LOS ANGELES – Loyola Law School has launched a nationwide search for its next dean. After a lengthy search and vetting process, the school expects a new leader to be installed by the start of the 2016-17 school year.
Search preparations began after former Dean Victor Gold announced in late 2014 that he would step down on May 31, 2015. Gold, who led Loyola for more than seven years, will return to his first love: the classroom. Professor Paul T. Hayden, formerly associate dean of faculty, became interim dean on June 1, but announced at the same time that he will not be seeking a more permanent appointment.
A Dean Search Committee composed of faculty, students, alumni and staff created criteria for the position through its own research and a series of listening sessions held with all campus constituents. Some of the committee’s work culminated in the creation of a search web portal, DeanSearch.lls.edu, which contains information about the committee, details about the position and search process, and a mechanism for submitting feedback and nominations.
“We are all aware of both the honor and the responsibility we have been given by the LMU president and our peers to help to find the 17th dean of Loyola Law School,” said Professor Ellen Aprill, chair of the Dean Search Committee. “At the same time, we are very excited to have the opportunity to identify the person who, as dean, will be able to build on the school’s many strengths and position the law school for continued success as legal education and law practice continue to evolve.”
The dean search comes amid a period of progress for the school on several fronts. The American Lawyer named Loyola third among law schools nationally for its preparation of attorneys for big-firm practice, Loyola once again ranked first among alumni named Southern California Super Lawyers. Employment of recent graduates has seen double-digit growth. And the school, ranked in the top 10 for trial advocacy and tax law, saw its Byrne Trial Advocacy Team win the prestigious National Civil Trial Competition.
For expert guidance, the Dean Search Committee has retained consultant Dr. Ilene H. Nagel, head of the Higher Education Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. Nagel, a longtime tenured law professor, has held several prestigious university leadership positions, including executive vice chancellor of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Applications and nominations may be emailed via her office at lls.dean@russellreynolds.com.
About Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Located on an award-winning Frank Gehry-designed campus in downtown Los Angeles, Loyola Law School is home to prominent faculty, dedicated students and cutting-edge programs. The Law School strives to instill in students the knowledge they need to excel on their chosen paths. It dedicates itself to preparing students for the rigors of practice with an extensive portfolio of practical-training opportunities, a 17,000-strong alumni network and a focus on social justice. Learn more at www.lls.edu. 
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