Legal Commentary

Since joining the Boston College Law School faculty a few months ago in July as a first-year law professor, I've been asked that question on six occasions. And I don't like it. But I'm not quite sure what to do to prevent it from happening again.

The first time was at our annual welcome reception for students in August. Wearing a suit, as I do every day, I greeted 1Ls with a handshake and a hearty "welcome!" (or "welcome back!" for 2Ls and 3Ls). As I was making my way over to the food--which is always one of my very first stops at any social function--a student introduced himself to me and asked if we were in the same 1L section, mistaking me for a fellow student. This has happened several times since then, but not just upon meeting students. Some law school staff and faculty have made similar remarks.

Now, I suppose I do look young. Certainly not this young but young enough to look like a 1L, whatever that means in an era when the age of entering students can range from 19 to retirement.

So what should I do to send an appropriate signal to others--including law school staff, students and faculty--that I am not a student?

It appears that wearing a suit every day doesn't quite do the trick. (Though perhaps I should consider wearing a three-piece suit with a bow tie in the tradition of the most recognizable professors in popular culture, like him or him.) 

Alternatively, I could perhaps introduce myself as "Professor Richard Albert," instead of simply "Richard Albert." But quite apart from making me come off as a little pretentious, that just doesn't sound right to me.

Does the Prawfs community have any helpful ideas from personal experience or otherwise? 

(Bonus points may be awarded for funny responses.)