John Heilman

John Heilman is a Professor of Law at Southwestern Law School, where he has taught since 2012. He holds a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, J.D. from the University of Southern California (USC), and advanced degrees in Public Administration (M.P.A.) and Real Estate Development (M.R.E.D.) from USC. His teaching focuses on criminal law, evidence, local government law, and sexual orientation/gender identity law, including establishing Southwestern’s Summer Program on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and co-founding the Eviction Defense Clinic.

Professor Heilman is a prominent civic leader, serving as Mayor of West Hollywood (eight terms) and City Council member (1984–2020, re-elected in 2022). He played a pivotal role in crafting landmark ordinances for rent stabilization and anti-discrimination protections for HIV/AIDS patients. He sits on the boards of Outright International (LGBTQI advocacy) and the Jacaranda Foundation (supporting Malawi’s HIV/AIDS orphaned children).

Recipient of multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards (2013–2017, 2024), he emphasizes policy analysis, factual depth, and coherent legal argumentation in his pedagogy. His research interests intersect law, public policy, and LGBTQ+ rights.