About Brian
Brian Fitzpatrick holds the Milton R. Underwood Chair in Free Enterprise and serves as a Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee. He joined the faculty in 2007 after a distinguished tenure as the John M. Olin Fellow at New York University School of Law. His academic focus encompasses several critical areas, including class action litigation, federal courts, judicial selection, and constitutional law. Fitzpatrick's research is particularly noted for its empirical studies of class action settlements, which have garnered attention in legal circles. His book, "The Conservative Case for Class Actions," published by the University of Chicago Press in 2019, further solidifies his reputation in this field.
Fitzpatrick's educational background is impressive. He graduated first in his class from Harvard Law School in 2000, earning the Fay Diploma for this achievement. Additionally, he received the Sears Prize for having the highest grades in his second year. During his time at Harvard, he was also an editor for both the Harvard Law Review and the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, showcasing his commitment to legal scholarship. Prior to his legal education, Fitzpatrick graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1997, laying a strong foundation for his analytical skills. Following his graduation from Harvard, Fitzpatrick completed prestigious clerkships. He clerked for Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain on the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and for Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the judicial process. After his clerkships, he practiced commercial and appellate litigation at Sidley Austin in Washington, D.C. He also served as Special Counsel for Supreme Court Nominations to U.S. Senator John Cornyn, further deepening his involvement in the intersection of law and public policy. At Vanderbilt, Fitzpatrick teaches several key courses, including Civil Procedure, Complex Litigation, and Federal Courts.
His teaching excellence has been recognized with the Hall-Hartman Outstanding Professor Award. In 2009, he was named Vanderbilt’s Association of American Law Schools Teacher of the Year, evidence of his impact on students and the academic community. His courses are designed to engage students in critical thinking about complex legal issues, preparing them for their future careers in law. Beyond his academic responsibilities, Fitzpatrick actively participates in public policy discussions. In 2009, he testified before the Tennessee House Civil Practice and Procedure Subcommittee regarding the "Tennessee Plan," where he addressed issues related to judicial selection and retention in the state. His involvement with the Federalist Society and contributions to various legal forums reflect his commitment to shaping legal discourse. Fitzpatrick continues to influence both legal education and public policy through his research, teaching, and advocacy.
