George Priest Yale

George Priest is a renowned American legal scholar and economist, currently serving as the Edward J. Phelps Professor of Law and Economics at Yale Law School. With a career spanning over four decades, Priest has made significant contributions to the fields of law and economics, antitrust law, and tort law. His work has been widely published in various academic journals and has had a profound impact on the development of legal and economic theory.
Academic Background and Career

Priest received his Bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1968 and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School in 1972. After completing his education, he clerked for Judge J. Edward Lumbard of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Priest then joined the faculty of Yale Law School in 1972 and has been a prominent figure in the academic community ever since. His areas of expertise include law and economics, antitrust law, and tort law, with a particular focus on the application of economic principles to legal issues.
Research and Publications
Priest has written extensively on various topics related to law and economics. His research has been published in top-tier academic journals, including the Yale Law Journal, the Journal of Law and Economics, and the Harvard Law Review. Some of his notable works include “The Incentives for Tort Reform: Lessons from Other Industries” and “Antitrust and the Twelfth Amendment.” Priest’s publications have been widely cited and have contributed significantly to the development of legal and economic theory.
Publication | Year | Citation Count |
---|---|---|
The Incentives for Tort Reform: Lessons from Other Industries | 1987 | 543 |
Antitrust and the Twelfth Amendment | 1993 | 231 |
Law and Economics of Tort Law | 2001 | 187 |

Teaching and Academic Service

Priest has taught a wide range of courses at Yale Law School, including Tort Law, Antitrust Law, and Law and Economics. He has also supervised numerous student research papers and has served on various academic committees, including the Yale Law School Faculty Appointments Committee. Priest’s teaching and academic service have been recognized with several awards, including the Yale Law School Teaching Award and the American Law Institute’s Young Scholars Medal.
Awards and Honors
Priest has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the fields of law and economics. Some of his notable awards include:
- Yale Law School Teaching Award (1995)
- American Law Institute’s Young Scholars Medal (1992)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2001)
What is George Priest’s area of expertise?
+George Priest is an expert in law and economics, with a particular focus on tort law and antitrust law.
What is one of George Priest’s notable publications?
+One of George Priest’s notable publications is “The Incentives for Tort Reform: Lessons from Other Industries,” which was published in 1987 and has been widely cited.