By Jamie Alcaparras

Nationally renowned legal scholar Jim Chen has been named the new dean of the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville.

Chen leaves the posts of associate dean and James L. Krusemark Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he taught a panoply of legal fields such as administrative, agricultural, constitutional, criminal, and environmental law.

“I was very impressed with Dr. Chen – his ideas for moving the Brandeis School of Law forward, his experience, and his passion.” said U of L President Dr. James Ramsey. “Coming from one of the top 20 law schools in the country provides an excellent credential for Dr. Chen to help us meet our objective,” Ramsey said.

Receiving a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1991, Chen has contributed to and published a large collection of scholarly writings. His legal expertise also includes law and technology, telecommunications and statutory interpretation.

Chen is also the founder and principal author of the Jurisdynamics Network, a family of weblogs focused on exploring law amid societal and technological change.

Chen is an internationally recognized legal scholar. His testimonies have been inquired at eight judicial and administrative proceedings, and his work has been cited in nine judicial opinions and 13 federal appellate briefs.

Chen’s concern for a tradition of public service led him to apply for the open deanship at the Brandeis School of Law. The public service tradition requires that every law student donate a number of hours to public service, such as working as a legal aid for families or children.

“U of L looks for progressive ideas,” said Professor Dr. David Ensign, who served as the interim dean for the Brandeis. “Jim Chen was most enthused about leading us through potential changes.”

According to Vice President and University Provost Dr. Shirley Willihnganz, Chen received the highest ranking out of five candidates for the position. All candidates were examined and ranked by students, faculty, staff members, presidents and lawyers.

“After my interview and some due diligence, I concluded that I did not need to meet any of the other candidates,” added Ramsey. “Our expectation is that Dr. Chen will help UofL continue to build excellence and reputation ranking,” Ramsey said.

Chen was not available to comment due to other commitments with the university but is due back on campus on Jan. 16.