About
Robert J. Reinstein is a Professor of Law at Temple Law School, Temple University, where he has served for nearly 50 years since joining the faculty in 1969. He previously held the roles of Dean of Temple Law School (1989–2008) and Vice President of Temple University, where he played a transformative role in academic, administrative, and global development. His leadership significantly expanded the law school’s endowment, faculty, scholarship programs, and international presence, including the establishment of Temple’s accredited campus in Japan and study programs in Rome, Athens, and Beijing.
Reinstein earned his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School and a B.S. from Cornell University. He clerked for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and served in prominent legal roles with the NAACP and the U.S. Department of Justice before entering academia.
His research focuses on constitutional law, executive power, federalism, and legal history. His scholarship, particularly on the Necessary and Proper Clause and presidential recognition power, has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. His recent publications reflect deep engagement with originalism, separation of powers, and the historical foundations of American constitutionalism. The articles demonstrate a consistent focus on foundational constitutional doctrines, the evolution of executive authority, and the interplay between law and international affairs.
- Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award (2008)
- National Friendship Award from the Prime Minister of China (2002)
- Temple Law Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
- Global Temple Award (2010)
- Whitney Young, Jr. Leadership Award (1996)
- Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree (1993)
- Emil Gumpert Award for Teaching Trial Advocacy (1990, 2002)
Reinstein has advised numerous students and contributed extensively to legal education reform. He led major fundraising initiatives that brought over $100 million in gifts and grants to Temple Law, supported the creation of more than 70 endowed scholarships, and established innovative programs such as the Master’s in Transnational Law and the Master of Laws for Chinese students in Beijing. He also served pro bono as Vice President of the Juvenile Law Center, reflecting his commitment to public service.
Throughout his tenure, Reinstein oversaw the modernization of Temple Law’s facilities, including the development of smart classrooms, a computerized law library, and administrative upgrades. He strengthened the school’s national reputation, with Temple Law consistently ranking among the top schools for trial advocacy and maintaining job placement rates above 90%.
