A leading figure in law and economics, Professor Ulen was a longtime faculty member at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was emeritus. My colleague Lisa Bernstein kindly shared this memorial notice from Nuno Garoupa, the President of the European Association of Law and Economics:

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Thomas S. Ulen, Swanlund Chair Emeritus at the University of Illinois College of Law, passed away on 13 September 2026.

Tom Ulen was one of the pioneering figures in the development of Law and Economics as a scholarly field and a towering presence in the international academic community. He joined the University of Illinois in the late 1970s, beginning an association with the University that would span nearly half a century. He held the Swanlund Chair, one of the University’s highest endowed faculty honors, and directed the College of Law’s Program in Law and Economics.

A prolific and internationally influential scholar, Tom helped shape modern Law and Economics. His co-authored textbook, Law and Economics, became one of the leading works in the discipline, was translated into numerous languages, and introduced generations of students around the world to the economic analysis of law. He served on the founding board of directors of the American Law and Economics Association, and taught and lectured extensively across the world.

His influence, however, extended far beyond his publications and formal academic achievements. For the European Association of Law and Economics, Tom was much more than a distinguished scholar. He was a mentor, a guide, a generous colleague, and a steadfast supporter of the European Law and Economics community. He shared his expertise freely, encouraged younger scholars, helped strengthen the international connections of our field, and contributed greatly to the visibility and development of Law and Economics in Europe.

Those who knew Tom will also remember his humor, kindness, warmth, and humanity. He had a genuine interest in others and an extraordinary generosity of spirit and intellect. That generosity endured long after his retirement, as he continued to share ideas, encouragement, friendship, and good humor with colleagues and former students around the world.

The European Association of Law and Economics has lost not only a preeminent scholar, but also a great friend. His scholarship has left a lasting mark on our discipline, while his intellectual generosity and personal warmth have touched generations of students and colleagues. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal scholars and economists.

We honor Tom Ulen’s memory with gratitude, affection, and profound respect.