Dr. Josh Gupta Kagan

Professor

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Biography

Josh Gupta-Kagan is the Edward Ross Aranow Clinical Professor at Columbia Law School, where he also directs the Family Defense Clinic. His scholarly and teaching interests focus primarily on legal issues impacting children and families, particularly in the areas of child neglect and abuse law, juvenile justice, and the systemic biases that pervade these domains. Prior to his appointment at Columbia, he directed the Juvenile Justice Clinic at the University of South Carolina School of Law and served as a staff attorney and lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis. Gupta-Kagan began his legal career clerking for Judge Marsha S. Berzon of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He is actively involved in legislative reform efforts, having worked for six years at the Children’s Law Center in Washington, D.C., and contributing as an adviser to the American Law Institute. His publications have appeared in notable law reviews, and he has received several awards for outstanding faculty publications during his academic career. His insights on systemic issues related to child welfare and juvenile justice have been highlighted in various media outlets, reflecting his extensive expertise in the field.

Research Interests

Experience

Clinical Professor

2022-07-01 — Present

Columbia Law School • New York, NY

Teaching legal issues affecting children and families, focusing on child neglect and abuse law.

Director

2022-07-01 — Present

Family Defense Clinic, Columbia Law School • New York, NY

Founded and leads the clinic representing parents in child welfare cases.

Professor of Law

— Present

University of South Carolina School of Law • Columbia, SC

Directed the Juvenile Justice Clinic and taught various legal courses.

Staff Attorney

— Present

Children's Law Center • Washington, D.C.

Represented children and families in Family Court and worked on legislative reforms.

Awards

#2021

Outstanding Faculty Publication (Article) Award

2021-01-01
#2018

Outstanding Faculty Publication (Article) Award

2018-01-01
#2017

Robert D. Spencer Volunteer Award

2017-01-01

Requirements for Columbia Law School

Bachelor Program
Requirements
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • LSAC CAS Registration
  • Application Form
  • Application Fee ($85)
  • Academic Transcripts
  • LSAT or GRE Scores
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Résumé
  • Personal Statement
  • Dean's Appraisal/Certification
Specialization Notes

Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. While 'Department of Law' is not a formal administrative division for admissions, this entry covers the primary J.D. program.