Distinguished Legal Faculty Members
American Law Institute (ALI) Membership
The American Law Institute (ALI) is a premier U.S. organization dedicated to refining and advancing the law. Comprised of esteemed legal professionals including notable judges, attorneys and law professors, ALI recognizes the best in legal scholarship. We are proud that several of our faculty members have been elected to ALI, a testament to their profound contributions and expertise in the legal field.
Celebrating Teaching Excellence
Thorsnes Prize in Teaching
The Thorsnes Prize for Excellence in Teaching is a prestigious honor presented to a full-time faculty member as chosen by a vote of upper-division students. Established by USD School of Law alumnus Michael T. Thorsnes ‘68 (JD) and his wife, the prize recognizes a faculty member for extraordinary effectiveness in assisting students, both inside and outside the classroom, with mastering legal subject matter, thinking deeply about legal issues, and significantly improving their analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
| 2024-25 | Kimberly Gosling, Professor of Practice |
| 2023-24 | Miranda McGowan, Professor of Law |
| 2022-23 | Roy Brooks, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law Mila Sohoni, Associate Dean of Faculty and Herzog Research Professor Law |
| 2021-22 | Gail Greene, Professor of Legal Writing |
| 2020-21 | Dov Fox, Herzog Endowed Scholar and Professor of Law |
| 2019-20 | Mary Jo Wiggins, Professor of Law |
| 2018-19 | Jordan Barry, Professor of Law Roy Brooks, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law |
| 2017-18 | Mila Sohoni, Associate Dean of Faculty and Herzog Research Professor of Law |
| 2016-17 | Michael Devitt, Professor of Law |
| 2015-16 | Walter Heiser, Professor of Law |
| 2014-15 | Miranda Fleischer, Richard and Kaye Woltman Professor in Finance |
| 2013-14 | Jean Ramirez, Professor of Law |
| 2012-13 | Frank Partnoy, George E. Barrett Professor of Law and Finance |
| 2011-12 | Junichi Semitsu |
| 2009-10 | Larry Alexander, Professor of Law |
| 2008-09 | Frank Partnoy, George E. Barrett Professor of Law and Finance |
| 2007-08 | Kris Panikowski |
| 2006-07 | Steve Hartwell |
| 2005-06 | Shaun Martin, Professor of Law |
| 2004-05 | Walter Heiser, Professor of Law |
| 2003-04 | Larry Solum |
| 2002-03 | Roy Brooks, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law |
| 2001-02 | Larry Alexander, Professor of Law |
| 2000-01 | Thomas A. Smith, Professor of Law |
| 1999-00 | Maimon Schwarzschild, Professor of Law |
| 1998-99 | Shaun Martin Frank Partnoy, George E. Barrett Professor of Law and Finance |
| 1997-98 | Michael D. Ramsey, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law |
| 1996-97 | Walter W. Heiser |
| 1995-96 | Cynthia Lee Charles B. Wiggins |
Honoring Trailblazers
Bernard E. Witkin Award for Excellence in Legal Education
Since 1995, the Witkin Awards have celebrated outstanding members of San Diego's legal community for making transformative contributions to law practice, legal education and advocacy. Named in honor of Bernard E. Witkin, a renowned lawyer and former Clerk for the California Supreme Court, this award shines a spotlight on individuals who exemplify civic leadership and dedication to the legal realm. Several USD School of Law faculty are among the roster of esteemed recipients, reflecting our profound influence and commitment to shaping the future of law. These accomplished individuals have demonstrated exemplary dedication to legal education, leaving a lasting impact on the legal community.
Distinctions at USD School of Law
Faculty Endowed Professorships and Chairs
Endowed Professorships and Chairs at the USD School of Law are instrumental in recognizing and retaining world-class faculty. These esteemed designations not only celebrate individual brilliance, but also bolster our institution's reputation. By establishing more of these positions, we aspire to attract preeminent legal scholars, ensuring student access to top-tier legal education and positioning the USD School of Law among the nation's premier legal institutions.
- Annsley and George Strong Professor-in-Residence for Trial Advocacy
- Class of 1975 Endowed Professor
- Don Weckstein Professorship in Labor and Employment Law
- Fellmeth-Peterson Faculty Chair in Child Rights
- Herzog Endowed Scholars
- Herzog Research Professor
- Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation Fellow in Constitutional Originalism
- Lyle L. Jones Professorship in Competition and Innovation Law
- Price Chair / Professor in Public Interest Law
- Richard S. Shaw Endowed Professorship in Tax Law
- Richard and Kay Woltman Professor of Finance
- Stanley Legro Visiting Professor in Environmental Law
- Warren Distinguished Professor of Law
- University Professorship
Contact Us
To learn more, please reach out to the Office of Communications by emailing lawpub@sandiego.edu.