Dr. Daniel Barnhizer

Professor

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Biography

Daniel D. Barnhizer is a professor at the Michigan State University College of Law and holds the title of Bradford Stone Faculty Scholar. He specializes in contract law and theory, conservation law, comparative law, and jurisprudence associated with the rule of law. Barnhizer co-authors casebooks in the fields of Contracts and Commercial Transactions. He directs both the Conservation Law Program and the Journals Program at the law college, and he is also involved with the Institute for Comparative Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Białystok in Poland. Before joining Michigan State University in 2001, he practiced law at nationally recognized firms in Washington, D.C., and served as a judicial law clerk for Honorable Richard L. Nygaard and Honorable Robert B. Krupansky in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 3rd and 6th Circuits, respectively. Barnhizer holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Miami University. His scholarship includes numerous articles on civil rights, natural rights, and contract theory, among other topics, contributing to significant discussions in legal academia.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2001-01-01 — Present

Michigan State University College of Law • East Lansing, MI

Teaching Contract Law and Theory, Conservation Law, Comparative Law, and Jurisprudence.

Requirements for Michigan State University College of Law

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.73
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:17
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:110
Overall
Required:110
PTE
Listening
Required:48
Reading
Required:48
Writing
Required:48
Speaking
Required:48
Overall
Required:53
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a 4-year accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration
  • LSAT Score (Valid within 5 years)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Personal Statement (2-3 pages)
  • Professional Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (up to four accepted)
  • Application Fee ($75)
  • Character & Fitness Disclosures
Specialization Notes

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional degree. Admission is based on LSAT scores, academic record, and professional accomplishments. Median LSAT for Fall 2025 was 162.