Welcome back to Ahead of the Curve. I'm Karen Sloan, legal education editor at Law.com, and I'll be your host for this weekly look at innovation and notable developments in legal education.

This week, I'm checking in with South Texas College of Law—Houston Dean Michael Barry on the school's innovative approach to commencement, which gave recent graduates the chance to walk the stage in full regalia while also following COVID-19 safety measures. Next up, I'm considering whether the extension of LSAT-Flex is a clue that the online entrance exam is here to stay. Read on and stay safe!

Please share your thoughts and feedback with me at [email protected] or on Twitter: @KarenSloanNLJ


Dean Michael Barry South Texas College of Law-Houston Dean Michael Barry speaks at one of 13 small graduation ceremonies the school held Oct. 17 and 18. Photo: John Everett

Commencement X 13

Michael Barry, dean of the South Texas College of Law—Houston, last weekend delivered his commencement remarks to recent graduates. Thirteen times. That's not a typo. Barry gave his speech 13 times over two days in what I think has to be one of the most creative ways that a law school has approached commencement during the pandemic.