John Heilman has forged a remarkable career path spanning law, academia, and public service, marked by decades of dedication and significant contributions to each field. His journey is characterized by a commitment to legal education, tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and transformative leadership in local government.
Professor Heilman’s legal foundation was solidified at the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law. During his time there, he excelled as the Notes and Articles Editor for the Southern California Law Review, demonstrating his scholarly aptitude and meticulous approach to legal analysis. His contributions to the Law Center were further recognized with the prestigious Shattuck Award. Continuing his academic pursuits at USC, John Heilman broadened his expertise by earning both a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Real Estate Development, showcasing his interdisciplinary interests and commitment to comprehensive knowledge. His early professional experience included practicing law in the private sector, providing him with practical insights that would later enrich his academic career. In 1987, he transitioned to legal education, joining the legal writing faculty at Whittier Law School, marking the beginning of his impactful journey in academia.
His professorial career advanced steadily, and in 1990, John Heilman was appointed as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law. Whittier Law School recognized his exceptional teaching abilities and dedication in 1999 by naming him the Distinguished Teaching Professor of Law. Throughout his tenure, Professor Heilman demonstrated remarkable versatility, teaching a wide array of subjects including foundational courses like torts, civil procedure, criminal law, and criminal procedure, as well as specialized areas such as evidence, real property, local government law, professional responsibility, sexual orientation law, and AIDS and international law. His commitment to inclusivity and social justice is evident in his establishment of Southwestern’s Summer Program on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, a pioneering initiative in legal education. Further demonstrating his dedication to practical legal training and community service, he also played a key role in establishing Southwestern’s Eviction Defense Clinic. Since joining Southwestern’s faculty in 2012, John Heilman has consistently been recognized for his excellence in teaching, receiving numerous teaching awards that underscore his impact on legal education.
Beyond his academic achievements, John Heilman has distinguished himself as a prominent elected official in West Hollywood. His extensive service to the city spans decades, having served as Mayor for eight terms and as a City Council member from 1984 to 2020. Demonstrating continued commitment to his community, he was re-elected to the City Council in 2022. His involvement in West Hollywood’s development began with his active participation on the city’s incorporation committee. As a member of the first city council, John Heilman played a crucial role in shaping the city’s foundational structure, including hiring initial staff, developing operating policies and procedures, and crafting landmark ordinances. Notably, he was instrumental in establishing rent stabilization measures and pioneering legislation prohibiting discrimination based on AIDS or HIV status, positioning West Hollywood as a national leader in защите прав LGBTQ+.
Professor Heilman’s leadership extends to national and international platforms. He has served on the board of both the National and California League of Cities, contributing his expertise to municipal governance at broader levels. His past board memberships include the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and the Local Government Commission, reflecting his long-standing commitment to civil liberties and sustainable community development. Furthermore, he served as president of the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Local Officials Group of the National League of Cities, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation and equality within local governance. Currently, John Heilman serves on the Board of Directors of Outright International, a global organization dedicated to advocating for LGBTQI equality worldwide. His commitment to humanitarian causes is further exemplified by his service on the Board of the Jacaranda Foundation, an organization operating a school for children orphaned by AIDS in Malawi.
John Heilman’s multifaceted career is a testament to his dedication to law, education, public service, and social justice. His contributions as a professor, elected official, and advocate have left an indelible mark on both his local community and the wider world.
