Three UC Law SF Professors Elevated to Distinguished Faculty

Dave Owen, Jodi Short, and Reueul Schiller are recognized for their scholarly contributions and excellence in the classroom.

Recognizing their scholarly impact and leadership, UC Law San Francisco has elevated Professors Dave Owen, Reuel Schiller, and Jodi Short to the rank of Distinguished Professors — one of the highest honors the College can bestow.

The Distinguished Professor title is reserved for faculty whose careers reflect sustained scholarly excellence, national and international recognition, and a significant impact on their fields. This distinction recognizes far more than seniority or publication count; it honors those whose work has reshaped legal thought, inspired generations of students, and exemplified the highest standards of service to the academic and broader community. 

“The faculty voted to elevate Professors Owen, Schiller, and Short not only because they are among the country’s top scholars in their respective fields but also because they are among our most committed and skilled classroom teachers and institutional citizens,” said Provost & Academic Dean Morris Ratner. “Though scholarly achievement is the most important criterion for promotion to the Distinguished Professor rank, it’s notable that our new distinguished faculty are all-around superstars.”

Owen is a leading voice in environmental and water law. His scholarship explores the intersection of law, science, and environmental policy, often focusing on complex regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Water Act. A gifted teacher and prolific scholar, Owen’s work is frequently cited by courts and policymakers, and he is widely recognized for his ability to translate intricate legal regimes into meaningful and actionable analyses.  

Schiller is a renowned legal historian whose work focuses on the intersection of administrative law, labor law, and civil rights. His research examines how law shapes — and is shaped by — social and political movements, with particular attention to mid-20th century America. Through both scholarship and teaching, Schiller has made enduring contributions to our understanding of the legal system’s role in shaping modern governance and labor relations. 

Short is a nationally respected scholar of constitutional law, administrative law, and compliance and risk management for attorneys. Her research investigates how institutions and private actors influence the effectiveness and legitimacy of regulation. Short brings interdisciplinary rigor to her work, often drawing on empirical methods to deepen legal insights. In the classroom, she is equally revered — her Constitutional Law I course is a student favorite and is consistently praised for its dynamic engagement with foundational constitutional questions. Her commitment to mentorship and pedagogy exemplifies the best of UC Law SF’s teaching tradition. 

Their appointments as Distinguished Professors reflect not only personal excellence but also the strength and vitality of UC Law SF’s academic community. Owen, Schiller and Short join current Distinguished Professors David Faigman, Ben Depoorter, Scott Dodson, and Robin Feldman.