Leslie E. Wolf
Ben F. Johnson Jr. Chair in Law, Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Law Center for Law, Health & Society- Education
A.B., Stanford University, 1988
J.D., Harvard Law School, 1991
M.P.H. Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 1997
- Specializations
Health Law
- Biography
Leslie E. Wolf is the Ben F. Johnson Jr. Chair in Law, a Distinguished University Professor and professor of law, with appointments in the College of Law and the School of Public Health. Wolf served as interim dean from 2019-2021 and as director of the Center for Law, Health & Society from 2014-2019.
Wolf is a leading national scholar in health law, public health and ethics, with a focus on research ethics. Her research has appeared in some of the most prestigious medical and public health journals in the country, as well as in law reviews, and is widely cited by scholars nationally and internationally. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Human Genome Research Institute, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Greenwall Foundation.
Wolf was a member of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP), which provides expert advice and recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Secretary on issues pertaining to the protection of human subjects in research from 2016-2021. She remains a member of SACHRP’s Subcommittee on Harmonization. She previously served on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ethics Subcommittee to the Advisory Committee to the Director (2008-2012) and has served as a peer reviewer for the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health.
Prior to joining the law school, Wolf was on the faculty of the University of California, San Francisco in the Program in Medical Ethics and the Center for AIDS Prevention Study. She also served on the UCSF institutional review board and its advisory committee regarding stem cell research.
Wolf graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. Upon graduation, she clerked for the Massachusetts Appeals Court, before joining the San Francisco law firm, Hancock, Rothert and Bunshoft. She left law practice when she was selected as a Greenwall Fellow in Bioethics and Health Policy, during which she earned her master in public health degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
- Publications
Book Chapters
Stacie P. Kershner & Leslie E. Wolf, The Intersection of Law, Ethics, and Public Health in the United States, in The Oxford Handbook of Public Health Ethics 89 (Anna C. Mastroianni, Jeffrey P. Kahn, & Nancy E. Kass, eds. 2019).
Courtney Anderson, Jessica Gabel Cino, Nicole G. Iannarone, & Leslie E. Wolf, Incorporating Experiential Learning in Every Class: Required Courses, Seminars and Live-Client Representation, in Experiential Education in the Law School Curriculum 63 (Emily Grant, Sandra Simpson, & Kelly Terry, eds. 2017).
Leslie E. Wolf, Criminal HIV Exposure Statutes and Public Health in the United States, in Criminalising Contagion: Legal and Ethical Challenges of Disease Transmission and the Criminal Law 120 (Catherine Stanton & Hannah Quirk, eds. 2016).
Leslie E. Wolf & Rachel L. Hulkower, AIDS II. Health Care and Research Issues, in Bioethics (4th ed. Bruce Jennings ed., 2014).
Aaron D. Levine & Leslie E. Wolf, The Roles and Responsibilities of Physicians in Patients' Decisions About Unproven Stem Cell Therapies, in The Globalization of Health Care: Legal and Ethical Issues (I. Glenn Cohen ed., 2013).
Michelle Oberman, Leslie Wolf, & Patti Zettler, Where Stem Cell Research Meets Abortion Politics: Limits on Buying and Selling Human Oocytes, in Baby Markets: Money and the New Politics of Creating Families (Michele Bratcher Goodwin ed., Cambridge University Press, 2010).
Leslie E. Wolf and Bernard Lo, AIDS Health-Care and Research Issues, in Encyclopedia of Bioethics (Stephen G. Post ed., 3d ed. 2004).
Articles
Leslie E. Wolf, et al., Certificates of Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting, 178 JAMA Pediatrics 639 (2024).
Stacie P. Kershner, Erin C. Fuse Brown, Leslie E. Wolf, Paul A. Lombardo, & Yaniv Heled, Introduction: Defining Health Law for the Future: A Tribute to Charity Scott, 52 J.L. Med. & Ethics 216 (2024).
Justin X. Moore, LaKesha N. Anderson, Cynthia Li, Reginald D. Benson, Jr., Alejandra Garcia Rychtarikova, Lillie D. Williamson, Leslie E. Wolf, Ebony B. Whisenant, Erin Roark, Samantha R. Jones, & Christy J.W. Ledford, Toward Equitable Payment for Inclusive Participation, 7 J. Clinical & Translational Sci. e58 (2023).
Laura M. Beskow & Leslie E. Wolf,“Choice of law” in precision medicine research. American Journal of Human Genetics, 109(8) Am. J. of Human Genetics 1347–1352 (2022).
Leslie E. Wolf, et al, Perspectives on choice of law challenges in multistate precision medicine research, 9 J. L. Biosciences 1 (2022).
Aubrey D. Incorvaia & Leslie E. Wolf, Addressing Whiteness in Bioethics Curricula as Praxis for Transformation, 22 Am. J. Bioeth. 9 (2022).
Leslie E. Wolf et. al., Addressing Choice of Law Challenges in Multi-State Precision Medicine Research: Experts' Assessment of Key Factors, 9 J.L. & Biosciences 1 (2022)
Leslie E. Wolf & Laura M. Beskow, Certificates of Confidentiality: Mind the Gap, 2021 Utah L. Rev. 937 (2021).
Leslie E. Wolf, Catherine M. Hammack, Erin Fuse Brown, Kathleen M. Brelsford, & Laura M. Beskow, Protecting Participants in Genomic Research: Understanding the "Web of Protections" Afforded by Federal and State Law, 48 J. L. Med. & Ethics 126 (2020).
Holly Fernandez Lynch, Leslie E. Wolf, & Mark Barnes, Implementing Regulatory Broad Consent Under the Revised Common Rule: Clarifying Key Points and the Need for Evidence, 47 J.L. Med. & Ethics 213 (2019).
Leslie E. Wolf, Erin Fuse Brown, Ryan Kerr, Genevieve Razick, Gregory Tanner, Brett Duvall, Sakinah Jones, Jack Brackney, & Tatiana Posada, The Web of Legal Protections for Participants in Genomic Research, 29 Health Matrix 1 (2019).
Leslie E. Wolf & Laura M. Beskow, New and Improved? 21st Century Cures Act Revisions to Certificates of Confidentiality, 44 Am. J. L. & Med. 343 (2018).
Leslie E. Wolf, Risks and Legal Protections in the World of Big-Data, 11 Asia Pacific J. Health L. & Ethics 1 (2018).
Bettina Drake, Katherine M. Brown, Sarah Gehlert, Leslie E. Wolf, Joann Seo, Hannah Perkins, Melody S. Goodman, & Kimberly A. Kaphingst, Development of Plain Language Supplemental Materials for the Biobank Informed Consent Process, 32 J. Cancer Educ. 836 (2017).
Leslie E. Wolf, Stacie Kershner, & Lisa Bliss, A Concentrated Certificate Program Incorporating Experiential Education: Helping Students Prepare for a Career in the Dynamic Area of Health Law, 24 Int'l J. Clinical Legal Educ. 3 (2017).
Jonathan Todres & Leslie E. Wolf, The Complexities of Conducting Research on Child Trafficking, 171 JAMA Pediatrics 9 (2017).
Leslie E. Wolf & Sylvia Caley, Vulnerable Patients and End-of-Life Decision-Making, 10 Asia Pac. J. Health L. & Ethics 5 (2016).
Leslie E. Wolf, To Disclose Hepatitis C Virus Infection or Not: Who Decides?, 95 Ann. Thoracic Surgery 777 (2013).
William C. Rencher & Leslie E. Wolf, Redressing Past Wrongs: Changing the Common Rule to Increase Minority Voices in Research, 103 Am. J. Pub. Health 2136 (2013).
Leslie E. Wolf, Mayank J. Patel, Brett A. Williams Tarver, Jeffrey L. Austin, Lauren A. Dame, & Laura M. Beskow, Certificates of Confidentiality: Protecting Human Subject Research Data in Law and Practice, 14 Minn. J. L. Sci. Tech. 11 (2013) (also published at 43 J. L. Med. Ethics 594 (2015)).
Brett A. Williams & Leslie E. Wolf, Biobanking, Consent, and Certificates of Confidentiality: Does the ANPRM Muddy the Water?, 41 J. L. Med. & Ethics 440 (2013).
Leslie E. Wolf, Major Developments in Stem Cell Research, Recent Developments in Health Care Law: Culture and Controversy, 25 HEC Forum 7 (2013).
Leslie E. Wolf, Book Review, 34 J. Legal Med. 139 (2013) (reviewing Laura Stark, Behind Closed Doors: IRBs and the Making of Ethical Research (2012)).
Rachel L. Hulkower & Leslie E. Wolf, Federal Funds for Syringe Exchange Programs: A Necessary Component Toward Achieving an AIDS-Free Generation, 22 Annals Health L. 307 (2013).
Leslie E. Wolf, Lauren A. Dame, Mayank J. Patel, Brett A. Williams, Jeffrey A. Austin, & Laura M. Beskow, Certificates of Confidentiality: Legal Counsels' Experiences With and Perspectives on Legal Demands for Research Data, J. Emp. Rsch. Hum. Rsch. Ethics, Oct. 2012, at 1.
Aaron D. Levine & Leslie E. Wolf, The Roles and Responsibilities of Physicians in Patients’ Decisions about Unproven Stem Cell Therapies, 40 J.L. Med. & Ethics 122 (2012).
Wendy F. Hensel & Leslie E. Wolf, Playing God: The Legality of Plans Denying Scarce Resources to People with Disabilities in Public Health Emergencies, 63 Fla. L. Rev. 719 (2011).
Leslie E. Wolf, The Research Ethics Committee is Not the Enemy: Oversight of Community-Based Participatory Research, J. Empirical Res. Hum. Res. Ethics, Dec. 2010, at 77.
Nicole Sirotin, et al., IRBs & Ethically Challenging Protocols: Views of IRB Chairs about Useful Resources, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Rsch., Sept.-Oct. 2010, at 10.
Leslie E. Wolf, Timothy A. Bouley, & Charles E. McCulloch, Genetic Research with Stored Biological Materials: Ethics and Practice, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Rsch., Mar.-Apr. 2010, at 7.
Leslie E. Wolf, Advancing Research on Stored Biological Materials: Reconciling Law, Ethics, and Practice, 11 Minn. J. L. Sci. & Tech. 99 (2010).
Leslie E. Wolf, New Issues in HIV Testing, Recent Developments in Health Care Law: Partners in Innovation, 22 HEC Forum 90 (2010).
Jonathan Todres, Children's Health Rights and the "Double Burden" of Disease, Recent Developments in Health Care Law: Partners in Innovation, 22 HEC Forum 106 (2010).
Michelle M. Mello & Leslie E. Wolf, The Havasupai Indian Tribe Case - Lessons for Research Involving Stored Biologic Samples, 363 N. Eng. J. Med. 204 (2010).
Leslie E. Wolf, IRB Policies Regarding Finder’s Fees and Role Conflicts in Recruiting Research Participants, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Rsch., Jan.-Feb. 2009, at 14.
J. Catania, B. Lo, L.E. Wolf, M.M. Dolcini, L.M. Pollack, J.C. Barker, S. Wertlieb, & J. Henne, Survey of U.S. Human Research Protection Organizations: Workload and Membership, 3 J. Empirical Res. Hum. Res. Ethics 2 (2008).
Leslie E. Wolf, Joseph A. Catania, M. Margaret Dolcini, Lance M. Pollack, & Bernard Lo, IRB Chairs' Perspectives on Genomics Research Involving Stored Biological Materials: Ethical Concerns and Proposed Solutions, 3 J. Empirical Res. Hum. Res. Ethics 2 (2008).
J. Catania, B. Lo, L.E. Wolf, M.M. Dolcini, L.M. Pollack, J.C. Barker, S. Wertleib, & J. Henne, Survey of U.S. Boards that Review Mental Health-Related Research, 3 J. Empirical Res. Hum. Res. Ethics 2 (2008).
Patricia Zettler, Leslie E. Wolf, and Bernard Lo, Establishing Procedures for Institutional Oversight of Stem Cell Research, 82 Acad. Med. 6 (2007).
D.B. White, J.R. Curtis, L.E. Wolf, T.J. Prendergast, D.B. Taichman, G. Kuniyoshi, F. Acerra, B. Lo, & J.M. Luce, Life Support Decisions for Patients without Surrogates: Who Decides?, 147 Annals of Internal Med. 34 (2007).
Leslie E. Wolf, Alexis Donoghoe, & Tim Lane, Implementing Routine HIV Testing: The Role of State Law, 2 PLoS One e1005 (2007).
Leslie E. Wolf & Jolanta Zandecki, Conflicts of Interest in Research: How IRBs Address Their Own Conflicts, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Rsch., Jan.-Feb. 2007, at 6.
J. Catania, L.E. Wolf, S. Wertlieb, J. Henne, & B. Lo, Research Participants' Perceptions of the Certificate of Confidentiality's Assurances and Limitations, 2 J. Empirical Res. Hum Res. Ethics 2 (2007).
F. M. Hecht, Leslie E. Wolf, & B. Lo, Lessons from an HIV Transmission Pair, 195 J. Infectious Diseases 1239 (2007).
Leslie E. Wolf and Jolanta Zandecki, Sleeping Better at Night: Investigators' Experiences with Certificates of Confidentiality, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Res., Nov.-Dec. 2006, at 1.
Peter Bacchetti, Leslie E. Wolf, Mark R. Segal, and Charles E. McCulloch, Ethics and Sample Size, 161 Am. J. Epidemiology 105 (2005).
Leslie E. Wolf, Jolanta Zandecki, and Bernard Lo, Institutional Review Board Guidance on Pediatric Research: Missed Opportunities, 147 J. Pediatrics 84 (2005).
Leslie E. Wolf, Janice F. Walden, and Bernard Lo, Human Subjects Issues and IRB Review in Practice-Based Research, 3 Ann. Fam. Med. S30 (2005).
Leslie E. Wolf and Bernard Lo, Untapped Potential: IRB Guidance and Ethics on Research with Stored Biological Materials, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Res., Jul.-Aug. 2004, at 1.
Leslie E. Wolf and Bernard Lo, Informed Consent in HIV Research, FOCUS: A Guide to AIDS Res. & Counseling, Apr. 2004, at 5.
Leslie E. Wolf and Richard Vezina, Crime and Punishment: Is There a Role for Criminal Law in HIV Prevention Policy?, 25 Whittier L. Rev. 821 (2004).
Leslie E. Wolf, Bernard Lo and Lawrence O. Gostin, Legal Barriers to Implementing Recommendations for Universal, Routine Prenatal HIV Testing, 32 J.L. Med. & Ethics 137 (2004).
Leslie E. Wolf, Jolanta Zandecki, and Bernard Lo, The Certificates of Confidentiality Application: A View from the NIH Institutes, IRB: Ethics & Hum. Res., Jan.-Feb. 2004, at 14.
Bernard Lo, Vicki Chou, Marcelle I. Cedars, Elana Gates, Robert N. Taylor, Leslie E. Wolf, Richard M. Wagner, and Keith R. Yamamoto, Informed Consent in Human Oocyte, Embryo, and Embryonic Stem Cell Research, 82 Fertility & Sterility 559 (2004).
Bernard Lo, Vicki Chou, Marcelle I. Cedars, Elana Gates, Robert N. Taylor, Leslie E. Wolf, Richard M. Wagner, and Keith R. Yamamoto, Consent from Donors for Embryo and Stem Cell Research, 301 Science 921 (2003).
Bernard Lo, Laurie Dornbrand, Leslie E. Wolf, & Michelle Groman, The Wendland Case - Withdrawing Life Support from Incompetent Patients Who Are Not Terminally Ill, 346 New Eng. J. Med. 1489 (2002).
Leslie E. Wolf, Mary Croughan, and Bernard Lo, The Challenges of IRB Review and Human Subjects Protections in Practice-Based Research, 40 Med. Care 521 (2002).
Bernard Lo, Leslie E. Wolf, and Sohini Sengupta, Ethical Issues in Early Detection of HIV Infection to Reduce Vertical Transmission, 25 JAIDS S136 (2000).
Bernard Lo, Leslie E. Wolf, & Abiona Berkeley, Conflict-of-Interest Policies for Investigators in Clinical Trials, 343 New Eng. J. Med. 1616 (2000).
Leslie E. Wolf and Bernard Lo, Ethics and Clinical Research: An Issue for All Internists, 109 Am. J. Med. 82 (2000).
Leslie E. Wolf and Bernard Lo, Practicing Safer Research: Using the Law to Protect Sensitive Research Data, IRB: A Rev. of Hum. Subjects Res., Sept.-Oct. 1999, at 4.
Leslie E. Wolf and Bernard Lo, What about the Ethics? [HIV Vaccine Trials], 171 W.J. Med. 365 (1999).
Eric J. Sinrod & Leslie E. Wolf, Applying the Freedom of Information Act in the Immigration Context, Immigr. Briefings, Dec. 1994, at 1.
Popular Press
Leslie Wolf, HeLP Legal Services Clinic Celebrates 10 Years of Advocating for Children's Health and Well-Being, Saporta Report (Oct. 9, 2017).
Leslie E. Wolf, Law Professor: Georgia Ebola Policy Has Constitutional Problem, Daily Report, Oct. 30, 2014, at 6.
Other