The National Judicial College (NJC) has appointed Aviva Abramovsky, the current dean of the University of Idaho College of Law, as its next president and chief executive officer. This appointment marks the first time a woman will lead the NJC since its establishment in 1963.
Dean Abramovsky brings a wealth of experience in legal education and administration. Prior to her tenure at the University of Idaho, she served as the dean of the University at Buffalo School of Law from 2017 to 2023. During her leadership at Buffalo, she initiated several programs, including an undergraduate law program and a Doctor of Juridical Science degree. Her academic career also includes 13 years at Syracuse University College of Law, where she held positions such as the Kaufman Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Associate Dean for International Initiatives, and Associate Dean for Special Projects.
In addition to her administrative roles, Abramovsky is recognized for her expertise in insurance law, commercial law, regulation of financial entities, and legal ethics. She has authored “Uniform Commercial Code, West’s McKinney’s Forms for New York” and numerous other publications in her fields of specialization. Her contributions to the study of New York law were acknowledged with the New York State Bar Association Professor David D. Siegel Award. She is also a member of the American Law Institute.
Reflecting on her new role, Abramovsky stated, “Being raised by a criminal law professor and an administrative law judge, I have tremendous respect for the judiciary and the valuable service they provide to our country and their communities each day. Their jobs are often difficult and undervalued, and the NJC is here not only to develop judges who strive to be the best they can be, but to build a community that supports and inspires the judiciary.”
The NJC, based in Reno, Nevada, is the nation’s premier institution for judicial education, offering courses and programs to judges from across the United States and abroad. The appointment of Abramovsky is seen as a strategic move to further the college’s mission of enhancing judicial competency and leadership.
Hon. Mary-Margaret Anderson, immediate past chair of the NJC Board of Trustees, commented on the appointment, stating, “Dean Abramovsky is passionate about the two things that matter most to the NJC: the law and education. She has impressive experience in both program development and fundraising and is a personable and dynamic speaker. Dean Abramovsky is the strategic visionary the NJC needs to grow and flourish.”
Dean Abramovsky’s appointment is effective immediately, and she is expected to lead the NJC into its next chapter, focusing on expanding educational programs and strengthening the judiciary’s role in society.