April 2014
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) – Georgia’s only ABA-accredited, independent law school – announced the appointment of Malcolm L. Morris as the law school’s next Dean effective July 1, 2014. Following the retirement of Dean Richardson Lynn who served as dean for eight years, AJMLS looks forward to expanding its vision under the stewardship of Malcolm L. Morris. After a national dean search, the Board of Directors and Search Committee agreed that Professor Morris could most effectively assume the responsibilities as the Dean of AJMLS and its branch campus Savannah Law School (SLS). Professor Morris is currently a professor at John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL – not affiliated with AJMLS – where he is also the Director of Graduate Estate Planning Programs and Associate Director of Graduate Tax Law Programs. Professor Morris has enjoyed a distinguished career including two terms as the Associate Dean and one as Interim Dean at Northern Illinois University College of Law. During his tenure there he was elected Secretary of the Faculty Senate and was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and the University Council, as well as the University Personnel Advisor. Additionally, he has been active as an ABA accreditation site visitor, Board Member and Treasurer of CLEO, Inc., LSAC trustee, and member of various AALS and ABA committees. During his time in Illinois, Professor Morris has chaired and participated on numerous Illinois State Bar Association committees and received a number of awards for those efforts, including election as a Laureate in its Academy of Illinois Lawyers. He also has an extensive scholarship record that includes works published in law reviews and practitioner-oriented publications. Professor Morris is a graduate of Cornell University (B.S.), SUNY Buffalo (J.D.), and Northwestern University (LL.M.). He brings to AJMLS and SLS enthusiasm, creativity, imagination, and a wealth of experience in legal education that will allow the law schools to further their mission to prepare highly-skilled, ethical, and professional lawyers who possess a strong social conscience and commitment to society. “Our core mission to train practice-ready lawyers who fully understand their ethical and professional responsibility to provide the public they serve with high-quality legal services remains my highest priority,” said Professor Morris about his upcoming role as the new Dean. “I look forward to meeting and working with the faculty, staff and students to see this vision reach fruition.” While his duties officially begin July 1, 2014, Professor Morris will make regular visits to AJMLS and SLS to become more acquainted with the law schools and exchange ideas with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader legal community.