Dean, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law

Association of American Law Schools; Fowler (CA); On-site; USD 375,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable American university in California is seeking a Dean for the Dale E. Fowler School of Law. The ideal candidate should possess visionary leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on student success. Responsibilities include guiding the law school’s strategic direction and serving as an ambassador to the alumni and legal community. Experience in academic administration is essential. This role offers a competitive salary range of $375,000-$450,000. Applications should be submitted by February 10, 2026.

Qualifications

• Candidates should be experienced leaders committed to a collegial culture.
• A strong candidate will have a background in legal education or administration.
• The dean must articulate a clear strategic vision for the school.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Dale E. Fowler School of Law towards its next chapter.
• Articulate and implement strategic initiatives for student success.
• Chair partnerships with alumni and the legal community.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Collaborative approach

Commitment to student success

Strong ambassadorial skills

Ability to strengthen partnerships

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Dean, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law | Orange, CA

Chapman University seeks a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as dean of the Dale E. Fowler School of Law. The dean will leverage the distinctive strengths of this practice-focused, forward-looking law school, including its nationally recognized bar preparation program, dedicated faculty, and deep ties to the Orange County legal community, to guide Fowler into its next chapter as a law school of the future.

The next dean of the Fowler School of Law will articulate a clear strategy for the school’s next chapter. Fowler seeks a dean who values student success, embraces practice-ready education, and champions faculty excellence, while also serving as a strong ambassador to alumni, donors, and the legal community. The ideal candidate will bring a steady and transparent leadership style, a commitment to a collegial culture, and the ability to strengthen partnerships across the university and beyond, positioning the school for continued impact in the legal profession.

Located in Orange, California, Fowler benefits from its position within one of the nation’s most dynamic legal markets and from its integration into Chapman University, a growing institution with strong academic programs across disciplines. These connections provide rich opportunities for collaboration and for students to gain practical experience that complements their legal training. Fowler’s 41-member full-time faculty are respected scholars and dedicated teachers, and they, along with over 50 highly skilled adjunct faculty, deliver a curriculum that emphasizes practice-ready skills for the school’s approximately 400 JD students. The school’s supportive culture and close-knit community ensure that students are guided not only toward professional achievement but also toward becoming engaged members of the legal profession and society.

Chapman University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For full consideration, please apply by February 10, 2026. The anticipated salary range for this position is $375,000-$450,000 reflecting both academic and administrative compensation.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.