Eric Lane is the Dean and Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Public Service at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. He joined the Hofstra Law faculty in 1976 and has taught courses in law and literature, constitutional law, statutory interpretation and the legislative process.

Dean Lane is well-known beyond the Hofstra campus for his work in public service. He has previously served as the senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. In that role, he wrote the report (with Meg Barnette) A Report Card on New York's Civic Literacy, which was published in April 2011.

From 2002 to 2005, Dean Lane was special counsel to the speaker of the New York City Council. Prior roles include his service as counsel to the New York Commission on Constitutional Revision, which was created in 1993. In 1990 he chaired the New York City Task Force on Charter Implementation, and from 1986 to 1989, he served as executive director/counsel to the historic New York City Charter Revision Commission, which was responsible for the most substantial changes in the institutions and processes of New York City government since its creation. Dean Lane also spent six years (1981-1986) as chief counsel to the New York State Senate Minority.