Gonzaga dean to head up University of Richmond School of Law 

Gonzaga University School of Law Dean Jacob Rooksby will become the new dean of the University of Richmond School of Law on July 1. 

The University of Richmond announced Rooksby’s selection in a news release on March 20. 

Rooksby has served as dean at Gonzaga since 2018, where he is also a professor of law and leadership studies. His prior career as an intellectual property and higher education law attorney included working in the IP litigations/patents department and higher education practice team at McGuireWoods in Richmond. 

Prior to serving at Gonzaga, Rooksby worked as associate dean of administration and an associate professor of law at the Duquesne University School of Law. 

A graduate of William & Mary and the University of Virginia School of Law, Rooksby  is a member of the American Law Institute, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a member of the Virginia State Bar and a member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“I’ve long admired Richmond Law for its distinctive combination of academic excellence, collegial culture, and strong sense of place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on what is already a thriving school,” Rooksby said in a statement. “The law school’s position within the liberal arts tradition of the University of Richmond and the faculty’s high scholarly standing are impressive, and I’m excited to be part of this community.” 

University of Richmond Provost and Executive Vice President Joan Saab said in a statement that Rooksby “brings a strong record of leadership and a depth of experience” to the role. 

“Jacob clearly recognizes the strength of Richmond Law today, including its outstanding faculty and the school’s excellent reputation,” Saab said. “Those involved in the search were struck by how closely his values align with the mission of our university.” 

Rooksby will inherit the role from current Richmond School of Law Dean Wendy Collins Perdue, who last spring announced her intentions to step down from the position at the end of this academic year after a 15-year tenure. Perdue will remain on faculty and return to teaching following a sabbatical.