With his sights firmly set on the stars, David Sinclair Chaney dreamed of being a scientist and cosmologist when he was a just child. However, those dreams eventually led to a life devoted to the law and public service. Luckily for UWLA, he ended up on the School of Law faculty, where he sadly announced his retirement after 13 years of outstanding service and dedication to our students.

Professor Chaney was born in Orange County, California, but most of his formative years were spent in Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam as a military policeman. Upon his discharge, he received a commendation for

Meritorious Service.

Following his stint in the Army, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from the law school. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1977. After graduation, Professor Chaney spent most of his legal career with the California Attorney General’s office, working in the civil and public rights divisions.

As a civil trial attorney assigned to various sections within the Attorney General’s Office, he

litigated numerous federal and state cases at all trial, administrative, and appellate levels. Many of the cases resulted in published federal and state court opinions.

In 2006, Professor Chaney was appointed Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Law Division by former Attorney General Jerry Brown and again in 2010 by former Attorney General, now U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. As chief of the Civil Division, he oversaw a budget

in excess of $100 million and the work of more than 600 attorneys and paralegals whose primary mission was to represent the more than 200 state agencies and elected officials, including the Governor, Treasurer, and State Controller, in nearly 18,000 active cases at

any given time.

During his practice, he also mentored and trained well over one hundred students and interns, many of whom are now lawyers and judges nationwide.

Professor Chaney began teaching Constitutional Law as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) School of Law in 2010 while still serving as Chief Assistant Attorney General. “In 2012, I retired from the Attorney General's office and began teaching three classes and was appointed as a full-time professor at UWLA,” explained Chaney. “I embraced this role because it gave me an opportunity to pass on my experience and perspectives to the next generation of legal practitioners and thinkers.”

Chaney also occasionally lectures in China to Chinese officials and students and to law students in the United States on a broad range of topics, including ethics and American legal and political systems.

His service to UWLA extends beyond teaching and mentoring UWLA’s promising law students. He has written numerous articles, opinions, and editorials about cases being considered and tried in the country's highest court, the United States.

In one such opinion about SCOTUS’ pending Second Amendment considerations, Professor Chaney concluded:

“Unfortunately, the right to bear arms has risen beyond even a fundamental right to an almost sacred status superior to all other rights. It’s a dangerous brew when coupled with distrust in government institutions, including a diminished faith in the vote. What constitutional protections will remain when the dust settles is uncertain. For now, the United States remains a democratic republic -- if we can keep it.”

Although having recently retired from teaching, Professor Chaney has transitioned to a new role at UWLA as Professor and Dean Emeritus, in which he plans to remain active in a limited capacity in school matters; he remains passionate in his support of UWLA.

“UWLA continues to be an excellent educational option, especially for those interested in making a difference in their community,” concluded Chaney. “I highly recommend the school and urge candidates to check it out. Talk to graduates and to teachers. See for yourself if it’s a good fit for you.” 

The entire UWLA community salutes Dean Chaney for his dedication and service.