Professor Chaz D. Brooks is an Assistant Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic (ELC). As Co-Director of the Clinic, Professor Brooks provides pro-bono transactional legal support to small businesses, nonprofits, and individual entrepreneurs in D.C. and Maryland.

Through the examination of corporate law, securities law and financial regulation, Professor Brooks’ scholarship focuses on America’s attempts to remedy racial inequality. His work applies a critical lens to corporate law, securities law, and financial regulation in connection with his years of practical legal experience in these areas. Additionally, Professor Brooks’ scholarship and advocacy concerns increasing economic opportunity and parity for historically underserved communities.

Prior to joining the Faculty at American University Washington College of Law, Professor Brooks was an experienced legal professional in the private equity space. Professor Brooks served as a Director at EJF Capital LLC, an investment manager focused on regulatory change and financial markets. While at EJF, he was responsible for legal matters at the firm. Prior to joining EJF, Professor Brooks practiced law as an Associate in the Investment Funds Group at the DC office of Latham & Watkins LLP. During his time at Latham & Watkins, he advised fund sponsors on the launch of their private funds, portfolio company holding structures, credit facilities, restructurings and operational matters.

Professor Brooks earned a B.S. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an M.S. in Finance from the University of Tampa, and obtained his J.D. and LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center.