Rory Little, Professor of Law

Professor Little was born and raised in New Jersey, which probably explains a lot of things. He practiced law for twelve years at a private firm and in the U.S. Department of Justice (two years as a criminal prosecutor, five years as Appellate Chief, arguing over 50 federal appeals; and one year as Associate Deputy Attorney General) before joining the Hastings faculty in 1994.  He teaches, lectures, and publishes in the areas of criminal law and procedure, constitutional law, and legal ethics. He chairs and serves on various ABA Criminal Justice Committees He also serves as an expert witness in litigation matters and maintains an active appellate practice as Of Counsel to the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery.

Professor Little has served as a law clerk at the federal district, Circuit, and Supreme Court levels. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Louis Oberdorfer (Washington, D.C.), Justice Potter Stewart (ret.), working on matters before the First, Third and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and Justice William J. Brennan Jr.  Professor Little also worked part-time for Justices Powell, Stevens and Chief Justice Burger - a unique one-year experience.

Professor Little used to run marathons and can still occasionally be seen staggering along in running regalia. 

Courses Taught: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Federal Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Legal Ethics (Professional Responsibility)