The second annual Donald M. Ephraim Prize in Law and Economics has been awarded to Jacob Goldin, Richard M. Lipton Professor of Tax Law at the University of Chicago Law School.
The prize, established last year by the University of Chicago through the generous support of Donald M. Ephraim, ’54, recognizes an early-career scholar in the area of law and economics whose work has advanced the state of knowledge in the field and whose intellectual impact has the potential to reach the legal academy, legal profession, and beyond. The inaugural winner was Megan T. Stevenson, Associate Professor of Law and Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Virginia.
Trained as a lawyer and economist, Professor Goldin primarily focuses his scholarship on US tax policy affecting low-income households. His research interests also include health policy, tax administration, and the application of behavioral economics to policy design. Ephraim was pleased to see the Prize go to Goldin: “I am delighted that our selection committee chose Professor Goldin, a prolific scholar whose work is already impacting multiple domains of law and policy.”
William H.J. Hubbard, Deputy Dean and Harry N. Wyatt Professor of Law, chaired the selection committee and felt the decision was compelled by Goldin’s body of work. “Jacob has made major contributions to law and economics. His work is incredibly wide-ranging, studying topics from the child tax credit, to bail in criminal prosecutions, to health insurance coverage. He has made both theoretical and empirical contributions, and he has published in economics journals, law and econ journals, and law reviews. Most of all, Jacob’s work has had influence within and beyond the academy. His recent work on racial disparities in tax audits, for example, points the way toward improving IRS auditing processes to reduce racial disparities while maintaining the effectiveness of audits in identifying underreporting.”
In response to his selection, Goldin said, “I’m honored and grateful to receive this prize. There is so much exciting work being done in law and economics these days, it’s a great community to be a part of.”
The Prize includes a cash award (currently $53,000), as well as the opportunity to present research at the Ephraim Prize Lecture at the Law School during the following academic year.
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