Alison Leland

Alison Leland serves as a Lecturer in the Honors College at the University of Houston, where she directs the Honors Pre-Law and Public Service program. She oversees the 3+3 Undergraduate/Law Dual-Degree Program enabling exceptional Honors students to transition to the UH Law Center after junior year, and leads the Smithsonian Internship Program providing federal internship opportunities.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to joining the university in 2004, she spent 16 years in Wall Street investment banking, bringing significant professional experience to her academic role.

Leland's work focuses on political science, law, and public service with emphasis on criminal justice reform. Her board membership with Texas Defenders Service demonstrates commitment to indigent death row representation, while involvement with the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship Foundation reflects dedication to international educational exchange.

Through the 3+3 program and Smithsonian Internship, she mentors students pursuing legal and public service careers. Her background bridges finance, law, and academia, creating unique pathways for students in pre-law and public service fields.