Eric Mitnick

Eric Mitnick is a Professor at the UMass School of Law, where he has taught courses including Constitutional Law, Torts, and Administrative Law since joining in 2014. He served as Dean from 2016 to 2023, during which the law school achieved full ABA accreditation, doubled enrollment, and expanded joint degree programs. His academic affiliations include Princeton University (PhD, MA), University of Michigan Law School (JD), and Cornell University (BA).

Education

• BA in History and Government, Cornell University
• JD, University of Michigan Law School
• MA and PhD in Politics, Princeton University

Research Interests

Professor Mitnick's scholarship focuses on group-differentiated rights, procedural due process, and liberal theory, with interdisciplinary connections to multiculturalism, political philosophy, and sociolegal frameworks. His work explores tensions between individual liberty and collective identity in constitutional interpretation.

Scientific Awards & Recognition

• Excellence in Academia (Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association)
• St. Thomas More Ecumenical Award (Diocese of Fall River)
• President’s Leadership Award (Bristol County Bar Association)
• Top Attorney (San Diego Daily Transcript)
• Research Fellowships: Princeton University & Mellon Foundation

Grants & Leadership

As Dean, he secured over $75,000 annually in grants from the Executive Office of the Trial Court for initiatives like Justice Bridge Trial Court and Tenants’ Rights Clinics. Under his leadership, UMass Law established partnerships with institutions including Bridgewater State University, Limerick University, and the Truman Foundation.