Legal Commentary

Though there were many great finalists, it's really exciting to announce that Martha Minow, a beloved former teacher of mine, will now be the new dean at HLS. Here's President Drew Faust's announcement, after the jump.

Dear Colleagues, Alumni and Friends,

            I am delighted to let you know that Martha Minow has agreed to serve as the next Dean of Harvard Law School.  She will take up her duties on July 1. 

            Martha has been a member of the HLS faculty since 1981, and she has served the school with extraordinary dedication and energy.  She is an eminent scholar of uncommon range and imagination, a greatly admired teacher who guided the school's recent curricular review, and an outstanding citizen not only of the Law School but of the University, with impressive experience in academic leadership roles.  She has a clear-eyed view of the challenges and opportunities facing the Law School, and a talent for bringing people together to work through important academic and institutional issues.  Most of all, she has a passion for the law and for all that legal scholarship, education, and practice can do to advance the public good.  I look forward to welcoming Martha to the University's Council of Deans and to working closely with her in the years to come.

            Howell Jackson has done an exemplary job as the Law School's acting dean these past few months, and all of us owe him our deep gratitude for his willingness to serve in this interim role.  And, of course, Martha will benefit not only from Howell's excellent work during the transition, but also from Elena Kagan's five-plus years of strong and energizing leadership before taking leave in March to serve as Solicitor General of the United States.

            I'm grateful to the many members of the Harvard community -- faculty, students, staff, and alumni -- who offered thoughtful advice during the course of the search.  I've learned a great deal from your counsel, and it has helped guide us to an excellent outcome.

           A copy of today's announcement can be read at:  http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2009/06.11/hls.html

Sincerely,

Drew Faust