Serving as a dean today is quite a different experience than it has been for most of the past two decades. To cite a few of today's challenges:
1. Applications have declined considerably for two years
2. The job market remains weak, with some experts suggesting that this reflects not just lingering effects of the recession, but rather a systematic restructuring of the profession
3. Law schools have received an unprecedented amount of negative publicity, on issues including expense, the relevance of legal scholarship, and the quality of the training we provide our students
4. A number of law schools have been sued, with more suits apparently planned
5. The U.S. News & World Report rankings continue to have a number of pernicious effects
In these circumstances, and with great changes in legal education potentially on the horizon, what does it mean to serve as dean? What are reasonable goals and expectations for someone considering a deanship?
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.