"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."

View Professor McFarland's research: SSRN Author Page -- Douglas McFarland

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, 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 administrative assistant 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 Phoenix 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.