Prof. Deise received the prestigious 2004 Richard S. Jacobson Award for Excellence in Teaching Trial Advocacy, a national award given annually to an outstanding law professor “who exemplifies the best attributes of the trial lawyer as teacher, mentor and advocate.” This award is given by the Roscoe Pound Institute, a legal “think tank” dedicated to the cause of promoting access to the civil justice system through its programs, publications and research grants. In addition, Prof. Deise received the University of Maryland School of Law Award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Before joining the law school, Prof. Deise was Chief Attorney of the Capital Defense Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. He directs the law school’s Criminal Defense Clinic where he and his students represent clients in both state and federal courts. Prof. Deise teaches Evidence, Trial Evidence, Criminal Law, Comparative Professional Responsibility (Scotland), Trial Advocacy and Advanced Trial Advocacy.

In addition, Prof. Deise is the director of the UMLS National Trial Team. Thus far this year, the team finished first in the nation, winning the National Tournament of Champions Trial Competition; the American Association for Justice 2007 Regional Competition; and the American College of Trial Lawyers 2007 Regional Competition.