John Jay Osborn Jr. obit

John Jay Osborn Jr. (1945–2022), “The Paper Chase” author 

He was not on the list.

John Jay Osborn Jr. was a lawyer and author who wrote the best-selling novel “The Paper Chase.”

Died: October 19, 2022 (Who else died on October 19?)

Details of death: Died at his home in San Francisco of squamous cell cancer at the age of 77.

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A story of law school

Osborn was in his third and final year at Harvard Law School when he wrote “The Paper Chase.” He conceived it as an alternative to the typical third-year writing project undertaken by law students, and it was overseen by an advisor from the English department. Telling a story of a law school student who becomes fascinated with contract law, the 1971 book became a best-seller and was adapted into a popular movie and TV series – and reading it became a common rite of passage for prospective law students. Osborn wrote other novels including “The Only Thing I’ve Done Wrong,” “The Associates,” and “Listen to the Marriage,” and he wrote several episodes of the TV adaptation of “The Paper Chase” as well as episodes of “L.A. Law” and “Spenser: For Hire.” In addition to his writing career, Osborn practiced and taught contract law.

Notable quote

“Through my questions, you will learn to teach yourselves.” —from “The Paper Chase”

Tributes to John Jay Osborn Jr.

Farewell to a dear friend and mentor, John Jay Osborn. John’s novels (especially The Paper Chase) are unforgettable and beloved. @Harvard @Harvard_Law pic.twitter.com/ZU5IO9zlrI

— Christopher Michel (@chrismichel) October 25, 2022

Writer

The River Why (2010)

The River Why

5.5

screenplay

2010

 

Avery Brooks and Robert Urich in Spenser: For Hire (1985)

Spenser: For Hire

7.3

TV Series

writer

1988

1 episode

 

L.A. Law (1986)

L.A. Law

7.1

TV Series

written by

1987

1 episode

 

The Paper Chase (1973)

The Paper Chase

8.1

TV Series

based on the novel by

written by

novel ...

1978–1986

58 episodes

 

The Associates (1979)

The Associates

7.8

TV Series

based on the book by

1979–1980

13 episodes

 

The Paper Chase (1973)

The Paper Chase

7.2

novel

1973

 

Additional Crew

The Paper Chase (1973)

The Paper Chase

8.1

TV Series

program consultant

program advisor

1978–1986

49 episodes

 

The Paper Chase (1973)

The Paper Chase

7.2

technical advisor

1973