Dr. Peter Nicolas

Professor

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Biography

Professor Peter Nicolas holds the William L. Dwyer Chair at the University of Washington School of Law and serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development. He has been a faculty member since 2000 and is also an adjunct professor in the Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies and Music departments. His expertise lies at the intersection of law and music, particularly focusing on copyright law, music law policy, and the legal issues surrounding LGBTQ rights. A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, where he served on the editorial board of the Harvard Law Review, Nicolas's scholarship is widely recognized, with his textbooks and publications cited by numerous legal scholars and courts, including the United States Supreme Court. His work has also involved consulting on legal rights for same-sex couples and teaching a range of courses including Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Music Law. Nicolas is a speaker at various legal forums and has contributed to discussions in national news media regarding the nuances of copyright law and LGBTQ rights in the legal landscape. He earned degrees in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a JD from Harvard University, along with music performance qualifications from Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Washington School of Law • Seattle, WA

Teaching courses related to law, including copyright law, constitutional law, and music law.

Adjunct Professor

— Present

University of Washington Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies • Seattle, WA

Contributing to the Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies curriculum.

Adjunct Professor

— Present

University of Washington Music Department • Seattle, WA

Lecturing on topics interconnected with law and music.

Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development

— Present

University of Washington School of Law • Seattle, WA

Overseeing research initiatives and faculty development programs.

Faculty Director

— Present

LL.M. Program in Intellectual Property Law • University of Washington School of Law

Directing the specialized LL.M. program focusing on intellectual property law.

Associate Dean Academic Administration

— Present

University of Washington School of Law • Seattle, WA

Managed academic administrative functions within the law school.

Courses

Constitutional Law II Evidence Copyright Law Music Law & Policy Music Industry Deals Copyright Case Study: Wizard of Oz

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.