Teaching With Purpose: Prof. Edith Ho Retires

After more than three decades of service, Professor Ho has retired from USF Law, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to legal education and student success. During her tenure, she taught in the Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis Program, directed the Legal Writing Program, and led both the First Year Moot Court Program and the Advocate of the Year Competition.

Before entering academia, Ho spent five years working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Philadelphia. She then moved to California, where she practiced civil litigation for 12 years. A colleague’s tip about a teaching opportunity at USF Law eventually set her on a new path. After gaining classroom experience teaching a paralegal course at San Francisco State, Ho was hired by USF Law in 1992 as an adjunct professor.

One of Ho’s guiding motivations as an educator was to serve as a role model for all students and especially Asian American students. “When I attended law school, there were very few Asian Americans,” she recalls. “So when I started teaching, I knew that if I could support even one student in the classroom, then this path—teaching—would be more meaningful to me than litigation. I wanted to help students achieve their dreams.”

Over the years, Ho has witnessed sweeping changes in legal research and writing, particularly with the rise of technology. “We’ve seen a major evolution—from books to online databases to now integrating artificial intelligence into the writing process,” she says. “The LRWA Program has adapted continuously to ensure our students are prepared. During my seven years as director, that was always my focus: making sure our students had the tools to succeed.”

Alumnus Carl Hammarskjold ‘11 recalls that as a student, “Professor Ho patiently taught me how to write like a lawyer, which required me to break the stubborn 'bad' habits I entered law school with.” And as importantly, he adds, “She demonstrated that one could succeed in the legal profession and be a good, honorable, and decent person.”

For Ho, USF Law has been more than a workplace—it has been a community. “What makes this place special are the friendships I’ve built with colleagues and the shared commitment to the university’s mission,” she says. “There’s a deep, underlying purpose here: to do good for society. Whether our graduates go on to work in large firms or small nonprofits, USF Law plays a vital role in preparing them to serve the community.”

In retirement, Ho plans to focus first on caregiving for her family. Afterward, she hopes to travel, reconnect with loved ones, and explore new hobbies. “Being a lawyer and a teacher has been all-consuming,” she says. “I spent many weekends and evenings grading. I’m looking forward to this next chapter—and to rediscovering life beyond the classroom.”