Microsoft Copilot generated this list of
“Notable Law Professors Who Are Also Musicians
Several law professors stand out for combining legal scholarship with active musical careers, blending their expertise in law with creative expression in music.
1. George Bisharat – UC Law San Francisco
Professor George Bisharat has taught at UC Law SF for over 30 years, covering criminal law, criminal procedure, and law and social anthropology. Outside the classroom, he is widely recognized as “Big Harp George”, a blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter. His 2014 debut album Chromaticism earned a “Best New Blues Artist” nomination, and he has been nominated for “Harmonica Player of the Year” by Blues Blast magazine www.uclawsf.edu. Bisharat is notable for using the rare chromatic harmonica as his main instrument and for embedding political and social commentary into his songs, such as “Don’t Talk,” which references Miranda rights
www.uclawsf.edu.
2. Seán O’Connor – Brooklyn Law School
Seán O’Connor is the Allen Grubman Chair in Media and Entertainment Law at Brooklyn Law School and an expert in music law, intellectual property, and entertainment policy Brooklyn Law School. Before joining Brooklyn Law, they taught at the University of Washington School of Law for 16 years, leading the Center for Advanced Studies and Research on Intellectual Property. O’Connor is also the founder and executive director of the Music Ecosystems Institute in Washington, D.C. While not a performing artist, their work bridges law and music through research, teaching, and policy leadership
Brooklyn Law School.
3. W. John Thomas – Quinnipiac University
Professor W. John Thomas is described by NPR as “a history buff, a law professor, an author, a musician, a guitar enthusiast, and a music nerd, all wrapped up in one person” Quinnipiac University. He teaches international and health law, has published extensively on topics from music and musical instruments to public health, and has authored books such as Kalamazoo Gals, which explored WWII-era women who built guitars. His work often intersects with music history and culture, and he has been featured in NPR, NBC, and the Oxford Dictionary of Music
Quinnipiac University.”
Summary
If you’re looking for a performing musician-law professor, George Bisharat is a standout for his active blues career and legal scholarship. For music law expertise, Seán O’Connor is a leading academic voice. And for music history and cultural scholarship, W. John Thomas blends legal teaching with deep engagement in music’s cultural and historical contexts.”
