CU Law Profiles
Faculty Profile

Amy Schmitz

Contracts, Arbitration, Secured Transactions

You may also visit my faculty home page.

Hometown

Born in Racine, WI, and grew up in Appleton, WI. I've also lived in Iowa, Minnesota, and Washington.

Hobbies, Sports, or Extracurricular Passions

Hiking, Snowshoeing, camping, and anything outdoors; theater and arts; involvement with my church

Favorite Book

I love so many books, that I cannot choose one favorite!

Favorite Movie

Same answer as above!

What were you doing before you came to the University of Colorado Law School?

Practicing law at Stoel Rives LLP in Seattle, in the firm's Construction and Design Group.

What is one interesting, fun, or offbeat thing you have done in your lifetime?

There are quite a few. In terms of jobs, I had a job when I was 15 dressing up as Raggedly Anne to host children?s birthday parties at Hardees? fast food restaurant in Appleton, WI.

What do you consider to be one of your biggest accomplishments?

Getting this job to teach -- because although I truly enjoyed private practice, my passion has always been to teach, explore ideas, and to do my best to ?humanize? law and legal education.

What do you like most about Boulder?

Mountains mixed with friendly folks.

What do you like least about Boulder?

Boulder can be ?too Boulder for Boulder.?

Favorite Place To Eat Out in Boulder

Foolish Craig?s or Mountain Sun Brewery

Why did you decide to become a professor?

Passion for teaching, humanizing law, learning, and exploring the rich world of research and ideas.

What do you like most about teaching at CU?

The people! This is a place filled with fabulous students, faculty, and staff.

What area of law are you most interested in and why?

My work allows me to explore several areas of law. However, I currently focus my work at the crossroads of contracting and dispute resolution. This includes study of agreements to engage in private dispute resolution processes, and the tensions among fairness and efficiency factors impacting these agreements. It also considers the tremendously "human" dimensions of deal-making.

Are you involved with any student organizations?

I am the advisor for Women?s Law Caucus (WLC) and Construction and Real Estate Law Association (CREALS). I also am working with students in the CU Restorative Justice Program, and the Volunteer Clearing House. Involvement in such groups can be very rewarding ? it provides means for students to connect on intellectual and social levels. One can enhance his or her law school experience by being part of a group, which provides a sense of belonging.

What piece of advice would you give a student about surviving being a 1L?

Maintain balance and perspective ? do not neglect friends, family and fun.

What piece of advice would you give a student about getting the most out of law school?

Continue to maintain balance, in your social and academic lives.

What piece of advice would you give a 1L or 2L as they choose their 2L and 3L courses?

Strive for a balanced course load of basic core/bar courses, peppered with classes/seminars that you want to take simply because they interest you.

What are the top three reasons that you think a prospective student should choose CU Law?

It is too hard to give 3 ?top? ? It comes down to this: CU provides a top tier legal education in an aesthetically pleasing environment stocked with supportive and smart individuals.

What piece of advice would you give a prospective student about choosing a law school?

Consider your goals and personality, and choose a school that fits your hopes and needs.

Could you describe each of the main classes that you teach, and give your explanation of what those classes are about?

With respect to all my classes ? My focus is on problem-solving. A lawyer?s role is to look at legal issues as a problem solver and counselor. This means students should explore and question the ?law? through contextual and relational lenses.