Directory

Tommy Sangchompuphen

Director of Bar Preparation; Associate Professor of Academic Success

Full-Time Faculty

School of Law

Profile

Tommy Sangchompuphen is currently the law school’s Director of Bar Preparation and Associate Professor of Academic Success, after previously serving as the Interim Associate Dean for Academic Success from 2017 to 2018 and as an adjunct professor, and then visiting assistant professor, since 2023. Tommy has extensive experience as a legal educator and law school administrator. Throughout his career at three different law schools, he has collaborated closely with faculty and senior administration to create and implement comprehensive academic support and bar passage programs. He has also been instrumental in developing assessments and evaluations that measure student learning and outcomes.

Tommy began his teaching career at Appalachian School of Law as an Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean, before continuing at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law as an Associate Professor and Associate Dean. His commitment to his students and excellence in teaching earned him the Professor of the Year award for the 2013-2014 academic year, and National Jurist Magazine recognized Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law as the best law school for bar exam preparation in its Winter 2017 issue. In 2023, the Association of Academic Support Educators honored Tommy with the Institutional Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to his students and the academic support community.

Since 2000, Tommy has authored and edited several books aimed at improving students' performance on the bar exam, including the primary course materials for BARBRI’s Essay Advantage courses in multiple states. He has also served as a consultant and course architect for the national bar review company and has been deeply involved in bar exam essay and performance test instruction across various jurisdictions.

Tommy's love for bar preparation is proudly displayed on his Ohio license plate, which reads "BAR EXM." This passion is further reflected in his blog, ProfessorTommy.tips, where he provides tips, advice, and news about the bar exam for law students and bar applicants.

In addition to his professional achievements, Tommy's interests in Peloton and building LEGO sets are more than just hobbies—they embody the discipline, creativity, and perseverance required in bar preparation. Whether it's pushing through a challenging Peloton workout or carefully constructing a LEGO masterpiece, these activities mirror the dedication and strategic thinking that he instills in his students as they prepare for the bar exam.

Tommy is a member of the Minnesota bar.