Peter K. Westen, J.D., Frank G. Millard Professor of Law and professor of law, Law School, will retire from active faculty status on May 31, 2008.

Professor Westen received his B.A. degree from Harvard College in 1964, and his J.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1968. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk to Justice William O. Douglas from 1968-69, was a fellow of the International Legal Center in Bogota, Columbia from 1969-71, and was an attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in Washington, D.C. from 1971-73. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1973, and was promoted to associate professor in 1976 and professor in 1978. He was named the Frank G. Millard Professor of Law in 1991.

Professor Westen is an outstanding colleague, scholar, and teacher. His book, Speaking of Equality: An Analysis of the Rhetorical Force of "Equality" in Moral and Legal Discourse, refocused the discussion of a core concept of legal analysis. His current work on consent promises to have a similar impact. Professor Westen has also written extensively on many other subjects, including criminal procedure, capital punishment, and choice of law. He has taught a wide range of courses and has developed innovative techniques for teaching difficult subjects. He has been an exceptional mentor to many generations of students, and as a colleague, Professor Westen has been incomparable. He has devoted many hours to the nurturing of scholarly potential in young faculty and to the identification of new faculty members.

The Regents now salute this accomplished scholar and educator for his long and dedicated service by naming Peter K. Westen Frank G. Millard Professor Emeritus of Law and professor emeritus of law.