Emeritus Professor of Law
Education
B.A., Macalester College
J.D., New York University School of Law
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
“The study of law is more than learning rules. It is better described as learning about rules, and working in the law as a medium and process for accomplishing the ends sought.”
Biography
Professor Douglas McFarland was named emeritus professor in May 2013 after retiring from teaching at Hamline Law during the 2012-13 academic year. He taught, and continues to write, in the areas of civil procedure, torts, federal courts, and evidence. His publications include Minnesota Civil Practice (4th edition 2008), Computer-Aided Exercises on Civil Procedure (5th edition 2004), and numerous articles in journals, including Harvard Law Review.
Prior to joining Hamline Law, Dr. McFarland was an attorney at the Minneapolis-based law firm of Dorsey & Whitney practicing in the areas of corporate law and litigation. He served as Counselor to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, Supreme Court of the United States, and a Tom C. Clark Judicial Fellow at the Court from 1984-1986. He was a candidate for the United States Senate from Minnesota in the 1994 election.
Dr. McFarland was a visiting professor at Arizona Summit School of Law in 2007-08 and at UNLV in spring 2010.
He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Federalist Society. Dr. McFarland served as associate dean for teaching and scholarship from 2002-05, and has been admissions chair, curriculum chair, development task force chair, faculty appointments chair, and promotion and tenure chair.
Recent Activities
- Updating “Minnesota Civil Practice” semi-annually
- Promoting his book “Chief Justice: A Supreme Court Insider’s Novel”
Serves as a golf rules official during summers in Minnesota and as a playing manager for a senior softball team during winters in Arizona
