By Barbara Lockard
Scott Douglas Gerber, law professor at Ohio Northern University, will discuss his latest novel, “The Art of The Law,” at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at the Ada Public Library.

Topic of the presentation will be, “Why a law professor writes fiction.”  The program is free and open to the public.

While in law school, Gerber read some novels by Attorney John Grisham (legal mysteries).  He liked the genre and thought he’d give novel writing a try.

“I feel I have a different perspective as a law professor than a trial lawyer might have,” said Gerber. 

His fourth novel, “The Art of The Law” was published in late 2018.  In all of his novels, Gerber wants readers to have a basic knowledge of the topic, but a desire to learn more.  

He, personally, learned a lot about the art world from a law school friend who had worked as an artist’s model.  The legal information in the novel involves wills and trusts, something Garber knows about from professional and personal experience.

“My novels aren’t non-fiction law books, they’re thrillers,” Gerber added.  The best compliment he ever had was from an expert in feminist legal theory.  

“I had asked her to write a few comments for the dust jacket of my novel, ‘The Law Clerk,’ that involved the law and pornography.  She give me some great blurbs for the dust jacket but added that not only did I get the legal theory right, she couldn’t stop turning the pages!”

Gerber’s teaching interests are American Legal History and Constitutional Law.  StateStats.org has named him one of the top law professors in Ohio.   

In addition to “The Art of The Law” and “The Law Clerk,” Gerber has written “Mr. Justice” and “The Ivory Tower.”  All are available on amazon.com.  Those attending the Feb. 24 presentation are encouraged to bring their copies of Gerber’s novels for a book signing.