UMaine law school names new dean

Photo / Courtesy of UMaine School of Law Professor Danielle Conway

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By Dylan Martin

The University of Maine School of Law has named professor Danielle Conway as its new dean, making her the first African-American to lead Maine’s only law school.

The law school on Friday said Conway was selected by a seven-member committee after conducting a national search. She starts on July 1.

“American legal education faces major challenges in the years ahead,” Conway said in a prepared statement. “Our School of Law stands ready to meet these challenges, as well as create new opportunities for students and those who will benefit from the skills and expertise of Maine Law graduates.”

“With our hard-working staff, devoted faculty, conscientious students and supportive administration, I’m confident that Maine Law will be among the national leaders of legal education reform,” she continued.

Conway is currently the Michael J. Marks Distinguished Professor of Business Law and director of the Hawaii Procurement Institute at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, William S. Richardson School of Law.

The law school said over her 14 years in Hawaii, she became known as a leading expert in entrepreneurship and public procurement law, as well as an advocate for minorities and indigenous peoples. She has more than 20 years of reserve and active duty service with the U.S. Army. She currently serves as a lieutenant colonel.

Professor Jeffrey Maine, who chaired the search committee, said in a prepared statement that “Conway is an ideal match for the aspirations of our Maine Law community, and we feel incredibly fortunate she has chosen to join us as our next dean.”