Hamburger's Academic and Legal Career
The professional trajectory of Hamburger is marked by a distinguished transition from private legal practice to high-level academic leadership. With a foundation in both history and law, Hamburger has held prestigious professorships at some of the most renowned legal institutions in the United States.
Educational Foundation
Hamburger's academic journey began at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in history in 1979. He furthered his specialization by attending Yale Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor (a professional degree required to practice law) in 1982.
Early Professional Experience and Faculty Appointments
Immediately following law school, Hamburger entered the private sector as an associate at the Philadelphia-based law firm of Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis, serving from 1982 to 1985. This practical experience paved the way for a transition into legal academia.
From 1985 to 1988, he served as an associate professor at the University of Connecticut Law School, eventually rising to the rank of full professor, a role he maintained until 1992. During this period, he also expanded his reach through visiting professorships, including a tenure at the University of Virginia Law School in the fall of 1986.
Tenure at George Washington University
In 1992, Hamburger joined George Washington University (GWU) as a Professor of Law and Legal History. He remained in this capacity until 1995, at which point he was appointed the Oswald Symister Colclough Research Professor of Law, a position he held until 2000. His time at GWU also included a stint at the George Washington University National Law Center from 1991 to 1992.
Advanced Academic Leadership
As his reputation grew, Hamburger held several distinguished visiting roles, including the Jack N. Pritzker Distinguished Visiting Professor at Northwestern University Law School in the fall of 1999 and a visiting professorship at the University of Chicago Law School in the winter of 2000.
In 2000, he officially joined the University of Chicago Law School as the John P. Wilson Professor. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as the director of both the Legal History Program and the Bigelow Program until 2005. In 2006, he transitioned to Columbia University Law School, where he became the Maurice and Hilda Friedman Professor of Law.
Key Facts
- Education: BA in History from Princeton (1979) and JD from Yale (1982).
- Private Practice: Associate at Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis (1982–1985).
- Major Appointments: Held professorships at University of Connecticut, GWU, University of Chicago, and Columbia University.
- Leadership: Directed the Bigelow Program and the Legal History Program at the University of Chicago.
| Period | Institution/Firm | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1982–1985 | Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis | Associate |
| 1985–1992 | University of Connecticut Law School | Associate to Full Professor |
| 1992–2000 | George Washington University | Professor of Law and Legal History / Research Professor |
| 2000–2005 | University of Chicago Law School | John P. Wilson Professor / Program Director |
| 2006–Present | Columbia University Law School | Maurice and Hilda Friedman Professor of Law |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Hamburger receive his legal education?
Hamburger earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1982.
What was Hamburger's first role after law school?
He worked as an associate at the Philadelphia law firm of Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis from 1982 to 1985.
Which programs did Hamburger direct at the University of Chicago?
He served as the director of the Bigelow Program and the Legal History Program.
What is Hamburger's current or most recent academic title?
He became the Maurice and Hilda Friedman Professor of Law at Columbia University Law School in 2006.
Did Hamburger hold any visiting professorships?
Yes, he was a visiting professor at the University of Virginia Law School, the George Washington University National Law Center, Northwestern University Law School, and the University of Chicago Law School.