Dean of Law - University of New Brunswick

Build on a Remarkable Legacy. Shape the Future of Law in Canada.

University of New Brunswick (UNB) respectfully acknowledges that it stands on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey land.

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) invites applications for the position of Dean of Law, offering an exciting leadership opportunity at one of the oldest university-based law faculties in the Commonwealth. Founded in 1892, UNB Law has played a central role in shaping Canada’s legal profession for more than 130 years and continues to build on its distinguished reputation through strategic investments in faculty, students, programs, and infrastructure.

UNB Law benefits from its place within a top national comprehensive university recognized for its more than 100 high-quality programs and its personalized, student-centred approach to learning. The Faculty of Law is distinguished by a curriculum grounded in fundamental legal principles and skills, with a strong emphasis on common law and legislation, analytical reasoning, legal writing, and oral advocacy. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of the legal profession while remaining rooted in enduring legal foundations.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President Academic and serving as a member of Deans Council, the Dean of Law provides both strategic direction and operational oversight for the Faculty and the Gérard V. La Forest Law Library. The Dean is responsible for advancing academic programming, fostering research excellence, and enhancing the overall student experience, while guiding faculty, staff, and law librarians in a collegial and collaborative environment. The role also carries external responsibilities, including active engagement within the legal community. The Dean serves as a voting member of the Law Society of New Brunswick Council, represents UNB Law with the New Brunswick Law Foundation, and collaborates closely with the Chief Justice of New Brunswick on a range of panels, task forces, and committees. They are also a key ambassador for the faculty, strengthening relationships with alumni and advancing UNB Law’s influence regionally and nationally.

This appointment is a full-time, five-year term with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. The successful candidate will inherit a strong foundation and be positioned to define the faculty’s next chapter, expanding its academic and research profile, attracting outstanding faculty and students, and enhancing its standing among Canada’s most influential law schools. The role calls for a forward-thinking and collaborative leader with the ability to

balance academic priorities, strategic initiatives, operational effectiveness, and community engagement. A demonstrated capacity for relationship-building, fundraising, and advocacy is essential, as is the ability to foster a culture of excellence.

An advanced degree in law and a strong scholarly record are preferred. The ideal candidate will bring experience in leadership and strategic planning and a proven ability to manage budgets and support faculty engagement. Experience working with alumni and donors, along with a commitment to strengthening partnerships within and beyond the university, will be key to success in this role.

This is an opportunity to lead a respected and growing faculty during a period of meaningful transformation and to shape the future of legal education at UNB.

To learn more about the University of New Brunswick and its Faculty of Law, please visit: UNB and Faculty of Law | UNB.

The salary range for the position depends on the faculty rank hired plus a decanal stipend and potential market adjustments. The faculty salary ranges are available here (Salary Grids), and the decanal stipends are available here (Decanal Grids).

Please submit a combined CV and cover letter online by clicking “Apply.” For further information about this opportunity, please contact Kim West (***email_hidden***) or Dr. Dominique Roche ([email protected]) in confidence.

The University of New Brunswick is committed to employment equity and fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Royer Thompson will provide accommodation for applicants living with or experiencing disabilities. If you require an accommodation(s) to participate in the application, interviewing or selection process, please contact Georgia Jones ([email protected])

Royer Thompson is a Canadian executive advisory firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in pursuit of leadership and organizational excellence. Our core services include executive search, management recruitment, executive development, HR advisory and inclusion & belonging.