Professor Giesel's path from Burger King to Brandeis

Professor Grace Giesel has been teaching at Brandeis School of Law since 1988. She is the Bernard Flexner Professor and has also been named a Distinguished Teaching Professor. Additionally, Giesel was recently named as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

She grew up in South Carolina and received her B.A. at Yale University before earning her J.D. at Emory University School of Law. She then clerked for Judge Boyce F. Martin, Jr. on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Law is a family affair for Professor Giesel. Her husband, James, is a general corporate and securities attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLC. Their oldest son, Austin, is now in his third year at Georgetown Law, while their second son, David, is beginning law school at Wake Forest.

They also have a daughter, Margaret, who spent the summer on a cross-country bike trip raising money for affordable housing for an organization called Bike and Build. She will begin her first post-college job at Dow in Michigan in September, using her computer science degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Here are some more interesting tidbits about Professor Giesel:

Why did you gravitate toward law?

Professor Giesel: In college I knew that I needed a job or profession that involved interesting ideas and complex thought. As I thought about seeking an MBA or a PhD or a J.D., I thought that the J.D. would allow me to interact with people and help others in a way the other degrees would not. At the same time it would be an intellectually challenging endeavor. Lastly, I needed a career in which I could earn enough money to live and a J.D. provided that kind of economic security.

What was your first job?

Professor Giesel: I grew up in a small town in South Carolina. Jobs were scarce. When the second fast-food restaurant, a Burger King, opened, I was hired on the opening crew. Everyone working there attended my high school so we all knew each other. I worked there until I left South Carolina to attend college.

What is your favorite part about being a law professor and about Brandeis School of Law, specifically?

Professor Giesel: My favorite part of this job is interacting with students and helping them achieve their dreams and goals. I like that at Brandeis we have a community atmosphere that allows for that kind of interaction.

What are you reading right now?

Professor Giesel: I am reading two books right now. I am reading The Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides. It is the story of a quest to reach the North Pole in the late 1800s. I am not really a nonfiction reader but every now and again one catches my eye and this one did. The second book I am reading right now is The Burning Room by Michael Connelly. I devour page-turners and this is one of those.

What is your favorite TV show?

Professor Giesel: I just binged on the entire first season of Frankie and Grace (Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda) on Netflix. That was fun. As for regular TV, NCIS, CSI: New Orleans, CSI: Cyber, Rookie Blue.

What do you consider to be your biggest professional accomplishment?

Professor Giesel: My greatest professional accomplishment is being a Professor here.

If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?

Professor Giesel: Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

What is your favorite restaurant in Louisville?

Professor Giesel: Varanese on Frankfort Avenue. If calories were not an issue, I could have the Candied Pecan and Apple Salad, the Gulf Shrimp and Grits, and the Bread Pudding every day for dinner.

What do you do to relax/de-stress?

Professor Giesel: I spend time with my husband. I walk our dog. I read. I work in the yard. We enjoy trying out new restaurants. We catch a movie or play or concert every now and again. When our three children are in town, we spend time with them.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

Professor Giesel: Two things: 1. Be genuine; everybody recognizes fake. 2. Treat everyone with respect—top to bottom.