USD Names Robert Schapiro, JD, New Dean of the School of Law

The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law has named Robert Schapiro, JD, as the new dean of the School of Law. Schapiro is currently the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law at Emory University and co-director of Emory Law’s Center on Federalism and Intersystemic Governance.  He also served as the dean of Emory Law School from 2012 to 2017.

“On behalf of the USD School of Law community, I am excited to welcome Robert Schapiro as our new dean. Schapiro’s experience as the former dean of Emory University School of Law along with his teaching contributions, including Most Outstanding Professor from the Emory Student Bar Association, will be invaluable assets as he leads the USD School of Law,” said ​Margaret A. Dalton, Esq., Interim Dean and Professor of Law, USD School of Law.

The appointment of Robert Schapiro comes at the end of an extensive national search process. Schapiro’s academic and legal experience are in perfect alignment with the School of Law's goals to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to scholarly excellence, curricular innovation, and the social impact of a legal education.

“Robert is an award-winning educator. He has been recognized for his devotion to and engagement with his students, receiving numerous distinguished teaching awards and professor of the year honors from the Black Law Students Association. I am confident that Robert’s visionary leadership will guide USD’s strategic priorities in the years to come and will help to sustain and enhance the continuing excellence of the School of Law,” said USD Provost Gail F. Baker. 

Schapiro will assume this new role on January 1, 2021.

*Photo credit: Emory University

About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is among the Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact according to The Princeton Review. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.