Wayne State University Law School Dean James K. Robinson announced today (Aug. 18) that he will not seek another term as dean after he concludes the fifth year of his contract at the end of the 1997-98 academic year.
Robinson outlined his plans in a letter to Wayne State University President David Adamany.
"My current plan is to continue as a member of the Law School faculty devoting more of my time to teaching, writing and law reform activities than is possible with my decanal responsibilities," he wrote. "This notice will permit the University to conduct a thorough national search for my successor."
Robinson, a Wayne State University alumnus who became dean Aug. 1, 1993, earlier served as chief litigator and partner at a major Detroit law firm, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn. His practice concentrated in major civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense.
He also was U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, 1977-80, and president of the State Bar of Michigan, 1990-91.
President David Adamany accepted Robinson's decision with regret and noted the Law School has achieved significant gains in reputation during his tenure.
"During Jim Robinson's deanship, the Wayne State University Law School has significantly increased its stature as a center for legal education and scholarship and for deliberation about the future of the legal profession," Adamany said.
"I'm proud to relate that the performance of WSU students on the Michigan Bar exam has been outstanding," Adamany said, "and WSU law graduates have a very high placement rate soon after graduation as they begin careers in government, commerce and private practice."
"The ratings that students give to their faculty during evaluations average near the top of the scale," Adamany said, "reflecting a level of mutual respect and excellence that speaks very highly of the Law School's academic program."
During Robinson's tenure, the Law School has increased real world practice for law students, allowing students experience before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals, in hearings before a district judge, and in actual state circuit court criminal trials.
Of Michigan's five law schools, WSU students placed first for the July 1996 Bar exam and tied for first on the February 1997 exam. Students have a 90 percent placement rate within six months of graduation.
Other recent achievements by the Law School include increased gift support by alumni, which is at an all-time high; creation of the Damon J. Keith Law Collection on the history of African Americans and the law; reaccreditation by the American Bar Association; an increased national ranking from third to second tier in the U.S. News and World Report annual survey; and the beginnings of a "Campaign for the 21st Century" to raise funds for an addition to the Law School building and increased endowment funds for law student scholarships.