James R. “Jim” Devine was the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and David Ross Hardy Professor of Law and Trial Practice at the School of Law. Professor Devine was highly regarded as one of the University’s outstanding academic leaders and a nationally respected legal scholar.

Following his passing, Professor William Fisch expressed these thoughts about Jim Devine.

“Jim lived professional responsibility, combining profound ethical commitment with the hard-headed realism of his New Jersey roots. As a practitioner, he was on his county bar’s ethics committee. As a teacher and scholar, he wrote articles and co-authored a widely-used course book in the field, participated in state bar rules reform, counseled countless former students and others on particular problems, and frequently served as an expert witness in contested cases. He gave opinions straight and firm, but with clear explanations, a lively sense of humor and a caring concern that made him the ideal counselor.”

Jim graduated from Red Bank High School in 1966, where he was Class President. Jim earned his B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA; and his J.D. from Seton Hall University in 1975, where he was on law review and named to the Order of the Coif. Jim clerked for the Honorable Patrick J. McGann and the Honorable John P. Arnone, Superior Court of New Jersey. He practiced law from 1976-1980 at Madden & Holobinko in Middletown, New Jersey.

In 1980 he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri School of Law, where he served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the David Ross Hardy Professor of Law and Trial Practice. Jim became well known in the legal community for his scholarly work in Trial Practice, Professional Responsibility, Sports Law and Civil Procedure. He authored numerous publications regarding his professional interests.

Jim also served with Missouri Valley Swimming from 1990 until his passing in various capacities. He served on the National Board of Review for USA Swimming, and the Counselors Committee. He ultimately received the Lifetime Membership Award from USA Swimming, as well as the ConocoPhillips Service Award.

Jim loved the ocean, Bruce Springsteen, baseball, swimming, his dogs, the students he served for 30 years and, most of all, his family.