Deborah Kay Burand

Deborah Kay Burand is a Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Grunin Center for Law and Social Entrepreneurship at New York University School of Law. Her work focuses on impact investing, social finance innovation, and clinical legal education. She has held leadership roles in institutions such as the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (2010-2011) and co-founded the International Transactions Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School (2008).

Education:
- JD/MSFS (Law/International Business and Development), Georgetown University (1985, with honors)
- BA, DePauw University (1980, cum laude)

Research Interests:
Her interdisciplinary work bridges law, finance, and social entrepreneurship. Key areas include:
- Designing legal frameworks for social impact bonds
- Innovations in microfranchising and base-of-the-pyramid business models
- Ethical considerations in impact investment fund structures

Recognition:
- Received the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award from NYU Law
- Named a Higher Education Ambassador Fellow by the Council on Foreign Relations (2024-2025)
- Honored with the 2021 Excellence in Sustainable Finance Education Award (Financial Times)

Clinical Leadership:
Directs the International Transactions Clinic, training students in real-world negotiations involving cross-border transactions and impact investments. Courses include Launching and Managing an Impact Investment Fund Simulation and Negotiating Impact Investment Transactions.