Liz Magill is a remarkable figure in the legal world. She has dedicated much of her career to academia and leadership, especially in law education. Graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995, she began her journey with a clerkship for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Since then, she has taught at prestigious schools like Stanford and the University of Pennsylvania.
Magill became the dean of Stanford Law School in 2012, where she led various innovative initiatives, including the Law and Policy Lab. This hands-on program helps students connect with real-world clients. Under her guidance, Stanford saw significant growth in its faculty and global outreach.
In 2019, Magill made history as the first woman to serve as the executive vice president and provost of UVA. Then in 2022, she took on the presidency of the University of Pennsylvania. Her tenure at Penn was marked by ambitious plans for the university, although she recently stepped down amid a challenging moment over her testimony regarding antisemitism on campus.
Magill is now set to lead Georgetown Law, which holds a special place in her heart. Coming from a family of Georgetown graduates, she recalls how her father’s education there transformed their lives. She believes deeply in the mission of Georgetown, emphasizing the importance of community and diverse perspectives.
“Georgetown Law’s commitment to care for the whole person, justice, and service guides my vision for its future,” Magill said. Her aim is to cultivate an environment where students excel academically and grow personally, especially as legal challenges evolve in today’s world.
With over 60% of law students expressing anxiety about their career prospects, according to a recent survey by the American Bar Association, Magill’s leadership is timely. Her rich background makes her well-equipped to address these emerging needs in legal education.
As she looks forward to her new role, Magill is dedicated to advancing Georgetown Law’s strengths. Her goal is to ensure the school not only adapts to change but thrives in its pursuit of justice, echoing the motto, “Law is but the means; justice is the end.” The future of Georgetown Law is bright under her guidance.
