Barbara Glesner Fines

Barbara Glesner Fines is the Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where she has taught since 1986. She served as Executive Associate Dean from 2008 to 2016 and as Dean of the School of Law from 2017 until July 2023. Professor Glesner Fines received her master of law degree from Yale University and her J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Professor Glesner Fines is an expert on professional ethics, family law, and legal education and has authored numerous articles and books on these subjects.  She has taught a range of courses from Property and Federal Income Tax to Family Law and Civil Procedure. Her drive to create community-connected legal education has led to the creation of several innovative programs at the School of Law.  She helped to found the UMKC School of Law Child and Family Law Program, which is currently ranked as one of the top four programs of its kind in the United States.  She is also one of the founding faculty members and continues to teach the Entrepreneurial Lawyering: Solo & Small Firm Practice Program, which prepares students with critical law practice management skills.  She was instrumental in launching the UMKC School of Law's award-winning Self-Help Legal Clinic in collaboration with Legal Aid of Western Missouri, which she now directs. 

Professor Glesner has held leadership positions in many organizations devoted to legal education, including the AALS Section on Teaching Methods (Chair 2012-13); the AALS section on Professional Responsibility (Chair Elect 2015-16); the Center for Computer Assisted Legal Instruction (Board of Directors, 1998‐2005; President 2002‐2005; Editorial Board 1998- current); and the Institute for Law School Teaching and Learning (Advisory Board 2003-date, Acting President 2006‐2008).