David S. Abrams

David S. Abrams is the William B. and Mary Barb Johnson Professor of Law and Economics, and Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. He holds dual affiliations with the University of Pennsylvania Law School and The Wharton School. His research focuses on empirical law and economics, exploring how legal frameworks influence individual behavior in areas such as intellectual property, criminal justice, and corporate finance. His work challenges conventional theories, such as redefining patent value measurement using natural language processing and critiquing assumptions about patent citations and innovation.

Key research interests include the impact of legal policies on innovation (e.g., America Invents Act analysis), criminal justice outcomes (e.g., sentencing deterrence, racial disparities in policing), and the economic dimensions of legal institutions. His publications span top journals like the Stanford Law Review, University of Chicago Law Review, and American Economic Journal: Applied Economics.

Recent work examines systemic racial disparities in policing (e.g., Chicago PD stop-and-frisk data analysis), the value of freedom in legal decisions (Philadelphia Bail Experiment), and the role of third-party litigation funding. His research often intersects with public policy, offering data-driven insights into legal reforms.

Notable collaborations include studies on attorney skill’s impact on case outcomes and the deterrent effect of incarceration. He has advised policymakers on topics like noncompete agreements and criminal sentencing, appearing in media outlets for expert commentary on legal and economic issues.