Law School Dean to Step Down

Rex R. Perschbacher, dean of the UC Davis School of Law since 1998, has announced that he will step down from his post on June 30, 2008. A national search is being conducted for his replacement.

Perschbacher has served continuously as dean and in the dean's office longer than anyone in the history of the Law School. Following a one-year sabbatical, he plans to return to full-time teaching and research at the university.

"Wise commentators on law school administration have suggested that, even under the best circumstances, deans should not serve more than 10 years," Perschbacher said. "Although there is no ideal time for a transition in leadership, such transitions are inevitable, and I believe new leadership will enrich the guiding vision of the Law School and more effectively advance the School's goals on the UC Davis campus and within the University of California system."

Perschbacher is known for strengthening the 40-year-old School of Law's reputation as one of the nation's best public law schools.  Students are recruited nationwide, and the School is frequently honored for the diversity of its student body.

Under Perschbacher's leadership, the Law School recruited more than 25 faculty members, expanded the student-run clinical law programs, started a master's degree program in international commercial law, and established an outreach program for underserved college students -many of whom have gone on to law school.

Perschbacher is also credited with increasing private giving to the Law School. During his tenure, the School added five endowed chairs and professorships, bringing the total number of seats to six. The School broke ground this fall on a $30-million expansion and renovation project, the first major building improvement since the School's inception. So far, $3 million in private donations have been raised toward an $8-million goal.

Perschbacher received his bachelor's degree from Stanford University and his law degree from UC Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law. He first joined the Law School faculty in 1981 as acting professor and director of clinical education. Before becoming dean, he served for five years as associate dean for academic affairs. 

He is an expert in civil procedure and legal ethics and the author or co-author of 11 books and 12 articles.  His honors include the School of Law's distinguished teaching award in 1992.

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