The University appointed Robert Schapiro, the interim dean of the Emory School of Law since July 1, 2011, as the new Law School dean and an Asa Griggs Candler Professor, effective May 3.

“The ability of the law to effect transformation in people’s lives, making the world a more just place, is what makes this work so important and so exciting,” Schapiro said. “Lawyers and law schools are central to promoting the rule of law and human rights around the world. In the years ahead, their role will only grow, as we engage some of the most complex social, political and economic challenges we have ever faced.”

In addition to Schapiro’s appointment, the Law school also announced the recruitment of Mary Dudziak who is currently the Guirado Professor at the University of Southern California (Calif.).

“Robert brings to the role superb academic and legal credentials as well as strong administrative experience,” Emory Provost Earl Lewis said in a press release. “He has been sought after by law schools across the country for both academic and leadership roles. He is recognized for his innovative thinking and his ability to integrate cutting-edge academic research with teaching so that students develop practical skills in the law. We are happy he will continue to make Emory his home.”

According to the press release, Schapiro’s administration will focus on enhancing students’ success in the global law environment, drawing on the perspective of the alumni community and increasing Emory Law’s international impact and developing the school’s focus in health law and policy.

Schapiro has been a member of Emory Law’s faculty since 1995.

He has additionally served as associate vice provost for academic affairs of the University and co-director of the Emory School of Law’s Center on Federalism and Intersystemic Governance.

According to the April 26 University press release, Schapiro specializes in constitutional law, federal courts, civil procedure and legislation and regulation.

While serving as Emory Law School’s interim dean, Schapiro recruited Rafael Pardo from the University of Washington (Wash.) and Sue Payne from Northwestern University (Ill.) to build Emory Law’s programs in bankruptcy law and transactional law.

Schapiro is a 1984 summa cum laude graduate from Yale University who received his Master’s degree at Stanford University in 1986 before returning to Yale in 1990 to complete his Juris Doctorate.

During his time at Yale Law, he served as the Editor of the Yale Law Journal.

Prior to coming to Emory, Schapiro clerked for Justice John Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court and also taught for two years at Duke University.

Schapiro became interim dean of the Emory School of Law when former Law School Dean David Partlett stepped down on June 30, 2011.

— Contact Roshani Chokshi.