professor
zachary catanzaro
I am a seasoned corporate litigator now teaching as an Assistant Professor of Law. I specialize in AI governance and regulation, intellectual property, and the intersection of law with art and technology. My research spans data analytics, creative industries, AI governance, and technology regulation. Recent projects include articles and a Tedx Talk on posthumous systems of control facilitated by nascent AI technologies and testimony to state and federal regulatory bodies on proposed technology laws and regulation. Contact me to discuss speaking engagements or consultation opportunities.
recent projects
My current research centers on developing theoretical frameworks for Stochastic Jurisprudence, exploring how probabilistic models and AI decision-making systems interact with legal reasoning. This work builds on my recent Yale Journal of Law & Technology article Sovereignty in the Technological Singularity, which examines how traditional concepts of legal authority and their relationship to death must evolve in response to advanced artificial intelligence systems. I recently delivered a TEDx talk titled Ghosts in the Machine: Training AI to Outlive Us, addressing the implications of AI systems that persist beyond their creators' lifespans. Additionally, I contributed a chapter on Trademark Use in Web3, NFTs, and the Metaverse to an upcoming ABA publication on digital content law, analyzing how intellectual property frameworks apply to emerging virtual environments and blockchain-based assets.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on making complex legal concepts accessible while preparing students for real-world practice. I believe in creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to ask questions and learn from mistakes, using pop culture references, current events, and practical hypotheticals to make abstract principles stick. Drawing on my practice experience, I focus not just on teaching doctrine but on developing the critical thinking and professional judgment students will need as attorneys. I'm committed to being accessible and patient, providing multiple learning pathways through detailed materials, extensive office hours, and hands-on experiential projects that bridge the gap between academic theory and actual legal work.
