GW Law is proud to welcome an impressive group of five new faculty members at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
These faculty are experts in a range of legal disciplines, including criminal law; decarceration and prisoner reentry; energy regulation and energy markets; commercial, bankruptcy, and consumer law; and anti-corruption law.
They join GW Law from other international law schools, appointments in state and federal governments, and private practice.
We asked them why they chose GW Law. Here’s what they had to say.
"The amount of talent at GW Law in my fields—criminal law and criminal procedure—make it a truly exciting community to join. The clinical opportunities, the senior scholars who have been here for a while, and all of the new talent make GW Law the place to be right now for people interested in working in and studying this space."
Thomas Frampton
Professor of Law
"As a clinician, I’m excited to be at an institution that takes seriously our responsibility to train students to understand doctrine, but also prepares them to be innovative lawyers. My work focuses on decarceration and reentry—helping folks get out and stay out of prison—and GW Law is a place that’s investing in training leaders in this critical field. Being in DC also gives me and my students the opportunity to learn from and support some of the most innovative and creative community organizers and advocates shaping this work both locally and nationally."
Kelly Orians
Associate Professor of Clinical Law
"GW Law is committed to students’ development as outstanding practitioners with a strong sense of mission and values, and I felt at home right away in its warm, welcoming community. I am delighted to work with such thoughtful and motivated students and colleagues."
Elizabeth Rylander
Associate Professor of Fundamentals of Lawyering
"I am excited to be joining GW Law and the opportunity to return to my roots of working directly with clients and communities through the Small Business & Community Economic Development Clinic, while also sharing my passion for bankruptcy with GW Law students."
Tara Twomey
Jeff and Martha Kohn Associate Professor of Clinical Law; Director, Small Business & Community Economic Development Clinic
"I joined GW because it has the largest and most well-renowned academic program in government contracts law in the world. I wanted to be where law, policy and international development intersect and where my work in this area can have an even greater impact ... I joined GW law because it brings together all the things that have defined my academic career: teaching, scholarship, public service and a commitment to addressing real-world problems."
Sope Williams-Elegbe
E.K. and Justine Gubin Distinguished Visiting Professor of Government Contracts Law
