Program Overview

What is the Economics Institute for State Attorneys General: Mixed Modality?

The Economics Institute for State Attorneys General: Mixed Modality is a no-cost educational program designed for state attorneys general, state solicitors general, and attorneys in state attorney general offices. Through an 11-module course led by expert faculty, participants will deepen their understanding of economic principles central to legal and public policy disputes.

The mixed‑modality format combines self‑paced asynchronous modules with virtual synchronous modules offered at multiple scheduled times to accommodate government attorneys’ demanding schedules.

What topics will the program cover?

The Vocabulary & Terminology of Law & Economics
The Economics Perspective: Incentives Matter
Supply, Demand & Mutually Beneficial Exchange
Markets Restraints
Markets in Action: Shocks and Dynamic Response
The Economics of Crime & Punishment
Incompatible Uses of Property Rights
Property Rights & the Coase Theorem
Risk, Injury & Liability
Public Choice Economics
The Welfare Costs of Tariffs, Monopolies, & Theft

What are the dates for the Spring 2027 Cohort?

The Spring 2027 Cohort will take place from January 1 through March 16, 2027.

The agenda provides an overview of the Economics Institute’s schedule and topics.

Eligibility and Applications

Who is eligible to participate?

Applications are open for state attorneys general, state solicitors general, and their staff lawyers.

Can multiple attorneys from the same office apply?

Yes. Multiple attorneys from the same state attorney general office are encouraged to apply. There is no application limit by state.

How do I apply?

Interested applicants should complete the online application available here.

When is the application deadline for the Spring 2027 Cohort?

Applications will close on Friday, January 8, 2027.

When will applicants be notified of acceptance?

Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions approximately one week after submitting an application.

I am an economist, privacy analyst, investigator, or other professional staff member in a state attorney general’s office. Am I eligible to participate?

Non-attorney professional staff, including economists, privacy analysts, and investigators, should contact AGEP Assistant Director Ian Spears at ispears2@gmu.edu to inquire about eligibility.

Program Format and Time Commitment

How do the 11 modules work?

The Economics Institute includes 11 modules, consisting of 6 asynchronous modules and 5 synchronous modules. All modules will be delivered through Canvas.

Who teaches the modules?

Instructors are expert law and economics faculty from across the country. Each module has a lead instructor who guides participants through the module.

Some modules also include guest lecturers, appearing in selected sections to present or discuss specific cases, concepts, or issues.

To see our entire list of Economics Institute instructors, click here.

How are asynchronous modules structured?

Asynchronous modules are completed independently through Canvas and are divided into shorter sections.

No individual section will exceed 20 minutes, and most sections run between 3–10 minutes.
Each asynchronous module is expected to take approximately 60–75 minutes to complete.

How are synchronous modules structured?

Synchronous modules consist of a Zoom session taught by a lead instructor.

To provide scheduling flexibility, each synchronous module will be offered at two different times.
Participants are expected to attend one of the two available offerings for each synchronous module.
Each Zoom session is approximately 60 minutes long.

Are participants required to complete all modules?

Yes. Due to the program’s pedagogical goals, participants are required to complete all 11 modules.

What if I cannot attend one of the Zoom sessions?

Each Zoom session will be offered at two different times to provide scheduling flexibility. If you are unable to attend either Zoom session, please contact AGEP Assistant Director Ian Spears at ispears2@gmu.edu.

Canvas and Course Materials

What is Canvas?

Canvas is a secure, web-based learning management system that serves as the central hub for the Economics Institute, allowing participants to access each course module’s readings, videos, assignments, announcements, and links to live Zoom sessions in one organized location.

How will I access Canvas and course materials?

Accepted participants will receive instructions for accessing Canvas and course materials before the program begins.

Are there reading materials?

Yes, all readings, videos, and other assignments are provided through Canvas.
Most reading assignments will use Economic Analysis for Lawyers, Fourth Edition (2024).
Instructions for accessing the e-book will be shared via Canvas approximately two weeks before the program begins.

Covered Costs and Info on Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Are there costs to participate in this program?

No. Law & Economics Center programs are provided as a public service. The Economics Institute is tuition-free, offered at no cost to participants or their states.

Do you offer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit?

The LEC is actively pursuing CLE accreditation for the Spring 2027 capstones. Accreditation applications will be submitted once capstone agendas are finalized, and we will update participants accordingly.

In-Person Capstones

What are the Capstones?

The Economics Institute concludes with a 2½-day in-person topical capstone. Participants of the Economics Institute's Fall 2026 Cohort can choose to attend one of two in-person capstones held Spring 2027 at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, Virginia:

The Regulation & Economics of Emerging Technologies: AI, Blockchain, & Crypto
Wednesday, March 17 – Saturday, March 20, 2027

The Economics of Consumer Welfare & Protection: Antitrust and Other Vehicles
Sunday, May 2 – Wednesday, May 5, 2027

Where can I find the schedule and list of classes for the capstones?

Capstone agendas are currently under development and will be made available once finalized.

Do I need to attend a capstone to complete the program?

Yes. Attending a capstone is an integral part of the Economics Institute and is required for successful completion of the program.

If you have concerns about your availability to attend a capstone, please contact AGEP Assistant Director Ian Spears at ispears2@gmu.edu or 703-993-8008.

Are travel, lodging, or meals covered for the capstone?

The Law & Economics Center provides lodging and group meals at no cost. Participants also receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses, including air or rail travel, ground transportation, and ride-share services.

The LEC’s travel reimbursement policy is available here.

Please note that due to the program’s pedagogical goals, participants are required to attend all classes and group meals to receive travel reimbursement.

Contact Us

Who should I contact with questions?

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:

Ian Spears
Assistant Director, Attorneys General Education Program
Email: ispears2@gmu.edu
Office: 703-993-8008
Cell: 714-469-1851

Frequently Asked Questions