Distinguished Professor Richard Conviser to Receive Honorary Doctor of Law from Illinois Institute of Technology
Renowned legal educator, prolific mentor, and co-founder of the BARBRI bar exam prep course will be recognized for his commitment to student success
CHICAGO—May 12, 2023—Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) will award an Honorary Doctor of Law, honoris causa, to Richard Conviser—philanthropist, esteemed professor of law, and the co-founder of BARBRI, the world’s largest bar exam prep course—for his significant contributions to legal education and the global legal community. The degree will be conferred at Illinois Tech’s 154th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Conviser is a professor of law at Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he has taught courses in antitrust, corporations, business associations, and conflicts of laws. Conviser received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. He also holds a Doctor of Laws (Doktor der Rechte) from the University of Cologne in Germany.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition from Illinois Tech, an institution that has been a cornerstone of my career and, through Chicago-Kent College of Law, a driving force of change in the legal field,” says Conviser. “Together, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional legal education, fostering diversity and inclusivity, and empowering future generations of lawyers to make meaningful impacts on society and the pursuit of justice.”
With a distinguished career spanning over five decades, not only has Conviser taught various law courses at Chicago-Kent, he’s also authored numerous publications in several languages, and served as editorial director of Gilbert Law Summaries. After practicing law at the international law firm of Baker & McKenzie, Conviser established the state of Illinois’ first foreign operation and served as deputy European director in Brussels. Arguably his most notable accomplishment is the co-founding of BARBRI, which has prepared more than 1.7 million lawyers worldwide to pass a United States bar exam.
“Richard Conviser’s groundbreaking innovations and dedication to advancing legal education has produced an unparalleled legacy in the American legal community and at Chicago-Kent,” says Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “His exemplary career and generous spirit embody the qualities that we strive to cultivate in our students.”
Conviser’s philanthropic efforts include the establishment of the Conviser Scholars program, which continues his legacy of mentorship and support for students. In February 2020, Illinois Tech’s Downtown Campus was renamed the Conviser Law Center in recognition of his invaluable service and dedication to the law school.
“Richard’s impact on the legal profession and his transformative contributions to Chicago-Kent cannot be overstated,” says Anita K. Krug, dean of Chicago-Kent College of Law. “As a passionate educator, mentor, and philanthropist, he has touched the lives of countless students, inspiring them to pursue excellence in their legal careers.”
As a testament to his lifelong commitment to student success and the reputation of Chicago-Kent, Conviser has become the largest donor to the law school, shaping the future of legal education and ensuring the ongoing success of its students and alumni for generations to come.
For more information about Illinois Tech’s 154th Commencement Ceremony, please visit iit.edu/commencement.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the collective power of difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.
Media contacts
Petra Kelly
Communications Director
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.771.1064
pkelly6@iit.edu
Kevin Dollear
Communications Manager
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.860.5712
kdollear@iit.edu
