Erika Lietzan

Erika Lietzan is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at the University of Missouri School of Law, where she also holds the titles of William H. Pittman Professor of Law and Timothy J. Heinsz Professor of Law. A nationally recognized scholar in FDA law, administrative law, health law, and intellectual property, she brings over eighteen years of private practice experience to her academic work, including eight years as a partner at Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C.

Education:

• BA with honors, University of North Carolina (1990)
• MA, University of California (1992)
• JD cum laude, Duke Law School (1995)

Research Interests: Professor Lietzan’s scholarship is deeply rooted in the intersection of law and public health regulation. Her work explores how administrative agencies like the FDA exercise authority over pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and emerging technologies. She has written extensively on the history and design of user fee programs, the evolution of generic drug substitution policies, and the regulatory pathways for cannabis-derived products. Her research also delves into the sociocultural dimensions of access to unapproved medicines and the implications of intellectual property strategies in the pharmaceutical industry.

Recent Scholarship Trends: Over the past five years, her publications have increasingly focused on the structure and accountability of administrative processes, particularly petitioning mechanisms within the FDA. She has also contributed to debates on patent policy and so-called "evergreening" in the drug industry, advocating for data-driven analysis in policy discourse. Her work often bridges doctrinal legal analysis with empirical and historical methods.

Awards & Honors:

• Consistently recognized as a Best Lawyer in America in FDA Law (since 2013)
• Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America in Biotechnology Law (since 2007)
• Elected member of the American Law Institute (since 2006)
• Public member of the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), serving on its Committee on Regulation

Professional Leadership: Professor Lietzan has held multiple leadership roles at the Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) since 2004, including service on its Board of Directors from 2008 to 2012. Her advisory work includes consulting for the Administrative Conference of the United States on user fee design and regulatory reform.