Corneill Stephens, '76, in the Classroom

In the classroom, Stephens is Professor, Counsel, Judge and Jury

Walking into professor Corneill Stephens’ Contracts II class you can hear a pin drop. A sense of nervous anticipation fills the room as he randomly calls on students to play the role of attorneys in addressing various contract doctrines. He addresses students as a judge would in court, challenging them to think like the lawyers they will soon become.

“Mr. Patel, recite the parol evidence rule…How would you apply it in this case…What is your response as opposing counsel. . .”

“Miss Jones, how do you enter parol evidence if there’s no gap in the contract?”

And then, a break. “Miss O’Kelley, I met your father today. He demanded that I call on you.”

His teaching style is a masterclass in the art of tension and release, one that comes from 35 years in the classroom and the courtroom.

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