Northeastern University seeks an engaged and entrepreneurial leader for the position of Dean of the School of Law.  Reporting to the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean will have an extraordinary opportunity to lead a school that is a national and international leader in experiential legal education with a particular focus on law as a tool for furtherance of social justice.  The School of Law embraces and enhances Northeastern University’s distinctive educational mission and is central to the University’s reputation for fostering research and scholarship that serves global and societal needs.

Northeastern University School of Law (NUSL) over the past forty years has forged a unique path in American legal education, placing experiential education at the core of its pedagogy.  At the heart of its educational program is its co-op program, which places every law student in four full-time, quarter-long practice experiences during the second and third years of law school.  A commitment to bridging the theoretical and practical is central to all aspects of the law school’s structure and orientation, from the first-year curriculum through its new LLM program.

Also central to the law school’s mission is a commitment to fuse theory and practice with ethical and social justice ideals, so that students understand what it is lawyers do, how they should do it, and the difference they can make in the lives of others.  It is ranked the best public interest law school in the country by The National Jurist and preLaw Magazine. In addition, the 2010 edition of The Princeton Review's book, “The Best 172 Law Schools,” ranked NUSL second  among all law schools for providing the “best environment” for minority students.  The Law School was recently honored with the Beacon Award from the Boston Bar Association, honoring NUSL for contributions to diversity.

This is an unusual and exciting opportunity to join a university that is on a dramatic upward trajectory, led by a strong executive leadership team and a highly collaborative Council of College Deans.  Northeastern University seeks a Dean of the School of Law who combines exemplary achievements in the field of law with strategic leadership ability; outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and creative energy; and a passion for the unique missions of both the School and the University.  In collaboration with the faculty of the School, s/he will articulate a vision and strategic plan that will advance the School’s national and international leadership in experiential legal education and in legal scholarship and teaching dedicated to the public good. For more information on Northeastern University and the School of Law, go to www.northeastern.edu.

Northeastern University has retained the services of Witt/Kieffer to assist with this search. Information on this search may be found at  http://www.wittkieffer.com/position/northeastern-university/dean-of-the-school-of-law/7989.     The search will be conducted with sensitivity to candidates’ desire for confidentiality.

Recruitment will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Review of applications, nominations and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made.  For full consideration, applicants should send a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five references by February 16, 2012.  References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates.   The electronic submission of materials is preferred.  Nominations, applications and inquiries should be forwarded to:  nusl@wittkieffer.com.

Documents that must be mailed may be sent to:  Witt/Kieffer, Attn:  Ms. Donna Janulis, 2015 Spring Road, Suite 510, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

Confidential inquiries and questions concerning this search may be directed to the consultants supporting this search, Jean A. Dowdall, PhD, and Sheila Murphy through the office of Donna Janulis at (630) 575-6131.