Michael Epstein

Michael Epstein is a Professor of Law at Southwestern Law School, where he teaches courses in business, entertainment, and media law. He holds a B.A. in English and History from Columbia College (1983), a J.D. from Columbia University (1987), and an M.A. (1992) and Ph.D. (1998) in American Culture from the University of Michigan. Prior to academia, he practiced corporate and media law at firms like Dewey Ballantine and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan. His research focuses on media regulation, intellectual property, and the intersection of law with popular culture. Epstein created and supervises Southwestern's Amicus Project Practicum and advises the Media Law Forum and Entertainment and Sports Law Society. He is also the Supervising Editor of the Journal of International Media and Entertainment Law.

Epstein’s scholarly work includes his textbook Mass Media Law: A Survey of Content and Culture (2014–2017 editions), analyzing media law frameworks and cultural impacts. He has published extensively on topics like digital broadcasting, copyright, and media consolidation. His interdisciplinary approach bridges legal theory with media studies, often critiquing legal portrayals in film and television. Epstein has conducted international workshops on media law, including U.S. State Department-funded projects in Sierra Leone addressing fake news and disinformation.

Epstein’s teaching emphasizes experiential learning through externships and practicums. He has advised students on entertainment law placements and integrates real-world legal challenges into his curriculum. Beyond academia, he has contributed op-eds on media ethics and participated in global forums on privacy and government transparency.