The Only Woman of Color to Lead One of the Nation’s 30 Highest-Ranked Law Schools

L. Song Richardson was named dean of the School of Law at the University of California, Irvine. The university states that Dean Richardson is the only woman of color to serve as dean at any of the nation’s 30 highest-ranked law schools.

In accepting the appointment, Professor Richardson said, ““UCI Law is extraordinary. It’s rare to find an elite law school with a world-class faculty that excels at both teaching and scholarship, a creative and multidisciplinary approach to legal education, and a commitment to creating and disseminating knowledge that improves lives and communities around the world. I am passionate about redefining, reinventing and reimagining the future of legal education with the faculty, students and dedicated supporters of UCI Law.”

Professor Richardson has served as interim dean since July and previously was senior associate dean for academic affairs. She joined the faculty at the law school in 2014. Previously, Professor Richardson taught at the law schools at DePaul University, American University and the University of Iowa. She is the co-editors of The Constitution and the Future of Criminal Justice in America (Cambridge University Press, 2013).

Professor Richardson is a graduate of Harvard University, where she majored in psychology. She earned a juris doctorate at Yale Law School.