Founding Dean, Faculty of Law
Lakehead University

Lakehead University is conducting an extensive search for a Founding Dean, Faculty of Law, to take office at the earliest opportunity, and no later than the summer of 2012, and invites expressions of interest, applications and nominations.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With campuses located in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Lakehead has approximately 8,100 students and 2,250 faculty and staff.  Known for its multidisciplinary teaching approach, and its emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking, Lakehead offers a variety of degree programs at the undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral levels, as well as on-campus and community-based programs, continuing education and distributed learning.  Home to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (West Campus) and located at the head of Lake Superior, Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus is one of the most beautiful in Canada.  Many of its programs in engineering, education, arts and sciences are complemented by fieldwork and a focus on northern socio-economic issues.  Further information regarding Lakehead University is available at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Fully approved, funded and supported, the JD degree program offered by the new Faculty of Law will provide an emphasis on working with Aboriginal peoples to address the legal needs of Aboriginal communities in the north, legal issues related to the resource-based Northern Ontario economy, and increasing participation in sole and small firm practice.  The Faculty of Law will be located in Thunder Bay’s historic Port Arthur Collegiate Institute and will be admitting 55 students yearly, with its first class graduating in 2016.  Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Founding Dean, Faculty of Law will be responsible for all academic, administrative and external activities of Ontario’s first new law school in 42 years.

The Founding Dean of Law at Lakehead University will be a legal educator and scholar with experience that is relevant to Aboriginal, northern and rural legal issues and interests.  In addition to possessing a Law degree at the graduate level, candidates should have an open and collegial style, outstanding management, communication and interpersonal skills, a creative approach to problem solving, the ability to inspire staff, faculty and students, and the capacity to build and sustain positive work relationships with academic and other administrative units.  The ability to promote and serve as an advocate for the Faculty of Law’s mission, goals and ongoing accomplishments will be essential. 


The Search Committee will begin considering potential candidates immediately and will continue until the position is successfully filled. The initial appointment is for five years, renewable for an additional five years.  Lakehead University is an equal opportunity employer. Applications, including a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant), should be submitted in confidence, electronically, to the university’s executive search consultants:


Laverne Smith & Associates Inc. 
1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801
Toronto, ON  M5E 1W7
Lakeheadlawdean@lavernesmith.com