Georgetown University Law Center is remembering Professor Erica J. Hashimoto, a respected legal educator whose career combined classroom teaching, practical advocacy training and a commitment to helping students become effective lawyers. Hashimoto died on October 26, 2026, at the age of 56, according to the information provided.
Her death marks a significant loss for colleagues, former students and the wider legal community, where she was known for her work in clinical legal education and appellate advocacy.
A Career Connected to Georgetown Law
Hashimoto joined Georgetown Law’s faculty in 2016, returning to the university where she earned her law degree in 1997. She later led the Appellate Litigation Clinic and served as the Scott K. Ginsburg Professor of Law and Appellate Advocacy.
Through the clinic, she helped students gain hands-on experience representing clients while developing the judgment, legal skills and confidence required in professional practice. Her work brought academic instruction together with the practical responsibilities of serving people facing important legal matters.
Years of Teaching at the University of Georgia
Before returning to Georgetown, Hashimoto spent 12 years teaching at the University of Georgia School of Law, from 2004 to 2016. During that period, she served as associate dean for clinical programs and experiential learning and held the Allen Post Professorship.
Her teaching covered criminal law, evidence and criminal procedure. She also established and directed the school’s Appellate Litigation Clinic, giving students opportunities to work on real cases while helping clients who could not afford legal representation.
In 2015, the University of Georgia awarded Hashimoto a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship. The university’s highest teaching honor recognized her contribution to instruction and her work preparing students for legal practice.
Remembered as a Dedicated Teacher and Mentor
Hashimoto’s influence extended beyond her legal knowledge. She was also remembered for the attention she gave to students and the clients they served.
Georgetown Law Professor David Cole described her as “the consummate teacher and lawyer,” praising her intelligence, clarity and care for those around her. His remarks reflected the importance of her mentorship and the example she set for students learning to handle demanding legal responsibilities.
Across her work at Georgetown and Georgia, Hashimoto helped shape clinical programs that allowed aspiring lawyers to develop their abilities while serving people in need of representation. Her legacy lives on through the students she taught, the clients they assisted and the educational programs she helped build.
The Georgetown Law community has extended its condolences to Hashimoto’s family, friends, colleagues, students and alumni.
Obituary: Erica J. Hashimoto was a law professor and clinical legal educator who taught at the University of Georgia School of Law before joining Georgetown Law in 2016. She led appellate litigation clinics and helped train law students in practical advocacy.
Cause of Death: The cause of Erica J. Hashimoto’s death has not been disclosed in the information provided. No specific medical cause should be assumed without confirmation from a reliable source.
Funeral Arrangements: Details about funeral or memorial services have not been provided.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information supplied for this report. The cause of death and funeral arrangements have not been independently confirmed here. Any additional details should be attributed to reliable, verifiable sources.