concerns.
What truly sets Professor Hibbitts apart is not merely his role as an editor or manager but his genuine desire to inspire future generations of legal professionals. At the University of Pittsburgh, he stands as a beloved professor who educates with passion, encouraging students to conceptualize their place within the intricate tapestry of the legal field. Those who have taken his classes are often struck by how he transcends traditional teaching methods. Instead of merely lecturing, Hibbitts engages students in discussions that challenge them to think critically and ethically about their future careers.
His classroom is a microcosm of the legal world—filled with diverse perspectives, compelling debates, and a shared eagerness for knowledge and understanding. Professor Hibbitts tailors his teaching methods to empower students, often linking course materials to current events and legal debates presented on JURIST. This approach not only enriches their academic experience but also provides them with the tools to analyze and contribute to important legal discussions in real time.
Moreover, Professor Hibbitts is keenly aware of the often isolating nature of legal studies and is dedicated to forging connections among students, scholars, and practitioners. His leadership has fostered an inclusive environment where students are encouraged to share their views and develop their own voices. This extends beyond the classroom and into the extracurricular realm, where his mentorship has helped many students secure internships and jobs that have jump-started their careers.
A further testament to Professor Hibbitts’ extraordinary leadership is his ability to unite people across various disciplines. Through initiatives at JURIST and the law school, he has successfully bridged the gap between academia, journalism, and legal practice. This synthesis has not only enriched the content on JURIST but has also facilitated interdisciplinary conversations about the changing landscape of law. Professor Hibbitts emphasizes the importance of cooperation among different stakeholders—all crucial players in the legal arena.
Central to Professor Hibbitts’ enduring influence is his longstanding professional collaboration between us. Our connection began when he invited me to write my first commentary for JURIST in 2007. This invitation marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership that would lead to almost a hundred thought-provoking commentaries showcasing our shared commitment to justice and accountability on the global stage. He was always open to my ideas and perspectives, and he was always deeply encouraging.
Over the years, Professor Hibbitts and I have produced insightful analyses on various legal matters, offering perspectives that blend academic rigor with journalistic integrity. Our ongoing collaboration exemplifies the type of enriching relationships that he fosters, weaving together the threads of law, ethics, and history. What stands out is not only our intellectual camaraderie but also our deep-rooted respect for each other, illustrating how meaningful professional connections can enhance a person’s life and work.
In a world where information is often contested, and legal interpretations can lead to significant consequences, Professor Hibbitts’ contributions through JURIST and his teaching at the University of Pittsburgh stand as pillars of integrity and innovation. His ability to inspire students and establish a collaborative framework for legal discourse has left an indelible mark on the legal community.
Indeed, Professor Hibbitts embodies the principles of mentorship and community engagement, reminding us that through shared knowledge, we prepare for the future. As we reflect on his contributions, one old Roman saying comes to mind: “He who has friends has treasure.” My friend Professor Hibbitts is a rich man indeed. His profound impact on the education of lawyers, the quality of legal journalism, and the discourse surrounding pivotal legal issues ensures that his legacy will be felt for generations to come.
David M. Crane is a long-term contributor to JURIST and is a member of its Board of Directors. He is the founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone. He had a distinguished career in the US Federal Government retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service of the United States.
