Before coming to the Law School, Nagin was lecturer in law and administrative director of the Civil Justice Clinic at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. He previously worked for nonprofit and legal aid organizations in Indianapolis and New York City, where his advocacy focused on the legal needs of homeless persons and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Nagin graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with honors and received the Edwin F. Mandel Award for his contributions to the clinical program. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and with distinction in all subjects. He holds a master’s degree in education from Stanford University.