Pepperdine Law Notable People: Deans, Faculty, and Distinguished Alumni
Pepperdine University School of Law has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, fostering a community of legal scholars, practitioners, and public servants. From the leadership of its deans to the expertise of its faculty and the achievements of its graduates, the institution has played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape across the United States and beyond.
Key Facts
- Leadership: The school has been led by seven deans since 1970, with Paul L. Caron serving as the current dean.
- Faculty Expertise: The faculty includes former White House Counsel, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, and distinguished judges.
- Elite Visiting Scholars: The institution has hosted Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, including Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia.
- Diverse Alumni Success: Graduates have ascended to roles as U.S. District Judges, State Governors, Attorneys General, and CEOs.
Academic Leadership: The Deans of Pepperdine Law
The strategic direction of the law school has been guided by a series of dedicated deans. These leaders have overseen the growth of the curriculum and the expansion of the school's influence in legal education.
| Dean | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Ronald F. Phillips | 1970–1997 |
| Richardson R. Lynn | 1997–2003 |
| Charles Nelson | 2003–2004 |
| Ken Starr | 2004–2010 |
| Thomas G. Bost | 2010–2011 |
| Deanell Reece Tacha | 2011–2017 |
| Paul L. Caron | 2017–Present |
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Distinguished Faculty and Visiting Scholars
The intellectual rigor of Pepperdine Law is driven by its faculty, which blends academic theory with high-level practical experience. The school employs experts in fields ranging from real estate law to conflict resolution.
Permanent Faculty Highlights
- Nancy D. Erbe: A Professor of Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding who has received five Fulbright honors.
- Amb. Douglas Kmiec: Former Ambassador to Malta and former White House Counsel to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
- Edward Larson: A Pulitzer Prize–winning author.
- Ken Starr: Former U.S. Solicitor General and D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge.
- Deanell Reece Tacha: Retired Chief Judge of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Ben Stein: Lawyer, writer, and commentator who served on the faculty from 1990 to 1997.
Visiting Faculty
Pepperdine Law frequently hosts some of the most influential legal minds in the country as visiting faculty, providing students with unparalleled insights into constitutional law and justice.
- Samuel Alito: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
- Antonin Scalia: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
- Akhil Amar: Yale Law School professor and expert in constitutional law.
- Bob Goff: Humanitarian and New York Times bestselling author.
- Gary Haugen: CEO of the International Justice Mission.
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Notable Alumni and Their Impact
The success of Pepperdine Law is most evident in the diverse careers of its alumni. Graduates have excelled not only in the courtroom but also in politics, business, and the arts.
Judiciary and Government
Many alumni have reached the highest levels of the American judicial system and government. Notable figures include Jeffrey S. Boyd (Justice of the Texas Supreme Court), André Birotte Jr. and Beverly Reid O'Connell (U.S. District Judges), and Charles Rettig, who served as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (head of the IRS) from 2018 to 2022.
In the political arena, alumni include former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, and various members of Congress and state legislatures, such as Wiley Nickel and Todd Russell Platts.
Business, Media, and the Arts
The school's influence extends beyond law. C. David Baker serves as the President & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Rick J. Caruso is the CEO of Caruso Affiliated. In the arts, alumni include actress April Haney and Meredith Salenger, who also holds a Straus Institute Certificate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Dean of Pepperdine Law?
The current dean is Paul L. Caron, who has held the position since 2017.
Have any Supreme Court Justices taught at Pepperdine Law?
Yes, both Associate Justice Samuel Alito and the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia have served as visiting faculty.
What is the Straus Institute Certificate?
The Straus Institute Certificate is a specialized credential in mediation and conflict resolution, held by notable alumni such as Faith Ireland and Meredith Salenger.
Which alumni have served in high-ranking federal government roles?
Notable alumni include Charles Rettig (former Commissioner of Internal Revenue), Edward C. Hugler (Acting Secretary of Labor), and Pierre-Richard Prosper (former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues).
Are there any Pulitzer Prize winners associated with the faculty?
Yes, Edward Larson is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author who has served as a member of the faculty.