About John F.
John F. Preis is a distinguished law professor at the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Virginia. He joined the faculty in 2008 as an Assistant Professor, where he has dedicated himself to educating future legal professionals. His academic journey is marked by a commitment to teaching and scholarship, particularly in the realm of civil rights litigation. Prior to his tenure at Richmond, Professor Preis practiced law as an Associate at Wilmer Cutler Pickering LLC in Washington, D.C., from 2001 to 2004. This experience in a prominent law firm provided him with a solid foundation in complex legal issues.
Before entering private practice, Professor Preis clerked for the Honorable Royce C — Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2000 to 2001. This clerkship allowed him to gain invaluable insights into federal court proceedings and judicial decision-making. His academic credentials are equally impressive; he earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2000. While at Vanderbilt, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Vanderbilt Law Review, a role that developed his legal writing and editorial skills. Professor Preis completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics in 1994.
This diverse educational background enriches his teaching, which encompasses many subjects. His courses include Torts, Civil Procedure, Legislation & Regulation, Federal Courts, Constitutional Torts, and Remedies. Notably, he developed and teaches "Civil Litigation Fundamentals," a course designed to integrate various aspects of civil litigation practice, providing students with practical skills essential for their future careers. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Professor Preis is an active scholar in civil rights litigation. His research has been published in reputable journals such as the Virginia Law Review, Notre Dame Law Review, and the Indiana Law Journal. His scholarly contributions reflect his deep engagement with contemporary legal issues.
Furthermore, he has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Fourth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, showcasing his expertise and commitment to advancing civil rights through litigation. Regarding his legal credentials, Professor Preis is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia. However, there is no public record of his admission to the Virginia State Bar, as the Virginia State Bar's License Lookup service does not list him as a current licensee. For those interested in learning more about Professor Preis, including his publications and detailed curriculum vitae, his faculty profile is available on the University of Richmond School of Law's website. This resource provides further insight into his academic contributions and ongoing projects.
