University of Toronto Faculty of Law Dean Search

Sponsored by University of Toronto Faculty of Law

The University of Toronto is conducting an extensive international search for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Law, and invites expressions of interest, nominations and applications for the position. The appointment will be effective January 1, 2015, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Established in 1827 by royal charter, the University of Toronto, with one of the strongest research and teaching standings in North America, is consistently ranked in the top 20 universities in the world and first in Canada. Located in the heart of vibrant, cosmopolitan Toronto, the University has more than 20,000 faculty and staff and some 80,000 students enrolled across three campuses, an annual budget of $2 billion, and research grant and contract support of more than $1.2 billion. Its library is consistently ranked as one of the top three research libraries in North America, with over 21 million holdings. Additional information is available at the University’s website.

The Faculty of Law has an illustrious history as one of the oldest professional faculties at the University of Toronto. Today, it is preeminent among Canadian law schools and one of the best in the world. More than 50 full-time and 60 adjunct and distinguished visiting faculty members from the world’s leading law schools come together with approximately 600 academically gifted and engaged JD and graduate students to form a dynamic intellectual community. The Faculty’s challenging and diverse academic programs are supplemented by its many public interest clinics and programs. The Faculty of Law enjoys close links to its more than 7,000 alumni, who enjoy rewarding careers and positions of leadership in every sector of Canadian society and remain involved in many aspects of life at the law school. A high level of interaction with the rest of the University also yields numerous interdisciplinary programs, combined degree options, and cross appointments for faculty members. Following a successful capital campaign, construction of the new Jackman Law Building commenced in 2013 and will become the Faculty’s new home in 2015. For further information, please see here.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law will be an accomplished and visionary scholar, educator, communicator and leader, with a history of exemplary administration that reflects a commitment to  excellence, equity and diversity; a capacity to build and lead collaborative teams; and a record of effective relationships with a range of internal and external partners. The Dean will also have the necessary skills, qualities and interests to be an effective fundraiser. Responsible to the Vice-President and Provost, the Dean will lead the ongoing academic and administrative operations of the Faculty and form part of the senior leadership of the University of Toronto. The Dean will enhance the Faculty of Law’s endeavours and reputation, and participate in realizing the aspirations of the University of Toronto’s academic plan, Towards 2030.

Recently named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the 7th year in a row, and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the 6th consecutive year, the University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The search committee will begin considering potential candidates immediately and will continue until the role is successfully filled. Applications including a curriculum vitae, a letter of introduction and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate) should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801
Toronto, ON  M5E 1W7
[email protected]