Washington University in St. Louis News & Information > Faculty Experts at Washington University in St. Louis >

Associate Dean for External Relations and the Joseph H. Zumbalen Professor of the Law of Property
Expertise: future interests, landlord-tenant issues, property law, rule against perpetuities,
Bio:
David Becker, an expert in property law, is the author of numerous books and articles. Much of his work concerns the Rule Against Perpetuities, including the book, Perpetuities and Estate Planning: Potential Problems and Effective Solutions, published by Little, Brown (1993), and several articles in various law journals.
WUSTL Contact Information:
Education:
-
B.A. in Liberal Arts and Government at Harvard University
-
J.D. at University of Chicago
Additional Background: His recent articles are "Uniform Probate Code Section 2-707 and the Experienced Estate Planner: Unexpected Disasters and How to Avoid Them," U.C.L.A. Law Review (1999), "My Two Cents on Changing Times," Washington University Law Quarterly (1998), "Debunking the Sanctity of Precedent," Washington University Law Quarterly (1998) and "Some Concerns About the Future of Legal Education", Journal of Legal Education (2001).
Becker has taught at the School of Law for over thirty-five years. A well-loved teacher, he was a recipient of the University's Founders Day Award and the first recipient of the Law Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award. Before becoming a law professor, Becker practiced law in Chicago.
Recent Publications
Books
* Legal Checklists, Bi-annual Supplements (West Group 2003) (with D. Gibberman)
* Legal Checklists, Bi-annual Supplements (West Group 1999) (with D. Gibberman)
* Legal Checklists --- Special Selected Forms, Annual Supplements (West Group 1999)
Articles
* "Some Concerns About the Future of Legal Education" 51 Journal of Legal Education 469 (2001)
* "Uniform Probate Code Section 2-707 and the Experienced Estate Planner: Unexpected Disasters and How to Avoid Them," 47 U.C.L.A. Law Review 339 (1999)
* "Debunking the Sanctity of Precedent," 76 Washington University Law Quarterly 853 (1998)
* "My Two Cents on Changing Times," 76 Washington University Law Quarterly 45 (1998)
* "If You Think You No Longer Need to Know Anything About the Rule Against Perpetuities, Then Read This!" 74 Washington University Law Quarterly 713 (1996)
* "Tailoring Perpetuities Provisions to Avoid Problems," 9 Probate and Property Magazine 10 (March/April 1995)