David S. Abrams

David S. Abrams
  • Professor of Law, Business Economics and Public Policy

Contact Information

  • office Address:

    Silverman 134
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

Links: Personal Website

Overview

David S. Abrams is an applied microeconomist and law professor working in empirical law and economics. His research uses AI and econometric tools to measure how individuals respond to incentives across legal contexts with particular focus on intellectual property and the economics of crime. His work has appeared in top economics journals and law reviews.

David is always looking to collaborate on new projects with industry or government.

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Teaching

Past Courses

  • BEPP9520 - Economics and Law

  • BEPP9950 - Dissertation

    Dissertation

  • ECON4440 - Law and Economics

    This course will use basic microeconomic tools to understand how the law often, but not always, promotes economic efficiency. Among the areas to be discussed will be tort law, property law, intellectual property, antitrust regulation. The distinction between common law and legislative law will be drawn.

  • LAW5070 - Intro To Ip

  • LAW5140 - Intro to Law and Economics

    Intro to Law and Economics - 1L General Elective

  • LAW5680 - Negotiations Bootcamp

    Negotiations Bootcamp

  • LAW6090 - Fnce Econ Law Fiscal Cr

    The focus will be on the causes of fiscal crises, a careful detailing of who wins and who loses, and then on how such crises might be resolved and, perhaps most importantly, how they might be prevented in the future. The course will draw upon the fiscal experiences of US local governments (New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Orange County, Puerto Rico), utilities (WPPSS) and states (Illinois), and the international experience from such countries as Greece, Brazil, and Argentina. The cost of such crises for citizens, pensioners, and bond holders can be significant. We seek to understand the underlying economic, political, and legal/regulatory causes of such events so that they may be prevented in the future. The importance of private information and public regulation for disciplining the fiscal performance of democratically elected governments will be a central concern. We believe strongly that diagnosing and treating the "disease" of fiscal mismanagement is an interdisciplinary endeavor drawing on finance, economics, political science, and the law. Students with backgrounds in any of these disciplines are welcome.

  • LAW6130 - Climate Change

    Climate Change & Energy Law

  • LAW6770 - Patent Law

    Patent Law

  • LAW9640 - Law and Innovation Journal

    Law and Innovative Journal Seminar

  • LAW9990 - Independent Study Project

    Independent Study Project

In the News

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In the News

What Strong Growth Means for the Fed and Markets

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton emeritus professor of finance, examines what persistent growth, inflation pressures, and global trade developments could mean for interest rates and markets.…Read More

Knowledge @ Wharton - 2026/09/25
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