Duke University, a global leader in teaching, research, and innovation, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Duke University School of Law . Duke Law’s position within one of the world’s premier research universities creates compelling opportunities for collaboration, enabling students and faculty to address complex challenges at the intersection of law and society. Equally distinctive is Duke Law’s culture: the School combines the intellectual rigor, scholarly influence, and global reputation of a leading law school with a culture that is notably collaborative, interdisciplinary, and deeply committed to student success.
The next Dean will join Duke Law at a moment of substantial strength and opportunity. The School has built considerable momentum through the expansion of its clinical programs, investments in public-interest and experiential learning, and the cultivation of a culture grounded in mutual respect. The Dean will have the opportunity to lead Duke Law’s next chapter of growth and impact, weaving together strategic ambition, technological evolution, and interdisciplinary engagement with a commitment to maintaining the culture, values, and academic excellence that have made the School one of the nation’s most respected and distinctive law schools. The Dean will be responsible for advancing Duke Law’s educational, scholarly, and service missions; recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff; strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships across the University; ensuring an exceptional student experience; cultivating relationships with alumni and donors; and positioning the School for continued excellence in a rapidly changing environment.
Duke University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted prior to December 1, 2026 via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/duke-university-school-law/dean.
Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Isaacson, Miller, and Duke University are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If you have any accommodation or access needs, we are happy to provide reasonable accommodations.
