Dr. Michelle Layser

Professor

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Biography

Professor Michelle Layser joined the faculty of the University of San Diego School of Law in 2022, after spending four years as an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Illinois College of Law. Prior to her academic career, she taught as a Law Research Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center, where she led a seminar on taxation and social justice. Her professional experience also includes working as a transactional associate at Latham & Watkins LLP and serving as a Senior Legal Editor and Managing Editor at Bloomberg Bureau of National Affairs. Professor Layser's research interests focus on the intersection of taxation, public goods delivery, and social inequality, along with the implications of tax expenditures on economic disparities. She has published work in various esteemed journals and contributed articles to platforms such as TaxProf Blog and Law360. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was named the 2025-2026 Herzog Endowed Scholar at USD, and has earned respect within academic circles for her detailed examination of complex issues surrounding taxation and community development.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2022-01-01 — Present

University of San Diego School of Law • San Diego, CA

Joined the faculty to teach and conduct research on taxation and social justice.

Assistant Professor of Law

— 2022-01-01

University of Illinois College of Law • Champaign, IL

Taught courses focusing on law and taxation.

Law Research Fellow

— Present

Georgetown University Law Center •

Led seminar courses and contributed to research on taxation and social justice.

Transactional Associate

— Present

Latham & Watkins LLP •

Worked on various transactional legal matters.

Senior Legal Editor

— Present

Bloomberg Bureau of National Affairs •

Oversaw editorial content and contributed legal analyses.

Awards

#

Herzog Endowed Scholar

Requirements for University of San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:93
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • LSAC CAS Report
  • Official Transcripts
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional degree in law. The school also accepts the LSAT or JD Next exam in addition to the GRE.