Columbia Law School has appointed Daniel Abebe as its new dean, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first Black dean in the school’s history. Abebe, who will step into his new role this August, currently serves as vice provost for Academic Affairs and Governance at the University of Chicago Law School. He will succeed Gillian Lester, who has held the position since 2015. Abebe is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a former associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
In his remarks, Abebe noted his admiration for Columbia Law’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative clinical and experiential learning opportunities, and its robust relationships with alumni and the practicing bar. He expressed his eagerness to join the Law School community in New York City. More details about Abebe’s appointment can be found in the New York Law Journal.
Abebe is not only Columbia Law’s first Black dean but also the second Black dean among the top 14 law schools in the United States. His experience includes dealing with complex issues surrounding campus free speech, as highlighted by Reuters.
This article initially appeared on Above the Law.