Joshua D. Rosenberg

Professor Joshua D. Rosenberg is a full-time faculty member at the University of San Francisco School of Law, specializing in tax law and the psychology of lawyers and legal systems. He holds academic appointments in taxation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and legal education. Rosenberg is a co-author of leading tax treatises and casebooks, including Practical Guide to Corporate Taxation and Fundamentals of Partnership Taxation.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Case Western Reserve University
• Educational Doctorate (Ed.D), University of San Francisco
• Juris Doctor (JD), New York University
• Master of Laws (LLM), New York University

Research Interests: Rosenberg’s work bridges tax law and behavioral science, exploring how human psychology influences tax compliance and legal decision-making. He has pioneered courses on negotiation, mediation, and emotional intelligence for lawyers. His ADR research has shaped court programs in California and federal systems, emphasizing mediation’s role in reducing litigation costs and improving dispute resolution outcomes.

Publications: His articles span topics like free speech law, tax policy design, and ADR effectiveness. Notable contributions include analyzing the psychological barriers to tax compliance and advocating for empathy-driven legal education. His work often combines empirical research with practical policy recommendations.

Awards:

• Three-time recipient of the Distinguished Professor Award at USF School of Law (1983, 1984, 1986)

Consulting & Professional Service: Rosenberg has advised U.S. senators, the Senate Finance Committee, and California Franchise Tax Board on tax legislation. He served as an ADR advisor to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the California Judicial Council. His roles include faculty member at the California Judicial Education and Research Institute and mediator/arbitrator on panels with the American Arbitration Association.

Labs & Initiatives: Developed early ADR clinics and communication skills programs at USF Law. Collaborated with the Judicial Council to establish court-mediated dispute resolution systems, emphasizing accessibility and efficiency.