Office of the Dean

David Van Zandt joined the Northwestern Law faculty in 1985 and became dean in 1995. Soon after becoming dean, he embarked on a two-year strategic planning process that involved faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

The resulting Strategic Plan, completed in 1998, analyzed the changes in the increasingly competitive world and the resultant changes in the practice of law. Dean Van Zandt has spent the past several years implementing the plan and setting a new standard in legal education. Under his leadership, the Northwestern Law student body has improved not only academically but also in terms of prior work experience and teamwork and interpersonal skills. The quality of the faculty has also improved.

During his tenure as dean, the Law School working closely with the Kellogg School of Management also has expanded its executive and degree programs both domestically and globally. Finally, in 2003, the Law School completed a $78 million capital campaign to support the Strategic Plan.

Prior to joining the Northwestern faculty, Dean Van Zandt was an associate with Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York. He graduated from Yale Law School and earned his PhD in sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is an expert in corporate law and international finance.

Office of the Dean
Rubloff Building, Room 235
375 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-3069
Phone: (312) 503-8460
Fax: (312) 503-2035
E-mail: dearlawdean@law.northwestern.edu