Joseph Hoffmann, John W. Ryan award for distinguished contributions

Joseph Hoffmann Harry Pratter Professor of Law Director, International Programs School of Law—Bloomington University Graduate School IU Bloomington

Interim President Gerald Bepko, Hoffmann and IU Bloomington Chancellor Sharon Brehm at the Founders Day ceremony

As director of the school’s International Programs and member of IU’s Overseas Study Advisory Council and the President’s Committee on International Programs, Hoffmann has helped to create ties that include faculty and student exchanges with institutions in Thailand, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Spain, France and Germany. He also administers a U.S. Department of State grant supporting exchange activities with the Adilet Higher Law School in Kazakhstan. This program is especially noteworthy, as its goal is to position IU as the leading American law school with long-term interests in Central Asia.

Hoffmann also has done his utmost to lend a personal touch to IU’s exchange experience. He frequently hosts visiting scholars, offers support and mentoring to international students, and hosts annual barbecues at his home in honor of the students and other participants involved in IU exchange programs.

His outreach efforts have had a tangible effect, contributing to one of the largest, most diverse and most qualified classes of international students ever to attend the law school. In the past three years, the school has welcomed nearly 200 new international students, including students from France, Germany, India, Japan, Malawi, the People’s Republic of China, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Tanzania, Venezuela, Yemen and the first-ever group of IU law students from Burma.

Hoffmann is an internationally renowned expert on Japanese law, and he has twice served as a visiting professor at the University of Tokyo. Additionally, he has developed seminars on comparative law that unite international and domestic law students. These classes include Law and Society in Asia and Law and Society of Japan.

With enthusiasm, dedication and an ability to address the needs of international students and scholars, Hoffmann is an ideal ambassador for the School of Law. He has been recognized for his achievements by a Law School Gavel Award, the Ira Batman and John Hastings Faculty Fellowships and a university-wide Outstanding Young Faculty Award.

Joseph Hoffmann’s outreach efforts have had a tangible effect, contributing to one of the largest, most diverse and most qualified classes of international students ever to attend the law school.