In 2005 the dean of Stanford University's law school, going into private practice, failed it on her first try.

ECONOMIST: Barriers to entry in the legal profession

Mr. Thiel himself boasts degrees from Stanford University and its law school.

WSJ: Merit Badges for the Job Market

Addressing a conference of corporate directors at Stanford University's Law School, Mr. Greifeld said Nasdaq had tested its systems extensively before the May 18 IPO, simulating higher trading volumes than actually occurred.

WSJ: Nasdaq CEO Robert Greifeld: 'Arrogance' Contributed to Facebook IPO Flaws

He teaches international environmental politics in the political science department at Stanford University and energy law at Stanford Law School.

FORBES: David Victor

Vivek Wadhwa is VP of Research and Innovation at Singularity University, a fellow at Stanford Law School, and Director of Research at Duke University.

FORBES: Silicon Valley Discriminates Against Women But There is Hope

On top of that, Fu is co-authoring a book with former Indiana University President and former Stanford Law School dean Thomas Ehrlich, about their experiences in public service.

FORBES: Names You Need to Know: Ernestine Fu

During this time, he taught courses at Stanford Law School (2004-2009) and at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (2003-2009).

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts