In 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. 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 tenth entry in this ongoing series, the (as-yet) entirety of which can be found here.
In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of international and comparative law, few individuals have made such a lasting impact as Professor Bernard Hibbitts – the Publisher Emeritus of JURIST – whose influence stretches far beyond the written word. As a dedicated advocate of legal education, scholarship, and the global exchange of ideas, Hibbitts has shaped the landscape of legal thought in profound ways. It is with great respect and admiration that we honor his contributions to the field and acknowledge his invaluable role in enhancing the discourse surrounding international law.
My personal journey with him began in the most serendipitous way: through email. He first came across one of my commentaries that I had written for JURIST on comparative law in the Middle East, which prompted him to reach out. At the same time, I came across his thought-provoking commentaries and insightful articles on JURIST in the comparative and international law field, which immediately captured my attention. This mutual discovery led to a fruitful exchange of ideas, laying the foundation for our growing collaboration. These articles, carefully curated to reflect the latest developments in international law, served as an intellectual compass for my own research and teaching. Our first communication was humble yet meaningful — an exchange of ideas sparked by a shared passion for the law. This initial connection soon blossomed into a fruitful collaboration that has enriched both my work and the academic community at large. As an educator, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career is introducing students and scholars to the breadth and depth of international and comparative law, with focus on the Middle East and the Muslim World. With this goal in mind, Bernie invited me for a JURIST Guest Speaker for three years, delivering talks on various critical topics, including abortion, international humanitarian law, and the situation in Gaza, among others. His focus often centered on the Middle East, and these engaging discussions took place at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. His wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience in the field made him an invaluable resource for students and academics. His lectures were not just lessons in the law but a living testament to the importance of legal practice in the global arena. The students were captivated by his stories, his depth of insight, and his ability to connect the theory of law with its real-world implications.
Beyond the walls of Pittsburgh, our collaboration extended internationally. While I was teaching in Saudi Arabia, I invited Bernie to speak to my international law class. His lecture was a highlight of the semester — an enriching dialogue that bridged the gap between academia and real-world legal practice. He spoke eloquently about the challenges and opportunities facing international law in a rapidly changing world. His insights on comparative law – how legal systems across borders can inform and influence one another – were especially resonant with students, who came from diverse cultural and legal backgrounds. This exchange not only deepened their understanding of international law but also emphasized the necessity of cross-cultural dialogue in resolving global legal challenges. Throughout my interactions with him, it has become clear that his work is far from just academic — it is a service to the global legal community. JURIST, under his leadership, has become a leading platform for the dissemination of legal knowledge and professional journalism/reporting, providing timely and insightful analysis of critical legal and policy issues globally. His unwavering commitment to elevating voices within the legal community, particularly those from emerging legal systems and non-Western perspectives, has helped to enrich the broader discourse and make it more inclusive.
In addition to his remarkable contributions to legal academia and education, Bernie has had an extraordinary impact on the world beyond the United States. His work has not been confined to one region but has resonated globally, influencing the legal landscapes of various jurisdictions. Through JURIST’s global reach and his tireless commitment to providing legal commentary and analysis, he has fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and developments in international law, offering a platform for diverse legal perspectives. After dedicating many years to the legal field, he now leaves behind a legacy of expertise and invaluable contributions. Throughout his career, he mastered a variety of legal techniques, adapting to the evolving landscape of laws and regulations. His work involved drafting complex legal documents, representing clients in high-stakes litigation, and providing sound counsel on matters of compliance and strategy. He focused on how legal techniques evolve over time, influenced by shifts in laws, precedents, and societal norms. Throughout his career, he would have honed skills such as interpreting complex legal texts, constructing persuasive arguments, and understanding intricate procedural rules. His work may have involved drafting contracts, representing clients in court, or advising on compliance matters, all while remaining up-to-date with the latest legal trends and case law. Now retired, he may reflect on a fulfilling career, knowing his contributions (e.g., skills in interpreting complex statutes; crafting persuasive arguments, and navigating intricate legal procedures) have shaped the legal landscape, and they may even leave behind valuable insights for the next generation of legal professionals. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to justice, his approach to law was both methodical and deeply ethical. Though retired, his wealth of experience continues to inspire future generations of legal professionals, as his work has provided invaluable insights into how global legal challenges can be addressed through collaborative solutions. This global vision has not only shaped the discourse of international law but has also empowered legal professionals, policymakers, and academics globally to think critically and act with a sense of shared responsibility.
In reflecting on his tremendous contributions, his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come. His work has left an indelible mark on the global legal community, and we are all the better for it. As a scholar, educator, and mentor, he has set a standard for excellence in international and comparative law — one that we can all aspire to emulate. Bernie Hibbitts, with his foundation as a legal historian, has made a profound impact on the future — shaping legal education, scholarship, and global legal reporting. Moreover, Bernie has been a staunch supporter of my work in the field of comparative Islamic law, encouraging me to explore and contribute to the growing body of literature on this important subject. For the past few years, I have had the privilege of writing on the intersections of Islamic law and Western legal systems for JURIST, with his invaluable guidance and support. Through our discussions, I’ve been able to compare the evolving concepts within Islamic legal thought with various principles of the American legal system, offering fresh insights into the complexities of both legal traditions.
Islamic law, with its rich history and diverse schools of thought, offers a unique lens through which to examine the broader field of comparative law. He recognized the significance of this cross-cultural and cross-legal analysis. He encouraged me to explore not only the differences between Islamic law and American legal norms but also the shared principles and values – such as justice, fairness, and the protection of human dignity – that transcend legal traditions. By comparing concepts like legal reasoning, the role of judges, and the balance between religious and secular law, my work has been able to illustrate how different legal systems approach similar issues in divergent ways, while also recognizing the shared commitment to upholding justice. This collaboration has allowed me to deepen my understanding of Islamic law in relation to American law, while also contributing to the ongoing dialogue on how these systems can inform each other. Bernie’s support for such cross-disciplinary work has been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and diverse conversation about legal systems globally. His belief in the importance of comparative legal scholarship – particularly in areas that have been historically underexplored – has helped bring much-needed attention to these crucial topics. Through his encouragement, I’ve been able to shed light on the nuances and complexities of Islamic law while drawing valuable comparisons to American legal structures, further advancing our collective understanding of how legal systems across the globe can offer innovative solutions to today’s most pressing issues. Bernie’s legacy is not only in the words he has written or the lectures he has given but, in the networks he has built and the lives he has touched. He has been a guiding light for countless legal professionals, scholars, and students, all of whom have benefited from his wisdom and his willingness to foster meaningful dialogue across borders. As we honor his achievements, we also recognize the enduring value of the work he has done to advance the study and practice of international and comparative law.
More significantly, he has influenced the lives of countless individuals, and those lives will, in turn, change the world. The lasting effect of Bernie Hibbitts’ work will be felt through the transformative impact he has had on those he has mentored and inspired. It has been an honor to work alongside him, and I look forward to continuing to learn from his example for many years ahead. I’ll be endlessly grateful to him for that, and I wish him all the best in what’s to come. Bernie, you will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for your dedication/wisdom!
Mohamed Arafa, SJD, is a Professor of Law at Alexandria University Faculty of Law (Egypt) and an Adjunct Professor of Law & the Clarke Initiative Visiting Scholar at Cornell Law School.
