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.
- We invite you to share condolences for John Jay Osborn Jr. in our Guest Book.
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.
Full obituary: The Washington Post
