Kane is the John F. Digardi Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California-Hastings College of the Law, where she was also Dean from 1993-2006 and Chancellor from 2000-2006. She is a longtime specialist in the field of civil procedure. Dean Kane received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Michigan.

She is a past president of the Association of American Law Schools, and served in various other capacities for AALS. Dean Kane currently sits on several American Law Institute and American Bar Association committees. She also is a member of the ALI Council, the group’s governing body.