Texas Tech University School of Law is excited to announce that Lauren Valastro will
join the faculty this fall as an Assistant Professor of Law and the Frank McDonald
Scholar in Business Law, teaching Business Entities and Contracts. Valastro, an alumna
of both Texas Tech University and the Law School, returns to her alma mater from the
University of Colorado Law School, where she served as a Visiting Clinical Associate
Professor and Director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic. She brings an impressive
record of professional achievements, a passion for teaching, and a strong scholarly
portfolio to our students and community.
Dean Jack Wade Nowlin expressed his enthusiasm for Valastro’s return, saying, “Professor
Valastro’s approach to teaching aligns perfectly with Texas Tech Law. She is committed
to excellence and helping students succeed. Her impressive career, strong scholarship,
and passion for mentoring make her a valuable addition to our faculty. We are excited
to welcome her back to Texas Tech.”
Her decade-long career as a litigator and in-house counsel reflects her extensive
experience. As a litigator, she secured first-chair trial and appellate victories,
argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, partnered
with sovereign tribal nations on environmental issues of first impression, and became
the youngest partner at a national boutique law firm. Later, as in-house counsel for
a private equity firm, she advised executives on strategic risk management and negotiated
multimillion-dollar transactions, contributing to the firm’s rapid growth.
Her transition to academia has been equally impressive. Valastro has taught corporate
and transactional courses at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and Louisiana
State University–Shreveport, where she was named Professor of the Year—the first new
professor in the university’s history to receive its highest teaching honor. Her students
consistently praise her engaging and supportive approach, which aligns with Texas
Tech Law’s “students first” commitment to training practice-ready attorneys through
faculty mentorship.
“Texas Tech University School of Law served as the strong foundation for every achievement
in my career,” Valastro shared. “It is an honor to return as a professor and give
back to the school that gave me so much. I look forward to supporting our students
as they work to achieve their dreams and to prepare them for success.”
A prolific scholar, Valastro’s research focuses on benefits law under ERISA, analyzing
business, contract, and procedural issues affecting Americans’ retirement prospects.
Her recent work has been published in top journals, including the George Mason Law Review, the Georgia State University Law Review, and the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform.
Please join us in welcoming Professor Valastro back to Texas Tech University School
of Law!