Deans and Administrators

Overview of Law School Administration

Dean of Law School

Dean of the School of Law, Donald J. Polden, is the chief administrative officer and official representative of the law school. In addition to overseeing administration of all operations of the law school, he is responsible for relationships with the University administration, with alumni, and with the bench and bar.
View Donald Polden's Faculty Page

Associate and Senior Assistant Deans

Three Associate Deans and several Senior Assistant Deans participate in the administration of the Law School.

Associate Dean Mary Emery is director of the Heafey Law Library. She is chair of the Committee on Admissions and oversees all scholarship awards. She also chairs the Technology Committee and serves as liaison to various University committees.
View Mary Emery's Faculty Page

Associate Dean for Faculty Development Bradley Joondeph works with faculty on issues relating to research and scholarship. He acts as a resource and mentor to junior faculty. He also arranges faculty fora and other colloquia to stimulate faculty dialogue.
View Bradley Joondeph's Faculty Page

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Cynthia A. Mertens is responsible for the oversight of the academic components of the curriculum. She also assists in the recruitment of faculty members; recruits, supports, and evaluates lecturers in law; assists in the preparation of course offerings and teaching schedules; and assists in the strategic planning process.
View Cynthia Mertens' Faculty Page

Senior Assistant Dean Susan Erwin is responsible for student services, including counseling on course selection, academic standards, rules and procedures including student discipline, and requirements for graduation. She is the liaison with student organizations, oversees student registration in classes, and plans orientation. She is also responsible for planning of future course offerings and the scheduling of classes. She supervises the Law Records Office and the Student Life Office.
View Susan Erwin's Biography

Senior Assistant Dean Jacqueline Wender is responsible for financial operations, facilities planning, personnel issues, accrediting agency reporting and reporting to information-gathering agencies and publications. In consultation with Dean Polden, she is also responsible for supervision and evaluation of various academic programs, hiring of adjunct faculty, and availability of books and materials. She also supervises the Law Fiscal and Faculty Support Services departments.
View Jacqueline Wender's Biography

Senior Assistant Dean Julia Yaffee is responsible for external affairs. She serves as the chief marketing professional for the law school and directs all marketing and communications activities. She is also responsible for developing and implementing a new student recruitment plan that integrates the use of technology with traditional recruiting methods. She also has oversight of the Law Career Services Office and institutional research.
View Julia Yaffee's Biography