Meet Jennifer Bird-Pollan, Professor of Law, Alan S. Schenk Endowed Chair in Taxation
I’ve had deep ties to Detroit since childhood, with my dad growing up in Grosse Pointe and my paternal grandmother’s family running a concrete company in the city since the late 19th century. I even lived in Detroit and Grand Rapids briefly as a child. My mom, Linda Handren, a Wayne Law alum, graduated from the part-time program and served for 15 years in the Michigan Attorney General’s Children and Youth Services Division. Now, with my parents, siblings, and a newborn niece all in southeast Michigan, being close to family has been wonderful. Beyond that, I’m thrilled by the city’s vibrancy and energy.
What has surprised you the most about Detroit?
I had heard about Detroit’s food scene, but since past visits were spent dining with family at home, I hadn’t explored many local restaurants. It’s been a delightful surprise to experience how creative, diverse, and exciting the city’s culinary scene has become. One of my favorites is Leila, which offers a fantastic menu catering to all palates and dietary needs. Beyond the food the scene, I’m eager to connect and be an active part of the community. The city, along with the University, has been incredibly welcoming and supportive.
What do you miss about Kentucky?
March in Kentucky brings blooming trees and early flowers, while spring in Michigan lags quite a bit. I also miss the excitement of Kentucky’s horse races in April and October but hope to start a Derby Day tradition in Detroit, introducing friends and colleagues to this beloved event—mint juleps and extravagant hats included!
What got you into Tax Law and how did philosophy play a role in your path to law school?
As a college senior, I debated between grad school and law school, ultimately choosing a PhD program due to its earlier application timeline and financial support. While I valued my PhD experience, I often found the theoretical discussions disconnected from practical impact. Four years in, I decided to pursue law school, where I discovered tax law as a concrete extension of my philosophical studies, applying distributive justice philosophical principles to the real world. My background helps me approach tax policy with a deeper focus on its ethical foundations—exploring the “why” and “what” of policy, rather than just the “how.”
What classes in law school made the greatest impact on you and why?
I had many great classes in law school. In my first year, David Barron, now a federal judge, made Property Law come alive, shaping my appreciation for a subject many find dry. By my 3L year, I was fortunate to take almost exclusively tax courses with some of the greatest tax scholars alive today. Alice Abreu’s Tax Policy Seminar was standout, as was Al Warren’s Basic Federal Income Tax class in my 2L year. Outside of tax, my favorite was a Law & Literature seminar, where I first read Michael Kohlhaas by Heinrich von Kleist, which remains one of my favorite pieces of fiction writing.
What inspired you decide to become a professor?
Because I started my post-grad education in a PhD program, I first thought I’d be a philosophy professor. I love talking about ideas, reading complex pieces, and trying to puzzle out my own thoughts in writing and conversation. Academia lets me do all of those things, and I get to teach others, which is such a total joy for me. It’s really the best job in the world – it’s true!
Do you ever miss working at a law firm?
I was lucky to work at Ropes & Gray, a firm with exceptional tax lawyers who valued mentorship and echoed my approach to law. Many partners moved between government and private practice, and many taught as adjuncts – it was a place that attracted people with academically minded approaches. While I learned a great deal, I lacked the freedom to explore the questions that truly interested me, and helping clients minimize taxes wasn’t something I really loved doing. I have no regrets about having practiced and believe Ropes was the right firm for me, but I don’t miss it—although the break-room coffee was VERY good.
If you had a ‘walk up song’ that played at the beginning of every lecture, what would it be?
I’d like a song that would make everyone want to sing along, but would also feel pretty empowering. “Good Luck, Babe” by Chappell Roan or “The Man” by Taylor Swift.
Describe yourself using only five words:
Ready to laugh at a moment’s notice. Bad at counting.