Mark Fenster is a Professor of Law at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law and holds the Marshall M. Criser Eminent Scholar Chair in Electronic Communications and Administrative Law. His scholarship focuses on government transparency, legal intellectual history, and constitutional limits on regulation. Education: J.D. from Yale Law School Ph.D. in Communications Research from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.A. in Radio-Television-Film from University of Texas at Austin B.A. from University of Virginia Fenster teaches courses in Contracts, Statutory Interpretation, and Incarceration Law. His research explores transparency in governance, secrecy, and theories of legal and political accountability. Scientific Awards: Marshall M. Criser Eminent Scholar Chair His publications include two influential books: The Transparency Fix (2017) and Conspiracy Theories (2008). His recent articles examine non-disclosure agreements, transparency during crises, and the institutional design for open government. He previously clerked for Judge Carlos F. Lucero (Tenth Circuit) and practiced environmental and land use law in San Francisco.
Elizabeth Pollman is a Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Institute for Law & Economics at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She specializes in corporate law, governance, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on venture capital-backed startups and dual-class structures. Her work examines issues such as CEO turnover, ESG integration, and regulatory frameworks in corporate law. Her research has been published in top-tier journals including the Harvard Law Review, Columbia Law Review, and Duke Law Journal. She co-authored *Business Organizations: A Contemporary Approach* and co-edited *Research Handbook on Corporate Purpose and Personhood*. Pollman has received teaching awards, including the Harvey Levin Memorial Award (2022) and LLM Prize (2021 & 2024). Before joining Penn, she taught at Loyola Law School and held visiting roles at UC Berkeley and the University of Sydney. She practiced at Latham & Watkins and clerked for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She earned her BA and JD from Stanford University, both with distinction. Her current projects include analyzing governance dynamics in dual-class firms and exploring the historical and modern evolution of corporate purpose clauses. She co-directs the Institute for Law & Economics, which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law and economic analysis.
Reinier H. Kraakman is the Ezra Ripley Thayer Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, where he teaches corporate law, corporate finance, and organizational law. He previously served as a professor at Yale Law School and has held visiting positions at Georgetown University Law Center and New York University School of Law. His academic and policy work has influenced corporate governance reforms in countries such as Russia and Vietnam. Education: J.D., Yale Law School, 1979 Ph.D. in Sociology, Harvard University, 1973 B.A. in History and Science, Harvard College, 1971 Fulbright Fellowship, University of Frankfurt, 1971 His research focuses on corporate law, corporate governance, comparative corporate law, and the economic foundations of organizational law. Kraakman is renowned for identifying core agency problems in corporations—between managers and shareholders, controlling and minority shareholders, and shareholders and other stakeholders. His work emphasizes the functional and comparative analysis of legal institutions across jurisdictions. The recent publications of Professor Kraakman reflect a sustained focus on the intersection of law, economics, and institutional design. His articles and books analyze corporate governance structures, market efficiency, CEO turnover, and the historical evolution of business entities. He frequently collaborates with leading scholars such as Henry Hansmann, Lucian Bebchuk, and Ronald Gilson, producing influential interdisciplinary work that shapes both academic discourse and policy debates. Scientific Awards: Elected ECGI Research Associate (2006) Fulbright Fellowship (1971) Kraakman has advised on legal reforms and contributed to major amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court, particularly in cases involving corporate political speech and shareholder rights. His work on compliance, executive compensation, and board accountability has informed regulatory thinking globally. He is a key figure in the academic network promoting empirical and theoretical rigor in corporate law. He is a co-author of the seminal treatise The Anatomy of Corporate Law , now in its third edition, and has published extensively in top law journals including the Yale Law Journal , Georgetown Law Journal , and Harvard Law Review . His scholarship continues to be central to understanding the convergence and divergence of corporate legal systems worldwide.
Genevieve Lakier is a Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School and Senior Visiting Research Scholar at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. She holds a JD (cum laude) from New York University School of Law, an MA and PhD in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, and an AB in Anthropology from Princeton University. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor of Law (2015–2021) and Bigelow Teaching Fellow (2013–2015) at the University of Chicago Law School. Her research focuses on the evolving interpretation of the First Amendment , particularly how social media platforms challenge traditional free speech doctrine. She analyzes the role of legislatures in safeguarding speech values, the rise of anti-classificatory theories , and the tension between laissez-faire constitutionalism and state intervention in digital speech regulation. Recent publications include critiques of platform moderation in the Journal of Free Speech Law and analyses of the First Amendment's Lochner problem . Her work often addresses the intersection of constitutional history and modern tech policy, as seen in contributions to the Harvard Law Review and Yale Law Journal Forum . Scientific Awards: Harry W. Stonecipher Award (2021) Faculty Hooder Teaching Award (2022, 2023) Class Award (2022) She has collaborated with scholars like Evelyn Douek on studies of platform governance and informal government coercion . Her clerkships include Judge Leonard Sand (Southern District of New York) and Judge Martha Daughtrey (Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals).
Thomas B. Metzloff is a Professor of Law at Duke University School of Law, where he has been teaching since 1985. His academic roles include teaching Civil Procedure , Ethics in Action , and specialized courses on the American legal system for international LLM students in Geneva, Hong Kong, and Beijing. He served as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (1998–2001) and currently sits on Duke University's Academic Council executive committee. Education: BA from Yale College (1976), JD from Harvard Law School (1979) Professional Background: Judicial clerkships (5th Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Supreme Court), private practice in Atlanta, and academic leadership roles. Research Interests span empirical studies of the litigation system, particularly medical malpractice disputes, legal ethics, constitutional law, and dispute resolution. He directs the Voices of American Law project, creating documentaries through interviews with key stakeholders in landmark Supreme Court cases, focusing on constitutional values like the First Amendment and privacy rights. Publications include extensive work on medical malpractice, attorney dynamics, mediation, and arbitration. His 2008 empirical study on attorney experience and case outcomes and the 2007 analysis of court-ordered mediation are notable. He has also explored constitutional law in Virginia v. Barry Black (2008) and edited symposia on mandatory arbitration (2004). Professional Activities include advisory roles with the North Carolina State Bar Ethics Committee and the North Carolina Supreme Court's Dispute Resolution Committee. His research has been funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, particularly for studies on court-ordered mediation in medical malpractice cases.
Franklin Siegel is a Distinguished Lecturer at The City University of New York School of Law, teaching courses on Constitutional Law, Professional Responsibility, and Government Misconduct. He served as Director of the Part-Time Evening Program from 2016 to 2023 and has been a legal educator since 1996. His career spans extensive civil rights litigation, including landmark cases addressing police surveillance, First Amendment protections, and War Powers. He has represented plaintiffs in high-profile cases like Handschu v. Special Services Division and New York Civic Association of the Deaf v. Giuliani , advocating for civil liberties and disability rights. Education: B.A. from New York University, M.A. in Economics from The New School, J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, and LL.M. from Columbia Law School as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Research interests focus on constitutional law, civil liberties, and the intersection of law and social justice. His litigation work emphasizes government accountability, racial and disability rights, and international human rights. He has advised Congress on War Powers and collaborated with organizations like the Center for Constitutional Rights and the National Lawyers Guild. Franklin currently advises the Southeast Asian Defense Project of Mekong and has held leadership roles in legal advocacy groups. His career highlights include asset recovery efforts against authoritarian regimes and pioneering public interest law in Puerto Rico.
Jack Bernard is a Lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School and Associate General Counsel in the University of Michigan’s Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, where he has worked since 1999. He teaches at the Law School, School of Information, School of Education, Ford School of Public Policy, and Ross School of Business. Education: MA in Higher Education and JD from the University of Michigan. Bernard specializes in intellectual property, First Amendment, student rights, academic freedom, privacy, security, computing and cyber law, media rights, transactional work, and disability law. His work focuses on balancing legal frameworks with academic needs, particularly in digital rights and accessibility. He has received numerous accolades, including the L. Ray Patterson Copyright Award, the First Decade Award, and the Neubacher Award. His advocacy for open access and fair use in educational resources has significantly impacted U-M’s copyright initiatives. Leadership Roles: Chair of U-M’s Council for Disability Concerns; Board member of the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. As the lead copyright lawyer for the University of Michigan, Bernard successfully defended the establishment of HathiTrust and ensured accessibility for print-disabled individuals in the Google Book Search project. He continues to promote the Open Access movement and fair use analyses in educational resource development.
Maciej Turek is a Post-Doc researcher at the Faculty of International and Political Studies, Jagiellonian University, specializing in American political institutions, particularly the U.S. vice presidency, presidential elections, and campaign finance. His academic work bridges political science and constitutional law, with a focus on the evolution of political practices in the United States. His research interests include U.S. vice presidency , presidential elections , campaign finance regulation , electoral systems such as the Electoral College, party conventions , and political communication . He has conducted in-depth studies on the strategic selection of vice-presidential candidates, analyzing how short-term versus long-term criteria influence their effectiveness in office. The trends in his scholarly articles reflect a sustained focus on American electoral politics, particularly around pivotal elections (2008, 2012), constitutional mechanisms (presidential succession, Electoral College), and evolving campaign dynamics (Super PACs, media strategy, digital campaigning). His publications often combine historical analysis with contemporary political developments, offering both theoretical and practical insights. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his research has been supported by funding from Jagiellonian University under the SET project, co-financed by the European Union. This institutional backing highlights the recognition of his scholarly contributions. Turek has authored and co-authored several books and academic papers, demonstrating strong collaborative research skills, particularly with Paweł Laidler. Though no direct students are listed, his work contributes significantly to graduate and postgraduate education in political science. His research output suggests active mentorship and academic leadership within his field. He has contributed to understanding the role of new media in political campaigns, as seen in his analysis of Obama’s 2008 'Houdini' project, and has critically examined the relevance of traditional institutions like national party conventions in modern politics.
Dr. Vincent Phillip Muñoz is the Tocqueville Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame, where he also serves as Founding Director of the Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government. His research focuses on constitutional law, American politics, and political philosophy, particularly regarding religious liberty and the American Founding. He holds a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College, M.A. from Boston College, and Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School. Education: B.A. Claremont McKenna College; M.A. Boston College; Ph.D. Claremont Graduate School His scholarship explores foundational questions about religious freedom, church-state relations, and constitutional interpretation. Key works include God and the Founders: Madison, Washington, and Jefferson (2009) and Religious Liberty and the American Founding (2022). His research has been cited in landmark Supreme Court cases like Fulton v. City of Philadelphia and Esipnoza v. Montana . He has secured over $20 million in grants/funding for the Center, edited leading constitutional law casebooks, and is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from Madison's political thought to modern Supreme Court jurisprudence. Awards: Hubert Morken Award (2009-2010), NEH Fellowship (2022) His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on fostering critical engagement with constitutional principles. He advises students on historical and legal methodologies, including former advisee Kate Hardiman Rhodes. Current initiatives include exploring the modern Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of religious establishments and advancing interdisciplinary dialogue on citizenship education through the Center’s programs.
G. Edward White is the John B. Minor Professor of Law and Professor of History at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he has taught since 1972. Holding joint appointments in law and history, he is one of the nation’s leading scholars of American legal history, constitutional law, and torts. Education B.A., Amherst College, 1963 M.A., Yale University, 1964 Ph.D., Yale University, 1967 J.D., Harvard Law School, 1970 Research Interests White’s scholarship integrates doctrinal analysis with rich historical narrative, focusing on the evolution of American legal thought from the Founding to the present. His work interrogates how landmark Supreme Court decisions, tort doctrines, and constitutional principles have both reflected and shaped broader intellectual and cultural currents. He has produced foundational studies on the Marshall Court, the Warren Court, and the intellectual history of tort law. Recent projects explore the Suspension Clause and habeas corpus in wartime, the constitutionalization of tort liability under the First Amendment, and the historical development of dignitary torts. He frequently employs biographical approaches, examining the jurisprudential legacies of figures such as Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Earl Warren, and Learned Hand. Scholarly Output Over five decades, White has authored more than a dozen major monographs—including Law in American History (2012), Tort Law in America (1980, rev. 2003), and The American Judicial Tradition (1976, rev. 2007)—and scores of influential articles. His recent publications (2015–2019) evidence sustained attention to habeas corpus, the historical emergence of tort law, and the interplay between constitutional doctrine and intangible harm, demonstrating both continuity and innovation in his research agenda. Honors and Fellowships John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship (1984–85) National Endowment for the Humanities Senior Fellowship (1977–78, 1983–84) American Bar Association Gavel Award (1979, 1981, 1983) David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law (1986) Advising & Institutional Service White has directed numerous doctoral dissertations and served on editorial boards for leading journals. His leadership roles include participation in the American Society for Legal History and the American Bar Foundation, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between law and history. Laboratories & Research Groups While not laboratory-based, White’s intellectual home is the University of Virginia’s Program in Legal History, where he mentors graduate students and collaborates with colleagues in both the School of Law and the Corcoran Department of History.
Renita Coleman is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's School of Journalism and Media, where she has taught since 2005 after achieving tenure in 2009. With expertise in agenda-setting theory, visual communication, and media ethics, she has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and two influential books: 'Designing Experiments for the Social Sciences' (2018) and 'The Moral Media' (2005). Her research examines how visual elements shape ethical reasoning and public perception in news media. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Journalism, University of Missouri (2001) M.A. in Journalism, University of Missouri (1997) B.S. in Journalism, University of Florida (1979) Coleman's research program centers on the intersection of visual communication and moral decision-making in journalism. She investigates how photographs influence ethical reasoning among journalists, the framing of health news through visual elements, and racial dynamics in journalistic ethics. Her work employs experimental methods to analyze affective agenda-setting, where emotional responses to visual stimuli shape public priorities. This approach bridges communication theory with practical journalism ethics. Recent publications reveal intensifying focus on polarization mechanisms, climate change communication, and fact-checking efficacy. Coleman's scholarship increasingly examines how adaptive framing strategies overcome audience resistance, particularly regarding scientific consensus issues. Her methodological rigor in experimental design provides robust evidence for how visual and emotional elements drive media effects beyond traditional textual analysis. Professor Coleman has received extensive recognition for scholarly excellence: Multiple AEJMC top paper awards across divisions (2002-2014) Teacher of the Year at LSU (2002-2004) Ranked #1 for AEJMC convention productivity (1999-2008) She teaches doctoral seminars in qualitative methods and experimental design while mentoring graduate students in visual communication and ethics research. As associate editor of Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, she shapes scholarly discourse in the field. Though specific grant funding isn't detailed in available materials, her sustained publication record demonstrates consistent research activity. Coleman's background as a 15-year newspaper professional (including roles at the Raleigh News & Observer and Orlando Sentinel) informs her applied research perspective.
Craig Barkacs is a Professor of Business Law at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business. He holds a JD/MBA from USD and a BA in Philosophy from Kenyon College. His career spans legal practice, academia, and business consulting, with a focus on negotiation, ethics, and corporate social responsibility. Education: JD/MBA (University of San Diego), BA in Philosophy (Kenyon College) Research interests include business ethics, workplace discrimination, international business law, and the psychology of power in negotiations. He actively contributes to media commentary on legal, ethical, and political issues, and co-founded The Barkacs Group, a consulting firm specializing in negotiation and ethics training for corporations. His media engagements include analyses on privacy laws, pregnancy discrimination, and corporate political alignment. He teaches in USD's study abroad programs and graduate business courses, blending practical industry insights with academic rigor.
John C. Watson is a tenured Associate Professor in the Journalism Division at American University's School of Communication . He combines 21 years of professional journalism with academic credentials including a Ph.D. in Mass Communication (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) and a J.D. (Rutgers School of Law - Newark). Ph.D. in Mass Communication, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill J.D. , Rutgers School of Law - Newark B.A. in Journalism, Rutgers University - New Brunswick His research focuses on media law , journalism ethics , and the legal frameworks shaping journalism . He advocates for professionalization and licensing of journalists to distinguish them from other content creators. Publications include a 2008 book, Journalism Ethics By Court Decree , and articles in law reviews and journals analyzing cases like New York Times v. Sullivan . Recent work explores newsroom diversity and justice system coverage . His scholarly output spans topics such as defamation , high-profile trials , libel tourism , and confidential sources , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with constitutional law and ethical journalism . He received the Freedom Forum Ph.D. Fellowship (1996) . Watson teaches Communication Law (undergraduate and graduate) and has presented at the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (2008). He is currently working on a book titled Emissary: The Roles and Missions of Journalists of Color in Post-Racial America .
Lauren Fielder is Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs at the University of Texas School of Law, overseeing the LL.M. program and international partnerships. She holds a visiting associate professorship at Brooklyn Law School and the University of Lucerne. Her academic background includes a J.D. from the University of Tulsa, LL.M. from UT Austin, and Ph.D. from the University of Lucerne focusing on African constitutional law internationalization. Professor Fielder specializes in transnational law, comparative constitutional law, international human rights, and art/cultural property law. She has taught courses on African law, family law, and art law across multiple institutions. Her research emphasizes legal empowerment, nationalism's impact on human rights, and transnational legal processes. Her publications explore topics like Brexit's human rights implications, religion's role in legal systems, and transnational legal frameworks. She actively contributes to global legal discourse through speaking engagements and academic collaborations. Fielder directs the Institute for Transnational Law, coordinates international programs, and serves leadership roles in the AALS Sections on International Legal Exchange and North American Cooperation.
Eduardo Gill-Pedro is an Assistant Professor at Lund University's Department of Law, where he serves as an Associate Senior Lecturer in Law and AI. His work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, corporate law, and human rights within the European legal framework. Education: LL.B from the University of Essex LL.M from Stockholm University LL.D from Lund University Dr. Gill-Pedro's research centers on the role of companies in AI governance, particularly examining how artificial persons (corporations) influence the development of AI entities and how these interactions affect legal order and human control. His work bridges EU law, technology governance, and human rights, with special attention to constitutional identity and democratic practice in the digital age. He has made significant contributions to understanding corporate rights within European legal frameworks. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward examining the legal implications of AI systems, particularly focusing on corporate responsibility, democratic practice, and human rights in technological contexts. Gill-Pedro's work increasingly addresses real-world applications of AI governance, as evidenced by his 2025 reference statement on police use of AI for facial recognition. Scientific Awards: René Cassin Thesis Prize 2017 for his doctoral thesis "EU Law, Fundamental Rights and National Democracy" Oscar II award (2017) Dr. Gill-Pedro has directed courses including Internal Market Law, Methodology and Argumentation, and Enforcement of EU Law. He has served as a principal investigator for multiple research projects, including "The Company as a European Supercitizen?" which examined corporate human rights in European law. His research has been supported by various grants, including the Ragnar Söderberg Senior Research Fellowship. He leads research initiatives examining the governance of artificial intelligence and has participated in advanced study groups at the Pufendorf IAS. His current work focuses on the role of companies in AI governance and the fundamental rights of corporate entities within European legal frameworks.
