Vikram Amar: A Distinguished Career in Legal Academia and Jurisprudence
Vikram Amar is a prominent legal scholar and educator known for his contributions to constitutional law and his active role as a public commentator on contemporary legal issues. With a career spanning several decades, Amar has balanced rigorous academic research with practical legal experience and public outreach.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Amar's academic journey began at UC Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history. He later pursued legal studies at Yale Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1988. During his time at Yale, he demonstrated early leadership in legal writing as an articles editor for the Yale Law Journal.
Following his graduation, Amar gained critical experience through prestigious clerkships. He served as a clerk for Judge William Albert Norris of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and for Justice Harry Blackmun at the U.S. Supreme Court. These roles provided a high-level perspective on the American judicial system before he entered private practice at the Sacramento office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
Professional Trajectory in Legal Education
Vikram Amar transitioned into legal academia in 1993, joining the faculty at the UC Davis School of Law, also known as King Hall. His commitment to academic administration led him to serve as a professor and senior associate dean for academic affairs at the institution.
His career also included a tenure at the UC Hastings faculty starting in 1998, though he eventually returned to King Hall in 2007 to continue his work in legal education and scholarship.
Public Commentary and Legal Influence
Beyond the classroom, Amar is a recognized voice in legal discourse. He currently writes a biweekly column for justia.com and previously contributed a regular column to FindLaw's Writ. His expertise is frequently sought by national radio and television programs, where he serves as a commentator on pressing legal matters.
Collaborations and Constitutional Scholarship
Vikram Amar shares a close professional and familial bond with his older brother, Akhil Reed Amar, a law professor at Yale University. Interestingly, Vikram was a student at Yale Law School when Akhil began teaching there.
The brothers have collaborated on several influential legal theories and articles, most notably:
- The Amar Plan: A proposal for a National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
- Independent State Legislature Theory: Research arguing against the plausibility of this theory.
Their collaborative efforts extend to the highest courts; they submitted an amicus curiae brief (a "friend of the court" brief intended to provide additional information) to the Supreme Court of the United States. This brief concerned the disqualification of Donald Trump's presidential candidacy by the Colorado Supreme Court under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Key Facts
- Education: B.A. from UC Berkeley; J.D. from Yale Law School (1988).
- Clerkships: Served under Justice Harry Blackmun (U.S. Supreme Court) and Judge William Albert Norris (Ninth Circuit).
- Academic Roles: Professor and Senior Associate Dean at UC Davis School of Law (King Hall); former faculty member at UC Hastings.
- Public Writing: Biweekly columnist for justia.com.
- Notable Work: Co-developed the "Amar Plan" for a National Popular Vote.
| Period/Year | Institution/Role | Key Contribution/Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Yale Law School | Earned J.D. and served as Yale Law Journal editor |
| Post-Graduation | U.S. Supreme Court / Ninth Circuit | Judicial Clerkships |
| 1993 | UC Davis School of Law | Entered legal academia |
| 1998 | UC Hastings | Faculty Member |
| 2007 | UC Davis School of Law | Returned to King Hall |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Amar Plan"?
The Amar Plan is a proposal developed by Vikram and Akhil Amar for a National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, aimed at changing how U.S. presidential elections are decided.
Where did Vikram Amar earn his law degree?
Vikram Amar earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School in 1988.
What is Vikram Amar's relationship to Akhil Reed Amar?
Vikram Amar is the younger brother of Akhil Reed Amar, a law professor at Yale University. The two are frequent collaborators on legal scholarship.
Has Vikram Amar worked in private legal practice?
Yes, prior to his academic career, he worked in the Sacramento office of the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
What legal issues has Vikram Amar commented on recently?
He has provided commentary on contemporary legal issues via national media and submitted a brief to the Supreme Court regarding the Fourteenth Amendment and presidential candidacy disqualification.