Lumen “Lou” Mulligan joined the UMKC Law faculty in 2023 where he proudly serves as the dean and professor of law. A native Kansas Citian, Dean Mulligan is an award-winning classroom instructor, teaching doctrinal and simulation courses as well as supervising clinics. He is also a prolific scholar. He has authored, or co-authored, five books and treatises and numerous articles, focusing on civil procedure. Indeed, the state and federal courts cited Dean Mulligan’s writings more than 80 times in 2022 alone, and he was awarded the 2017 Civil Procedure Article of the Year by the American Association of Law Schools. Before taking on the decanal role at UMKC, Dean Mulligan held numerous administrative posts at other institutions, including interim vice provost for faculty affairs, associate dean for faculty, and center director.
Dean Mulligan’s legal experience includes co-founding Stowell & Mulligan, P.A., working as a litigation associate attorney at a large Kansas City-based law firm, and serving as a judicial clerk on the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Prior to joining UMKC School of Law, Dean Mulligan maintained a small practice representing clients in state and federal courts during his time in the academy.
In addition to his roles in the academy and in legal practice, Dean Mulligan serves as a senior fellow at the Rodel Leadership Institute – Judicial Project, a research fellow for the Council on Criminal Justice – Veterans Initiative, a member of the Kansas Judicial Council - Civil Rules Advisory Committee, and as a leader in other non-partisan organizations.
Dean Mulligan earned his J.D. (magna cum laude, Order of the Coif), from the University of Michigan Law School. He holds an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Colorado and a B.A. with honors from the University of Kansas. Prior to UMKC School of Law, Dean Mulligan was on faculty at the University of Kansas Law School, Michigan State University College of Law, and the University of Michigan School of Business.
He and his wife Emily have two outstanding daughters.
