Marcilynn A. Burke

Marcilynn A. Burke serves as Dean and Mitchell Franklin Professor of Law at Tulane University Law School. She previously held leadership roles as Dean at University of Oregon School of Law and Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior under President Obama. Her academic background includes a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. in International Studies from UNC Chapel Hill.

Education:

• A.B., International Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Phi Beta Kappa member)
• J.D., Yale Law School (Editor of Yale Journal of International Law and Yale Journal of Law and Feminism)

Research focuses on property law, land use, environmental regulation, and natural resources policy with emphasis on federal public lands, energy development, and regulatory frameworks. Her scholarship critiques ballot-box environmental policymaking and explores tensions between economic needs and ecological preservation.

Professional Contributions:

• Chair of Law School Admission Council Board of Trustees
• Active member in American Association of Law Schools and American Bar Association
• Former visiting professor at Rutgers Law School and adjunct roles at University of Houston

Leadership highlights include reforming BLM land use policies and advancing DEI initiatives through board roles. Recognized for mentorship with student-awarded 'Professor of the Year' distinction.