Dean, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law

Lakehead University is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as the next Dean, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.

Lakehead University
Celebrated as one of Canada’s leading academic institutions, Lakehead University offers more than 85 academic programs that are grouped within 9 Faculties from a comprehensive selection of academic areas of study. Lakehead is an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think. Closely tied to that enterprising spirit is a deep connection to place. Lakehead is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves, developing a broader understanding of societal issues, and inspiring action for thoughtful, positive change. Lakehead University is also committed to the success of our Indigenous learners and to its relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around its two campuses.

Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law is proud to serve Northern Ontario as an innovative regional law school. As a law school community, the Faculty is committed to making a difference, providing access to justice, and leading the way for northern communities. The Faculty implemented mandatory courses in Aboriginal and Indigenous laws before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called all legal educators to action. They continue to grow their offerings in these areas through leadership and close collaborations with local First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations.

The Faculty embraces three mandates in their curriculum: Aboriginal and Indigenous Law, Natural Resources and Environmental Law, and Sole/Small Town Practice. Their Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a three year, second-entry, undergraduate program of study. The theory of the law is integrated into the practice of law with the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC). The core law subjects essential to a quality law program remain, but they are tied to necessary practice skills. Law professors and practitioners create hands-on, realistic learning opportunities and exercises for students. Graduates of the law school are ready to be called to the bar and practice on graduation as the Faculty’s IPC combines the rigorous study of law with skills training in all three years of study.

The Role
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law provides visionary strategic direction, academic planning leadership, and administrative oversight of the Faculty. The Dean is the chief academic and operating leader and is responsible for all academic, administrative and operational activities of the Faculty, including the law library and law clinic. Providing dynamic leadership, the Dean leads in the areas of student, faculty and staff matters, academic programs and research, fiscal and resource stewardship, budgeting, internal and external relations, and strategic planning within the Faculty. The Dean is accountable for ensuring the academic quality and integrity of the Faculty and for program quality and accreditation. The Dean fosters a supportive and collegial culture that invites diverse ideas and perspectives, and reflects a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion.

The Dean works collaboratively with a variety of internal and external partners to continue to raise its achievements, reputation, and resources. Internally, the Dean will work collaboratively with decanal colleagues to promote interdisciplinary research and teaching across the University. The Dean will also develop and maintain strong external relationships within the regional and national community and will work to foster collaborative, community-driven partnerships with regional stakeholders such as Indigenous communities. These relationships will be driven by a dedication to and understanding of the nuances, opportunities and challenges of the rural northern context.

The Ideal Candidate
As the ideal candidate, you are a well-established scholar with an open, engaging and collaborative style of leadership. You are a thoughtful, strategic leader with a successful academic administrative background. Preferably, you also have experience as a legal practitioner, and have expertise in one of the Faculty’s mandated areas: Aboriginal and Indigenous Law, Natural Resources and Environmental Law, or Sole/Small Town Practice. You are passionate about advancing connections with key external partners, and relationships with Indigenous communities, and have the aptitude to promote the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law by raising awareness of its mission and achievements. You understand the value proposition for a small school with a model of education seen in the Faculty’s Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC). Your engaging, open communication style helps you build friendly community relationships and expand outreach and fundraising activities. You are committed to social justice, to diversity, to inclusion, and to collegial governance. Lived experience as an Indigenous person with strong ties to Indigenous nation(s) and Indigenous knowledges will be considered a significant asset.

Experience and Qualifications

The next Dean, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law should possess:

• Graduate qualifications or the equivalent in Law;
• An academic record consistent with appointment to the rank of Associate or Full Professor within the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law;
• A strong academic reputation with a record of excellence in law teaching and scholarship;
• A record of successful academic administrative leadership experience within a multi-union environment involving both financial and human resource management;
• A demonstrated commitment to, and credibility within, the legal profession;
• Experience developing sustainable relationships with communities locally, domestically, and internationally; and
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communications skills, with the ability to respectfully connect with Indigenous communities and diverse stakeholders.

To learn more about this opportunity or to request a copy of the Executive Brief, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Lauren Wright (lwright@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at www.kbrs.ca/Career/18326

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Lakehead University is committed to an environment of open access to employment opportunities. KBRS and Lakehead will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca.

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