Search for University Jobs in Law

Temple University, a vibrant R1 institution in the heart of Philadelphia, seeks a bold and dynamic leader to serve as dean of the Beasley School of Law (Temple Law). Temple University invites inquiries, nominations and applications for this exciting opportunity to join a law school with extraordinary momentum and promise, as the university builds on its proud legacy of access and excellence under the experienced leadership of President John Fry.

Founded in 1884 to serve working-class Philadelphians, Temple remains deeply committed to its mission of providing a high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Since then, Temple has evolved into one of the nation's most comprehensive and globally engaged urban public research universities, with 17 schools and colleges, more than 600 academic programs and more than 32,000 students across eight campuses - including international locations in Rome, Tokyo and Kyoto.

The university's institutional budget for FY2024 was approximately $1.2 billion, with a workforce of more than 8,100 faculty and staff. Notably, Temple received a record number of undergraduate deposits from first-year admitted students for the Class of 2029, reflecting its growing reputation and appeal.

Temple is a catalyst for innovation, discovery and opportunity. The university consistently ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with annual research expenditures exceeding $300 million.

Since its founding in 1895, Temple Law has been committed to preparing bright students for success as lawyers and advocates. By engaging in experiential learning that dovetails with and informs doctrinal coursework, Temple Law students are educated in the lived experiences of real people and inspired to pursue the big ideas that can move the law forward. Temple Law graduates have excelled in every imaginable practice area and setting, locally and around the world, and are sought after by employers who know the value of a Temple Law degree. Temple Law students consistently demonstrate practice readiness and professional-level excellence, equipped with the skills, judgment, and experience to thrive from day one in any legal setting. Temple Law's institutional mission is to deliver an accessible, affordable, and excellent legal education.

In addition to outstanding faculty, Temple Law students learn from, and teach, each other. Committed to building an inclusive community, Temple Law welcomes individuals who have historically faced barriers to legal education, recognizing that exposure to varied viewpoints deepens understanding of how laws affect real lives and strengthens both the legal profession and society. Grounded in its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and excellent legal education, Temple Law integrates these principles into every aspect of academic and student life-from curriculum design to career services. Since its founding, Temple Law has prepared talented individuals to become successful lawyers and advocates through a rigorous, experiential approach that connects doctrinal learning with real-world application.

Temple Law is #50 in US News & World Report's 2026 Law School Rankings, with the part-time division ranking #9. Temple Law's health care and international law programs are both ranked #13- the highest ever for health care law at Temple. The trial advocacy program ranked #2 and has been consistently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the top three trial advocacy programs in the nation for more than 30 years. Last summer, 90.57% of Temple Law graduates taking the Pennsylvania bar exam for the first time passed - the highest mark in eleven years. As a result, Temple Law produced more new Pennsylvania lawyers than any other law school. This past spring, Temple Law reported that 95.5% of the Class of 2024 was employed ten months after graduation. Also, a record for Temple Law, of 2024 graduates, 93.3% had what are considered "good jobs" - full-time, long-term, bar-required or JD-advantage positions.

Temple Law is not merely a center for classroom instruction but also a vibrant community of scholars and advocates. Temple Law faculty produce impactful academic work and contribute to national and international debates across numerous disciplines. Many members of the faculty blend scholarly rigor with civic engagement. The school is a leader in public-interest initiatives that combine research, community engagement, and experiential education, including the Sheller Center for Social Justice and the Center for Public Health Law Research.

Temple Law seeks a dean who will build upon the school's strong foundation, reputation, and positive momentum to advance academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. As Temple Law's chief academic and administrative officer, the dean will report directly to the university's provost and serve as a key liaison between Temple Law and the broader university. The dean will collaborate closely with fellow deans and senior administrators, managing personnel and financial resources to ensure the Law School fulfills its mission and remains responsive to the evolving demands of legal education.

The dean will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction, fostering a collaborative decision-making environment that actively engages faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners - including those beyond the local region-to strengthen Temple Law's impact within the broader legal and civic communities. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated organizational and management expertise, a commitment to inclusive excellence, and the ability to lead transformative legal education initiatives. A proven track record - or clear potential-in fundraising and resource development is essential, as the dean will play a central role in securing financial support to sustain and grow Temple Law's academic programs, student services, and institutional impact. The dean will possess a J.D. or its equivalent and a record of teaching and scholarship that meets the standards for appointment to the law faculty as a full professor with tenure. More information can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Temple University in this search. Application materials can be submitted through WittKieffer's candidate portal or by email. Review of candidate materials will continue until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received by November 3, 2025. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Werner Boel, LL.M. and Ashlee Musser at TempleLawDean@wittkieffer.com.