New Professor Profile: Visiting Legal Writing Professor Sarah Nintcheff
Sarah Nintcheff joined the Cleveland State University College of Law faculty this fall as a Visiting Legal Writing Professor.
“I love the student body at CSU|LAW,” said Professor Nintcheff. “Students come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds, and the sense of community and camaraderie among the students is remarkable. The professors care deeply for student success and genuinely enjoy teaching. I am proud to be a member of this community.”
Professor Nintcheff earned a BS in accounting from Binghamton University and her JD from the Case Western Reserve School of Law. At the CWRU School of Law, she has served as a guest lecturer for Summer Judicial Externship program, guest Judge for moot court competitions and a judge for L.L.E.A.P writing award.
Professor Nintcheff began her career as a litigation associate at BakerHostetler, where she focused primarily on commercial contract disputes. In 2002, Professor Nintcheff became a career law clerk to the Honorable Patricia A. Gaughan of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
During her more than two decades as a career law clerk, Professor Nintcheff reviewed legal briefs containing a myriad of different writing styles. That experience gave her an inside look into what makes a brief successful. She also engaged in extensive writing and editing in the position and believes she has an unique perspective on how to write well in a practical setting.
In addition to her duties as a career clerk, Professor Nintcheff regularly presented at the Introduction to Federal Practice Seminar hosted by the Federal Bar Association. She spoke on issues including the local civil rules, federal practice, and effective brief writing.
Professor Nintcheff feels legal writing is the most important skill a lawyer will possess, citing the small percentage of cases that ultimately make it to trial. For her, writing is the primary method for communicating complex analytical reasoning, which results in better representation for clients.
Throughout her career, Professor Nintcheff has been able to lean on strong mentors who have assisted and guided her throughout her career. She intends to be that kind of resource for CSU|LAW students.
“Teaching allows me the great privilege to shape legal minds and serve as a mentor to an upcoming generation of lawyers,” said Professor Nintcheff. “The ability to pay it forward is incredibly rewarding.”
“I love the enthusiasm demonstrated by law students,” she continued. “It is exciting to witness new students learn to love the law and develop the skills that will allow them to have a tremendously positive impact on the community.”
Professor Nintcheff has volunteered as a weekly language arts and math tutor for underprivileged adults seeking to obtain a GED through Seeds of Literacy.