The average tenure of law school deans has fallen by more than half over the past century, with today’s deans facing unprecedented financial, institutional, and leadership challenges, according to a new study released today by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). “Relentless: The Pressures Shortening Law School Deanships and What Must Change” explores the factors contributing to declining dean tenure and identifies steps institutions can take to better support current and future law school leaders.
Co-authored by Katie Kempner, director of Research and Data Analytics at AALS, and Patricia Roberts, dean and Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law, the report draws on survey responses from over 200 current and former law school deans, along with 70 qualitative interviews Roberts conducted between November 2025 and February 2026.
“The findings underscore the growing complexity of leading a law school in an era of financial uncertainty, institutional change, and increasing demands on legal education,” said Roberts. “Understanding these pressures is essential to strengthening the leadership pipeline and ensuring the long-term success of law schools and the students they serve.”
Financial pressure emerged as the most significant challenge facing law school deans, with nearly 70 percent of survey respondents reporting it as a major or extreme concern. Nearly two-thirds of deans who served fewer than four years also cited strained relationships with university administration as a major challenge. In interviews, many deans described feeling accountable for institutional outcomes without sufficient authority, resources, or transparency to address them effectively.
The study also identified leadership development concerns. Fewer than 20 percent of surveyed deans reported receiving formal leadership training before assuming the role, and only 5.5 percent reported receiving executive coaching. Women deans who responded to the survey served an average of two years less than men, while nearly half of deanships held by Black deans who responded to the survey lasted fewer than four years.
One-quarter of dean departures occurred earlier than planned, with respondents frequently citing burnout, health consequences, governance issues, and broken institutional commitments, complicating the apparent simplicity of a voluntary departure. Despite these challenges, deans overwhelmingly described the opportunity to serve students and shape the future of legal education as deeply rewarding.
The authors recommend stronger leadership preparation, more transparent hiring and onboarding processes, expanded mentorship opportunities, and greater engagement between law schools and university leaders to better support current and future deans.
“The challenges facing law school deans have become increasingly complex, and AALS is committed to continuing and strengthening the supports available to them,” said Kellye Y. Testy, AALS CEO and executive director. “This report complements our broader efforts to foster successful dean leadership through research, professional development, consulting, leadership coaching, and peer-learning opportunities that help leaders navigate change, share insights, and thrive in their roles.”
This latest report follows several AALS research initiatives focused on law students, faculty, and deans, including the American Law School Dean Study
published in 2022.
Key findings and the full report are available on the AALS website at www.aals.org/research/dean-tenure.
Co-authored by Katie Kempner, director of Research and Data Analytics at AALS, and Patricia Roberts, dean and Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law, the report draws on survey responses from over 200 current and former law school deans, along with 70 qualitative interviews Roberts conducted between November 2025 and February 2026.
“The findings underscore the growing complexity of leading a law school in an era of financial uncertainty, institutional change, and increasing demands on legal education,” said Roberts. “Understanding these pressures is essential to strengthening the leadership pipeline and ensuring the long-term success of law schools and the students they serve.”
Financial pressure emerged as the most significant challenge facing law school deans, with nearly 70 percent of survey respondents reporting it as a major or extreme concern. Nearly two-thirds of deans who served fewer than four years also cited strained relationships with university administration as a major challenge. In interviews, many deans described feeling accountable for institutional outcomes without sufficient authority, resources, or transparency to address them effectively.
The study also identified leadership development concerns. Fewer than 20 percent of surveyed deans reported receiving formal leadership training before assuming the role, and only 5.5 percent reported receiving executive coaching. Women deans who responded to the survey served an average of two years less than men, while nearly half of deanships held by Black deans who responded to the survey lasted fewer than four years.
One-quarter of dean departures occurred earlier than planned, with respondents frequently citing burnout, health consequences, governance issues, and broken institutional commitments, complicating the apparent simplicity of a voluntary departure. Despite these challenges, deans overwhelmingly described the opportunity to serve students and shape the future of legal education as deeply rewarding.
The authors recommend stronger leadership preparation, more transparent hiring and onboarding processes, expanded mentorship opportunities, and greater engagement between law schools and university leaders to better support current and future deans.
“The challenges facing law school deans have become increasingly complex, and AALS is committed to continuing and strengthening the supports available to them,” said Kellye Y. Testy, AALS CEO and executive director. “This report complements our broader efforts to foster successful dean leadership through research, professional development, consulting, leadership coaching, and peer-learning opportunities that help leaders navigate change, share insights, and thrive in their roles.”
This latest report follows several AALS research initiatives focused on law students, faculty, and deans, including the American Law School Dean Study
published in 2022.
Key findings and the full report are available on the AALS website at www.aals.org/research/dean-tenure.
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