James Harmon Barnett, Jr.

Professor Barnett spent forty-eight years teaching at the University of Richmond School of Law, but his ties to the University predate his tenure as a faculty member.  After graduating from Georgetown College in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in 1914, Barnett attended the Richmond College of Law.  While a student, he served as the University’s Assistant Football Coach, was Class President, a member of the Honor Court, and a member of Delta Theta Pi legal fraternity.  Barnett received his L.L.B. in 1917.

Prior to practicing law, Professor Barnett fought in France as an Infantry Captain in the Great War.  After his service, he practiced law in Indiana before President Boatwright asked him to join the law school faculty.

During the 1920’s, Professor Barnett was Secretary of the Law School.  During the 1927-28 session, he also served as the Law School’s Librarian.  In addition, Barnett taught six courses: Negotiable Instruments, Sales, Wills & Administration, Bankruptcy, Agency, and Municipal Corporations.  At various times during his extensive teaching career, Professor Barnett also taught Property, Domestic Relations, Creditor’s Rights, Restitution, Insurance, and Private Corporations.

Dean Muse said of Jim Barnett, “[H]e served to set the intellectual tone of the University of Richmond Law School.”  Professor Barnett retired in 1968, but continued to be active in the Law School until two days before his death on November 21, 1970.

In honor of Professor James Harmon Barnett, Jr., the T.C. Williams School of Law Moot Court Board proudly hosts the annual first year moot court competition to further excellence in oral advocacy.