Marisa S. Cianciarulo, J.D.

Dean of Western State College of Law

EDUCATION:

The Catholic University of America, Bachelor of Arts, 1995
American University, Master of Arts, 1998
American University, Juris Doctor, 1998

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Legal Education
Law School Administration
Immigration Law
Gender and Sexual Orientation and the Law
Reproductive Freedom

SUMMARY:

Marisa S. Cianciarulo is the Dean of Western State College of Law. Prior to joining Western State, Dean Cianciarulo was a tenured professor of law at Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where she served as Interim Dean (2021-2023) and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (2017-2021).

An expert in immigration and refugee law, Dean Cianciarulo practiced immigration law in the Washington, D.C. area, served as a staff attorney with the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration in Washington, D.C., and was the Reuschlein Clinical Teaching Fellow in the Villanova Law School Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services. Dean Cianciarulo’s research focuses on reproductive freedom, vulnerable immigrant populations, and the intersection of gender and immigration.