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Harvard Law School Appoints Interim Dean
The National Law Journal
January 21, 2009
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misattributed a quote to Elena Kagan that was actually a quote from Harvard President Drew Faust.
With Elena Kagan poised to be the next U.S. solicitor general, Harvard Law School has tapped longtime professor Howell Jackson to fill her post as dean on an interim basis.
Harvard University President Drew Faust announced Thursday that Jackson will be the acting dean of the law school while a search is conducted for Kagan's permanent replacement.
"Howell Jackson is a first-rate scholar and teacher who has been a core member of the law school's leadership team in recent years," Faust said in a statement Thursday. "Especially at this moment in the life of the law school and the University, we are fortunate to be able to turn to a prospective acting dean who not only is a distinguished academic, but also has deep experience with the school's administrative and financial matters and a close working knowledge of the ambitious initiatives the school has been pursuing."
Jackson served at the law school's vice dean for budget from 2003 to 2006, and has taught there since 1989. He has taught a variety of courses, including securities regulation, pension law, regulation of financial institutions, international finance and the federal budget. He also has researched issues ranging from consumer protection to entitlement reform.
It's not clear precisely when Jackson will step up into the law school's top leadership role. That transition is dependent upon the U.S. Senate proceedings on Kagan's nomination.
"I envision a full and open search for a long-term dean," Faust said in a statement. "And I expect to solicit advice from across the HLS community on potential candidates from both with the school and beyond."
Kagan has been the law school dean since 2003, and has been widely praised for bringing harmony to the school.
In addition to teaching, Jackson has authored numerous books and articles, and has served as a consultant to the U.S. Treasury Department, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
"Elena Kagan's leadership over the past five years has transformed the law school, energizing its faculty and inspiring its student body," Jackson said. "I look forward to working closely with colleagues to sustain the school's momentum in the months to come."
