The path to becoming a law professor wasn’t a straight one for Lori Ringhand ’97, a nationally known U.S. Supreme Court scholar.
“I was one of those oddball students who loved law school, so I always knew I wanted to find my way back at some point but didn’t really know what that would look like,” said Ringhand, J. Alton Hosch professor of law and Josiah Meigs distinguished teaching professor at University of Georgia School of Law.
After working for several years at Foley & Lardner (first in Milwaukee, then in Madison), she appreciated the learning experience but felt private practice wasn’t for her.
Since she never had the opportunity to study abroad, Ringhand pursued a post-law degree at the University of Oxford.
“I studied comparative constitutional law with a group of students from all over the world, which forever changed how I think about courts and constitutions,” she said. “I love Oxford and get back whenever I can.”
“UW Law opened my mind to entirely new ways of thinking and showed me how exciting it can be to dive into a new topic with a bunch of really smart people. It changed my life in ways I will always appreciate and value.”
After Oxford, Ringhand came back to University of Wisconsin Law School for a short-term position teaching contracts and state and local government.
“I was scared to death. But the students were great, and everyone at UW was supportive,” she said.
Ringhand went on to start her tenure-track career at the University of Kentucky before moving in 2008 to Georgia, where she served as associate dean for academic affairs from 2015-18.
“Given the courses I teach—election law and constitutional law—I get to know students who are likely to do things like run for office, become judges or otherwise shape public life,” she said. “Helping these students think deeply about the important issues underlying law and democracy is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
Why UW Law is special
“I grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin. I had wonderful high school and college teachers, but it’s at UW Law where I really first understood how a top-notch education can expand your view of the world. UW Law opened my mind to entirely new ways of thinking and showed me how exciting it can be to dive into a new topic with a bunch of really smart people. It changed my life in ways I will always appreciate and value.”
Strong connection
“I have always treasured my connections to UW Law and worked to maintain them. I come back frequently for the Constitutional Law Schmooze and recently joined a group of constitutional scholars for the 2022 Wisconsin Law Review Symposium. I also am delighted to co-author a constitutional law casebook with Professor David Schwartz. Unlike many casebooks, ours focuses on helping students learn by providing explanatory essays and practice problems. It is a wonderful teaching tool.”
Wisconsin vs. Georgia
“I’m asked a lot about whether I like Wisconsin or Georgia more. I can’t answer that! Both Madison and Athens are classic college towns, with great neighborhoods, restaurants and—importantly—excellent football teams. We enjoy being in Georgia (especially in February), but Wisconsin will always be home.”