Miyoko Pettit-Toledo

Assistant Professor, Law

Professor Miyoko T. Pettit-Toledo is an Assistant Professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law whose teaching is defined by rigor, empathy, and innovation. Drawing on her experience as a judicial clerk, practicing attorney, and nonprofit leader, she brings Civil Procedure to life by integrating doctrinal mastery with practical lawyering skills and critical inquiry. Her pedagogy emphasizes both competence and compassion, challenging students to examine not only how legal systems operate, but whom they serve and impact.

Known for transforming the traditionally daunting first-year Civil Procedure course into an engaging and collaborative learning experience, Professor Pettit-Toledo fosters a strong sense of community through creative approaches such as student “law firms,” interactive simulations, and her “Procedure in Practice” writing lab. She is deeply committed to student success, mentoring with intentionality and care while maintaining high academic standards. By bringing her full self into the classroom and cultivating trust, she empowers students to grow into thoughtful, justice-minded legal professionals.

“Professor Pettit-Toledo did a fantastic job in teaching my classmates and I the required material needed to master the skills for Civil Procedure I. She consistently reviewed past material while keeping us on track with new material. Every activity or assignment contributed to my greater understanding of the content. Professor Pettit-Toledo continues to be my favorite teacher, as she teaches extremely efficiently, explaining the material in a way that is easy to understand. While most first year law students may view Civil Procedure I to be the most challenging course, I found Civil Procedure to be manageable and enjoyable because of Professor Pettit-Toledo’s impeccable teaching. I look forward to learning from her in the Spring, and I plan to apply for any other course that she teaches in the future.”

“I love Prof Pettit-Toledo! I think she’s an amazing professor who cares deeply about her students. I’ve come a long way since the first day of law school, and I owe a considerable amount of my growth to her. She’s pushed me since the start and not just with Civ. Pro but in becoming a more confident, meticulous student. I’m so grateful to have had her as a professor.”