University of Richmond Announces New Richmond School of Law Dean
Jacob Rooksby, an experienced administrator, scholar, and attorney, will join the UR community in July.
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Jacob Rooksby, who currently serves as dean of Gonzaga University School of Law, will become the new dean of the University of Richmond School of Law, effective July 1.
“Dean Rooksby brings a strong record of leadership and innovation and a depth of experience as an administrator, scholar, and attorney,” said Joan Saab, provost and executive vice president. “Jacob clearly recognizes the strength of Richmond Law today, including its outstanding faculty and the school’s excellent reputation. Those involved in the search were struck by how closely his values align with the mission of our university.”
In addition to his role as dean since 2018, Rooksby is a professor of law and leadership studies, and an accomplished attorney who specializes in intellectual property and higher education law. Prior to his roles in academia, Rooksby previously worked at leading law firms, including McGuireWoods in Richmond, Virginia, where he lived from 2007 to 2011. He said the strong reputation of the Richmond School of Law drew him back to the area.
“I’ve long admired Richmond Law for its distinctive combination of academic excellence, collegial culture, and strong sense of place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on what is already a thriving school,” Rooksby said. “The law school’s position within the liberal arts tradition of the University of Richmond and the faculty’s high scholarly standing are impressive, and I’m excited to be part of this community.”
Rooksby earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and holds J.D., M.Ed., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia. He also completed post-graduate training in higher education leadership at Harvard University in 2019. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a member of the Virginia State Bar, and a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Richmond School of Law Dean Wendy Perdue announced her plans to step down last spring and will conclude her 15-year tenure as dean at the end of this academic year. She will remain on the faculty and return to teaching following a sabbatical.
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