Search moving forward for new Law dean

The University is focusing on internal and external candidates to replace Law Dean Colin Diver in July. When outgoing Law School Dean Colin Diver officially steps down from his position July 1, the search committee seeking his replacement says it wants someone poised to step right into his shoes. After two months of searching, though, no one has been singled out for the job. "Everybody wants to do this as quickly as possible," said Law School Search Committee Chairperson Richard Herring, the Wharton School's vice dean for undergraduate education. The search committee -- appointed by University President Judith Rodin in November -- has been advertising in national publications and contacting associates at other institutions in its quest for a qualified candidate to head the Law School, Herring said. Herring explained that the 11-member committee, which consists of four Penn faculty members, four Law School professors, two Law students and one alumnus, has held weekly meetings since November to discuss their options in finding a new Law School dean. The committee will nominate three to five candidates to the president and provost, according to Herring. "This is the premier law dean opening in the country at this time," said committee member and Law Professor Robert Gorman, adding that "Penn is regarded as a highly desirable place to serve." The committee has contacted every member of the Law School faculty, University Trustees and other universities for suggestions of possible candidates for the position. Herring added that the committee has been working with a search firm, Korn/Ferry International, which is helping to gather information. He said the position has been advertised in The Chronicle for Higher Education, The New York Times, The National Law Journal, Black Issues in Higher Education and Hispanic Outlook. The advertisement specifies that the University wants an "outstanding scholar" with "leadership experience," Herring explained. "We're not just looking at the old boy network," he said, stressing that minority and female candidates are being strongly considered for the job. The committee "wants to look as broadly as [it] can." And the committee may recommend both internal and external candidates for the post. "[The final candidate] may very well be someone inside the Law School," Herring said. "There are some very credible candidates." Committee member and second-year Law student Daniel Garodnick said he was pleased with the committee's progress so far. "Things are moving along and we're looking forward to finding a strong replacement for Dean Diver," he noted. During Diver's 10 years at the Law School, he has increased the faculty by one third, expanded facilities and academic support services and raised over $100 million for the school's activities and endowment. He announced in October that he would step down from the post this summer. With its current financial stability and new crop of professors, Herring said that the school is "poised to make a move to the very top tier." Several other members of the search committee refused to comment about their progress.