New Brooklyn Law School Dean Michael Cahill officially takes over

July 3, 2019 Rob Abruzzese

Michael Cahill spent more than a decade at Brooklyn Law School before he left to be co-dean at Rutgers University Law School in 2016. Now he has returned as dean and president of the school. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

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After a year without a full-time president and dean, Brooklyn Law School officially welcomed Michael Cahill on Monday, as both the next president and Joseph Crea dean.

Cahill is a Yale University and Michigan School of Law graduate, who worked at Brooklyn Law School in various capacities from 2003 until 2016. From 2013 to 2015, he served as vice dean and from 2010 to 2013 he was associate dean for academic affairs.

“We are very excited to welcome Michael to lead our great law school,” said Stuart Subotnick, chair of the Board of Trustees. “His wealth of experience in legal academia, his deep knowledge of the law school, and his vision to advance the school’s academic excellence while maintaining financial strength made him the clear choice among a field of exceptionally strong candidates.”

Cahill also served as a law clerk to Hon. James Loken, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and taught at Chicago-Kent College of Law as a visiting assistant professor. Beginning in 2016, he served as co-dean at Rutgers Law School.

“I am honored and grateful to have received the support of the board, faculty and administration,” said Cahill, “and I am determined to make good on the investment this school has made in me. I greatly look forward to working with the board and faculty to ensure that Brooklyn Law School’s profile and reputation reflect its true value, and that its future will respond to a dynamic legal landscape while respecting its proud history.”

Cahill told the Brooklyn Eagle in May that he wants to see the school expand beyond its current JD program and offer additional certificate programs and executive educational programs similar to what business schools offer.

“There is a lot of law that affects a lot of people’s professional lives,” he continued. “If you are in finance, there is some business and securities law that you should get to know. If you’re in HR, you should get to know some employment law. Even if you don’t practice law, there are areas of the law that could help you with your career.”

Cahill has replaced Interim Dean Maryellen Fullerton, who replaced former President and Dean Nicholas Allard, who resigned a year ago.