Academic Dean

Job Title: Dean of Law College

Years of Experience: 15 years

Reports to: Vice Chancellor

About the institution:

A deemed university found in the year 1993, which offers varied courses across departments of management, engineering and technology, science, social science and humanity, health and life science, languages, education, Sanskrit and Indian culture.

Job Summary:

The Dean of the Law College will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Law. The Dean will lead efforts to ensure the academic, research, and administrative functions of the law school are aligned with the vision and mission of the university. The Dean will be responsible for fostering an environment of academic excellence, promoting research initiatives, enhancing student success, and ensuring the college's leadership in legal education and community service.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision:Provide strategic leadership to the Law College, developing and implementing its mission, goals, and priorities.Work with faculty, staff, and students to create an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.Align the College's initiatives with the broader university vision while maintaining the distinctiveness and strengths of the Law College.Academic Excellence:Oversee the development, evaluation, and improvement of the curriculum and academic programs, including JD, LLM, and other specialized legal programs.Ensure academic rigor and relevance by maintaining the highest standards of legal education and ensuring that the curriculum addresses the evolving needs of the legal profession.Foster a culture of excellence in teaching and support for innovative legal pedagogy.Manage faculty recruitment, development, and evaluation, encouraging professional growth and research engagement.Research & Scholarly Activity:Promote and support legal research in various areas of law, encouraging faculty to engage in scholarly activities and publishing.Establish collaborative research opportunities with other academic departments, legal professionals, governmental bodies, and industry leaders.Seek and secure funding opportunities for research and faculty development.Student Success & Engagement:Promote an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment that ensures student success, retention, and graduation.Advocate for student needs and provide guidance on academic and career development.Support initiatives to enhance the employability of law students, such as internships, externships, and connections with legal professionals.Develop mentorship and leadership programs for students to build practical legal skills.Administration & Operations:Oversee the administrative functions of the Law College, including budgeting, resource allocation, and facilities management.Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, university policies, and legal regulations.Work with the administration to ensure the College's policies are implemented effectively and equitably.External Relations & Advocacy:Act as the primary representative of the Law College within the university and in external legal, academic, and professional communities.Strengthen relationships with alumni, legal practitioners, industry partners, government agencies, and professional associations.Promote and enhance the Law College's reputation, engaging with media, potential students, and external stakeholders to build and maintain a positive public image.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:Ensure that the Law College fosters an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse, supporting faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds.Implement programs and initiatives that increase diversity within the law school and the legal profession.Cultivate a culture of respect and inclusion in the curriculum, campus environment, and faculty recruitment.

Qualifications:

Education:An LLM and PhD from a renowned institution.Strong academic credentials, with a history of scholarly work and legal practice.Experience:At least 15 years of leadership experience in legal education or academic administration.A demonstrated track record of success in academic and administrative roles in higher education, including strategic planning, faculty development, and budget management.Experience in managing complex academic and administrative functions, with a focus on legal education.Skills & Competencies:Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage faculty, staff, and students.Strong organizational, financial, and strategic planning skills.Knowledge of legal trends, the legal profession, and legal education policy, including accreditation standards (e.g., ABA).Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills, with the ability to advocate for the college and its mission to external stakeholders.Ability to foster a collegial and supportive environment while balancing academic rigor and administrative responsibilities.

Desirable Attributes:

Experience with fundraising, grant writing, or securing external resources to support the Law College.A history of significant contributions to the legal profession, such as through practice, public service, or scholarly work.Familiarity with innovative legal education practices, including experiential learning, online education, and interdisciplinary programs.A commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession and legal education.

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