David Sklansky

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In only six years of teaching at UCLA, David Sklansky has earned the favor and respect of both colleagues and students alike. “He is the most universally admired teacher of his generation at the law school,” according to Arthur Rosett. Sklansky was elected Professor of the Year by the 1996 graduating class in only his second year of teaching. Since then, he’s only improved his teaching style and curriculum, consequently teaching more students than anyone else in the law school.

Sklansky teaches the core courses of evidence, criminal procedure and criminal law. One of his most effective pedagogical techniques involves revamping the Socratic method to provoke analytical thought and open discussion without the pressure-filled environment usually associated with the exercise. Catherine Whiting J.D. ’97 appreciates this approach: “Rather than confronting students or challenging them in a hostile manner, he managed to be courteous and patient, even when a student was less than prepared or was thoroughly confused about a particular issue.” Confrontation is hardly necessary in Sklansky’s classes. Thanks to his engaging style, which includes the use of interactive computer games, Microsoft PowerPoint charts and graphs, diagrams and video clips, students are drawn into the material and gladly take an active role in the discussion.

On the administrative end, he has played a crucial role in dealing with issues of vital concern to students and the teaching enterprise in the wake of the implemented by the regents’ resolutions halting race-based affirmative action and Proposition 209. Having served on and chaired numerous outreach and admission committees, he is currently one of three professors elected to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Committee, an honor given to only the most trusted and respected faculty. No longer UCLA’s well-kept secret, Sklansky was recently invited to teach at Harvard Law School. Fortunately for UCLA, he declined in favor of the Bruins. Stephen Yeazell perhaps says its best: “This is great teaching – with its roots in a profound but modest curiosity about the field, its trunk and roots in deep and careful preparation, and its broad unfolding leaves in a genuine respect for students and in an engaging personality. David Sklansky is a great teacher, a treasure of the law school and of UCLA.”