The Faculty Lounge

Lars Smith Named Interim Dean of Louisville Law

The University of Louisville has announced that Professor Lars Smith, the law school's associate dean for faculty affairs, will take over as interim dean on June 1.  The current dean, Colin Crawford, will leave to become the dean of Golden Gate University Law this summer.  Smith holds a JD from New England School of Law; he joined the Louisville faculty in 2000.

Bryant Garth Named Interim Dean of UCI Law

The University of California - Irvine has announced that Bryant Garth, an emeritus faculty member of UCI Law (and former dean of Southwestern and Indiana - Bloomington), will return to serve as the law school's interim dean.  He will take over when Dean Song Richardson becomes President of Colorado College this summer. 

Roger Fairfax Named Dean of American Law

American University has announced that Professor Roger Fairfax, of George Washington University Law, will be its next law school dean.  Fairfax, who holds a JD from Harvard, will take over from interim dean Bob Dinerstein, on July 1. 

Appalachian Law Seeks President and Dean

This just in:

Appalachian School of Law invites nominations and applications for the position of President & Dean. Currently, the jobs of President and Dean are combined, but in the past, ASL had these duties divided among two individuals. ASL would welcome applicants for the positions of President, Dean, or President & Dean.

ASL exists to provide opportunity for people from Appalachia and beyond to realize their dreams of practicing law and bettering their communities. We attract a qualified, diverse and dedicated student body, many of whom will remain in the region after graduation and serve as legal counselors, advocates, judges, mediators, community leaders, and public officials. We offer a well-qualified faculty, a rigorous program for the professional training of lawyers and a comprehensive law library. The program emphasizes professional responsibility and practice skills. The ASL community is an exciting, student-centered environment that focuses on honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect for others. We also require community service and provide a critical resource and access to justice for all people, the bar, courts and other institutions of the region.

The President & Dean serve two equally important roles at Appalachian School of Law. First, the President is the principal advocate for ASL both within and outside the school. The President will work collaboratively with the administration and deans of other schools. The President is also responsible for developing, engaging, and cultivating potential donors and for facilitating school service and outreach to the state in support of its commitment. The next President must be visionary, and have a commitment to public service and to diversity, equity, and inclusion necessary to advance ASL and inspire its multiple constituencies.

Mary Lu Bilek Steps Down as Dean of CUNY Law; Capulong Named Interim

Dean Mary Lu Bilek stepped down as the dean of CUNY Law yesterday, having served in the position since 2016.  There has been plenty of coverage around this event which I will not rehash here.  I have only positive things to say about Bilek and her commitment to both CUNY and the values that drive the institution.  Bilek joined the law school in 1985 , two years after it opened, and has remained on the faculty since, except for a stint as dean at UMass Law.  CUNY Professor Eduardo Capulong was named interim dean.  Capulong holds a JD from CUNY. 

C.J. Peters Stepping Down as Dean of Akron Law

Dean C.J. Peters of the University of Akron School of Law has announced that he will not seek a second term as dean.  Although his current four year term ends this year, he will stay on until a new dean is selected.  

Diane Ring Named Interim Dean of BC Law

Diane Ring, the associate dean of faculty at Boston College Law School, has been named interim dean, taking over July 1 - when Dean Vincent Rougeau heads off to lead College of the Holy Cross.  Ring, who joined the BC faculty in 2005, holds a JD from Harvard Law School.  

Ave Maria Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

Ave Maria School of Law invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean. Ave Maria School of Law is dedicated to educating lawyers with the finest professional skills. Founded in 2000 and inspired by Pope John Paul II's encyclical Fides et Ratio, Ave Maria School of Law offers a distinctive legal education - an education characterized by the harmony of faith and reason. Formed by outstanding professional training and a distinctive educational philosophy, Ave Maria's graduates are equipped for leading positions in law
firms, corporate legal offices, the judiciary, and national, state, and local government.

Ave Maria School of Law offers an outstanding legal education in fidelity to the Catholic Faith as expressed through Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the teaching authority of the Church.
Located in beautiful Naples, Florida, Ave Maria School of Law is well positioned to train the next generation of leaders in the legal profession. Additional information about the school of law can be found at www.avemarialaw.edu.

Ave Maria School of Law seeks a creative, dynamic, and ambitious leader with a track record of leadership tempered by Christian humility that inspires trust, respect, and confidence in others, and a deep commitment to the school’s Catholic mission. The successful candidate will possess strong public communication skills, the academic qualifications required to hold a tenured appointment on the Faculty of Law and will have a record of achievement in legal research, teaching, and community engagement. He or she will prioritize academic success and relationships with alumni and friends to further develop support, including financial, for Ave Maria School of Law. He or she will possess strong financial and administrative experience and have a deep commitment to legal education, student success, faculty development, and scholarship. In addition, the successful candidate will have a sophisticated understanding of the changing landscape of legal education and a vision for Ave Maria School of Law’s role in the future of legal education.

Applications should be received by March 12, 2021, to ensure full consideration and should include a letter of interest and qualifications, resume/curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for at least three references. Submit nominations and applications to: dean-search@avemarialaw.edu.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:
Ave Maria School of Law recognizes the inherent value and dignity of all members of the human family. It values equal opportunity, and seeks racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity. The Law School does not preclude admission or retention of students or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national
origin, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran. The Law School maintains its Catholic character but is open to persons of all religious faiths who respect the goals of Ave Maria School of Law, and whose conduct does not undermine the Law School’s religious goals or compromise its Catholic identity

Beth McCormack Named Interim Dean and President of Vermont Law

Vermont Law School has named Beth McCormack, who was serving as Vice Dean of Students, as its interim dean and president.  She replaces Tom McHenry who stepped down.  McCormack joined the Vermont Law faculty in 2011; she holds a JD from Boston University.

Colin Crawford Named Dean of Golden Gate Law

University of Louisville Law Dean Colin Crawford is headed west.  Golden Gate University School of Law announced that Crawford will be its next dean, joining the San Francisco law school this summer.  Crawford joined Louisville in 2018; he holds a JD from Harvard.

Kevin Cieply Stepping Down as Dean of Ave Maria Law

Kevin Cieply will be stepping down from his position as dean of Ave Maria Law at the end of this month.  Professor Euguene Milhizer, the dean emeritus of the law school, will step in as interim dean as the school begins a search for a new leader. 

Johanna Kalb Named Dean of Idaho Law

The University of Idaho has announced that Professor Johanna Kalb, the Associate Dean for Administration & Special Initiatives at Loyola - New Orleans Law, will become its new dean.  Kalb, who holds a JD from Yale, takes over in May.  

Vincent Rougeau Named President of Holy Cross

The College of the Holy Cross has named Boston College Law dean, Vince Rougeau, as its new President.  Rougeau, who became dean at BC in 2011, and is the current president of the AALS, will take over at Holy Cross on July 1.

University of Manitoba Seeks Law Dean

This just in:

The University of Manitoba invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Law with the appointment to begin July 2021. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a law school dedicated to educating leaders who will serve the public good while focusing on the legal challenges facing society and the contemporary legal profession.

With a tradition of innovation since 1914, the Faculty of Law offers an exceptional legal education where approximately 300 students experience dynamic and innovative experiential and classroom learning and receive the highest training in critical and analytical thinking, advocacy, and legal research. The Faculty offers a Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM degree) and is home to Canada’s first interdisciplinary Master of Human Rights Program. With research chairs and institutes devoted to Human Rights, Private Enterprise and the Law, Legal Research, and International Business and Trade Law, the Faculty’s award-winning professors engage in research aimed at finding solutions to real problems faced by Canadians. As Manitoba’s only law school, the Faculty is integrally connected to members of the legal profession locally, provincially, nationally, and globally, offering students the opportunity to engage and contribute beyond the classroom. Additional information is available at https://law.robsonhall.com/

As Western Canada’s first university, the University of Manitoba has thrived as a place where challenges are embraced. As Manitoba’s only research-intensive, medical-doctoral university and member of the U15 Group of Research Universities, it is taking its place among Canada’s top research institutions through a commitment to transformative research and scholarship, and to innovative teaching and learning – uniquely strengthened by Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. The University of Manitoba offers more than 100 programs at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels and is home to world-class researchers who engage communities throughout the province and across the globe, building international partnerships that generate positive change. The University of Manitoba has more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, over 10,000 faculty and staff, and more than 145,000 alumni across Canada and 140 different countries. The University is located in Winnipeg, a city that offers a high quality of life with affordable housing, a long heritage of cultural activity, and numerous recreational opportunities. For more information, please visit the website at www.umanitoba.ca

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean is the Faculty of Law’s senior academic officer, providing strategic direction, academic planning leadership, and administrative oversight to achieve the highest possible standards in legal education and research. The Dean will successfully manage the financial and administrative resources of the Faculty of Law, promote and enhance its reputation and achievements both internally and externally, and ensure the success and development of faculty and staff. Working collaboratively to create, implement, and adapt ideas and strategies, the Dean will be a champion of student success who is focused on meeting their changing needs and inspiring them as future leaders. The Dean will work effectively, transparently, and collegially with academic, legal, alumni, and public sector partners to further enhance the reputation, stature, and resources of the Faculty. Meeting the ongoing challenges and issues posed by COVID-19 are likely to form part of the new Dean’s responsibilities.

With an understanding of current and future issues, trends, and forces that will impact legal education and practice, the Dean will be an innovative administrator, leader, and scholar with demonstrated leadership capabilities in a university setting. The successful candidate will possess the academic qualifications required to hold a tenured appointment in the Faculty of Law (including an advanced degree in law or a cognate discipline), and will have strong achievements in interdisciplinary legal research, teaching, and community engagement. The Dean will have a transparent and collegial style, outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and will be a strong advocate of social justice and all aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will be able to inspire students, faculty, and staff, build inclusive and collaborative teams, demonstrate financial acumen in managing the Faculty’s resources and academic priorities, and be highly engaged with a range of internal and external stakeholders and partners. Experience with fundraising and advancement will be an asset in this role.

Linda Greene Selected as New Michigan State Law Dean

Michigan State University provost Teresa Woodruff has selected Professor Linda Greene, from the faculty of Wisconsin Law, as its new dean (pending Board of Trustee approval.) Greene, who holds a JD from UC Berkeley, joined the Wisconsin faculty in 1989 and has held administrative positions at both Wisconsin and UC San Diego.  She starts June 1.

Tulsa College of Law Dean Search Announcement

Position Summary

The University of Tulsa (TU) seeks a candidate beginning July 1, 2021, to serve as the Dean of the University of Tulsa College of Law. The Dean is the chief academic officer of the College and provides strategic vision and operational leadership for all aspects of the academic enterprise; supports and promotes excellence in faculty scholarship and teaching; and preserves a collaborative and transparent environment for students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni. The Dean supports the College’s fundraising and development efforts, develops, and promotes strategic plans for the College, and works with law school faculty, administrators, and other program directors in advancing the broad interests of the College. The Dean must work collegially with faculty, staff, and fellow members of the President’s Leadership Team and Deans’ Council, other colleges, alumni, and community members to advance the academic mission of the College and the University.

We seek an intellectually curious, thoughtful, and forward-looking person who can manage a complex institution, raise funds, and identify opportunities in the challenges presently facing legal education. The next Dean of the College of Law must be equipped to understand and respond to the unique challenges and opportunities in professional legal education today.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent; academic and professional credentials necessary for eligibility for a tenured faculty appointment

Application Information

The University of Tulsa seeks to recruit and retain talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Tulsa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The University does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status.

Please submit a cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience, qualifications, education, and vision for the future of the College of Law, and a CV to: The University of Tulsa, Office of Human Resources, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104 or submit online at utulsa.edu/job-application.

Applicants who progress in the search process will be asked to provide five references, accompanying letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.  Application review will begin on February 1 and continue until the position is filled.

Confidential inquiries and expressions of interest may be addressed to Search Committee Chair, Elizabeth McCormick, at LAWsearchchair@utulsa.edu.

The University of Tulsa is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/ Veteran.

West Virginia Law Names Amelia Smith Rinehart as Dean

West Virginia University has announced that Amelia Smith Rinehart will be its new law dean.  Rinehart is currently associate dean of academic affairs , and a faculty member, at Utah Law.  She holds a JD from the University of Chicago.

West Virginia Law Names Dean Finalists

The final candidates for the deanship at West Virginia University College of Law are Amelia Rinehart (Utah) and David Mitchell (Missouri).  

Michigan State Names Law Dean Finalists

Michigan State College of Law has named three finalists in its dean search:

Linda Greene (Wisconsin)
Melanie Jacobs (Michigan State)
Seval Yildirim (Cal State San Bernadino)

Idaho Law Names Dean Finalists

The University of Idaho has named the following finalists in its law dean search:

Brian Kane (Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General of Idaho)
Lumen Mulligan (University of Kansas Law)
Johanna Kalb (Loyola New Orleans Law)
Geoffrey Rapp (Toledo Law)