Dr. Austin Nelson

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Austin Nelson is a Michigan Faculty Fellow at the University of Michigan Law School. His research focuses on federalism in the early United States and examines the downstream effects of modern federalism doctrines. Nelson's work intersects with constitutional law, federal jurisdiction, and conflict of laws. His doctoral dissertation explores early constitutional litigation concerning bankruptcy and contract rights, highlighting Congress's historical reluctance to legislate on bankruptcy in the 19th century, leading to state-level 'insolvency' systems. These systems, while providing debtor relief, generated constitutional conflicts regarding federal and state power. Nelson has also worked with the University of Texas School of Law’s Supreme Court Clinic, where he successfully represented a death-row inmate in a case before the Supreme Court. His work has been published in various legal reviews, including the Texas Law Review and the George Mason Law Review.

Research Interests

Experience

Faculty Fellow

2024-10-01 — Present

Michigan Law • Ann Arbor, MI

Research and teaching in constitutional law and related fields.

Requirements for University of Michigan Law School

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:23
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:98
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
First degree in law (LLB or equivalent) from a school outside the U.S.
Application Checklist
  • LSAC LLM CAS Report
  • Official Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($75)
Specialization Notes

Administered by University of Michigan Law School; exact department name 'Department of Law' refers to the LLM program.