Dr. Farah Peterson

Professor

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Biography

Farah Peterson is a professor at the University of Chicago Law School specializing in legal history, particularly during the early American republic. Her research areas include statutory interpretation and constitutional law, and her work has been published in top legal journals such as the Yale Law Journal, Columbia Law Review, and Virginia Law Review. In addition to her legal scholarship, Peterson is an accomplished essayist, with contributions to various prominent publications. In 2021, she was a finalist for the National Magazine Award and the recipient of the 2025 Pushcart Prize. She earned her PhD in American history from Princeton University and a JD from Yale Law School, where she also served as a Coker Fellow and teaching assistant. Peterson has held distinguished positions at Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Virginia School of Law. Her professional engagements include lectures and panels at notable conferences, focusing on topics related to constitutional history and interpretation. Additionally, she is actively involved with several professional organizations in law and history, licensing in New York and Washington, D.C.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor of Law

2020-06-01 — Present

University of Chicago Law School • Chicago, IL

Professor of Law focusing on legal history and constitutional law.

Visiting Professor

2019-08-01 — 2019-12-31

Georgetown University Law Center • Washington, D.C.

Visiting Professor engaged in teaching and mentorship.

Associate Professor

2018-01-01 — 2020-05-31

University of Virginia School of Law • Charlottesville, VA

Served as Associate Professor focusing on legal history.

Associate

2016-01-01 — 2017-12-31

Jones Day • Washington, D.C.

Legal associate specializing in issues and appeals.

Law Clerk

2015-01-01 — 2016-01-01

Hon. Stephen G. Breyer, Supreme Court • Washington, D.C.

Clerked for Supreme Court Justice.

Law Clerk

2012-01-01 — 2013-01-01

Hon. Guido Calabresi, Court of Appeals • New Haven, CT

Clerked for Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Awards

#2025

Pushcart Prize

#

Sherman Emerging Scholar Prize

#2018

Princeton Library Prize

Requirements for University of Chicago

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Writing sample Candidate statement
Application Checklist
  • Candidate Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Writing Sample
  • Application Fee
Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy