Elon Law honors retiring faculty members

James G. Exum Jr., Margaret Kantlehner and Peter T. Hoffman each received framed resolutions denoting the many ways in which their careers serve as a model for Elon Law students and alumni to follow.

Professor Steve Friedland presented the resolutions and asked questions of each professor about their favorite moments at the law school and what brought them to Elon Law. In his welcoming remarks to the dozens of people gathered in the Cemala Foundation Commons, Elon Law Dean Luke Bierman also praised Exum, Kantlehner and Hoffman for their contributions to the school.

The Resolutions

James G. Exum, Jr.
Distinguished Professor of the Judicial Process

Whereas, Since 2006, Professor Jim Exum has been an esteemed member of the faculty of Elon University School of Law; and

Whereas, Acknowledged for his expertise in judicial process and appellate advocacy, Professor Exum served as Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence from 2006-2012 and has been a valuable voice as a founding member of the Elon Law Advisory Board; and

Whereas, Professor Exum’s prolific career in public service, including eight years as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, helped to establish the foundation for the early success of Elon Law by inspiring both students and colleagues; and

Whereas, as recipient of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Judge John J. Parker Award, the North Carolina ACLU’s Frank Porter Graham Civil Liberties Award, and the American Judicature Society’s Herbert Harley Award for his contributions to the improvement of the administration of justice in North Carolina, Professor Exum exemplifies to the highest standard traits of a lawyer-leader; and

Whereas, Professor Exum concluded his service to Elon University School of Law in 2018; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the faculty of Elon University School of Law express its sincere appreciation to friend and colleague Professor Jim Exum for his many contributions to Elon Law and wishes him great success in his future endeavors.

Whereas, Associate Professor Margaret Kantlehner has been an esteemed member of the charter faculty of Elon University School of Law since 2005; and

Whereas, Acknowledged for her involvement and leadership in the practicing bar and commitment to engaging law students in the profession, Associate Professor Kantlehner, in her roles in the classroom and as Associate Dean for External Relations, has had a profound influence upon her colleagues and the students of Elon University School of Law; and

Whereas, Professor Kantlehner helped to establish the foundations for early success at Elon Law through its nationally recognized Preceptor Program, the Wills Drafting Clinic, and Elon Law’s 2012 legal externship program in partnership with The Washington Center; and

Whereas, Through her work in private practice and by chairing the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association, providing pro bono legal work for Habitat for Humanity, and serving as North Carolina Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts, throughout her career, Professor Kantlehner has exemplified the role of a lawyer-leader; and

Whereas, Professor Kantlehner now concludes her service to Elon University School of Law; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the faculty of Elon University School of Law expresses its sincere appreciation to friend and colleague Professor Margaret Kantlehner for her many contributions to Elon Law and wishes her great success in her future endeavors.  

Whereas, Professor Peter Hoffman has been an esteemed member of the faculty of Elon University School of Law since 2011; and

Whereas, Recognized for his expertise and commitment to advocacy and practical skills training in legal education, Professor Hoffman made a profound impact upon his colleagues and students of Elon Law through his direction of the Skills Program; and

Whereas, As a visiting professor at Elon Law during the 2008-2009 academic year and as a program director for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Professor Hoffman was an exceptional teacher and mentor to Elon Law students; and

Whereas, Nationally known for his expertise on trial advocacy, depositions, and evidence, Professor Hoffman co-authored one of the most influential and best-selling books on deposition practice, The Effective Deposition: Techniques and Strategies That Work; and

Whereas, Professor Hoffman now concludes his service to Elon University School of Law; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the faculty of Elon University School of Law expresses its sincere appreciation to friend and colleague Professor Peter Hoffman for his many contributions to Elon Law and wishes him great success in his future endeavors.