Stanford and USC announce new law schools deans

The law schools at USC and Stanford University are preparing to welcome new deans.

George Triantis, the Charles J. Meyers Professor of Law and Business and the University's senior associate provost for research, was named the next dean of Stanford Law School. Franita Tolson, an expert in election law, voting rights, constitutional law, and legal history, was named the next dean of USC Gould School of Law.

Tolson, the first Black woman to lead USC Gould's law school, is currently the interim dean. She will officially become dean on April 1.

"I feel inspired and excited for this opportunity," Tolson said in a statement. "Our law school is a tapestry of talent, and I look forward to working together with the entire Gould Trojan Family to carry on its legacy of innovation and achievement. I am honored to lead and serve this outstanding, collaborative scholarly community, which I believe is unmatched by any other."

Franita Tolson, an election law expert, has been interim dean of the USC law school. Courtesy of USC Gould School of Law

A Stanford faculty member since 2011, Triantis, who will become dean in June, teaches and writes in contracts, commercial law, and bankruptcy law.

"I'm honored to succeed Jenny Martinez as dean and looking forward to the opportunity to serve in this role," Triantis said in a statement. "Law and robust legal institutions play critical roles in addressing the most pressing challenges to our society, and Stanford Law School must lead in promoting vigorous and open debate in key areas of law and public policy. In doing so, it is essential that we draw from a broad pool of talented individuals who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives, and methodologies, and that we continue to build together a vibrant community in which constructive, respectful, and inclusive exchange thrives."

Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, Triantis was the Eli Goldston Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Earlier in his career, he taught at the law schools at the universities of Chicago, Toronto and Virginia. A past editor of the Journal of Law & Economics, Triantis is a member of the American Law Institute and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Martinez, who is now Stanford's provost, said she has worked with Triantis for several years. She added that his deep commitment to ensuring every member of the student body feels included makes him an ideal fit for the role.

"His integrity, wealth of experience at Stanford, and collaborative style of leadership will greatly benefit the students, faculty, and staff of the law school, as well as Stanford's senior leadership team," Martinez said. "Stanford Law School has a reputation for excellence and innovation in both research and teaching, and I know George will help the school chart an exciting path in the years to come."

USC Gould School of Law president Carol Folt called Tolson a respected and beloved member of the school and the best person to lead the school into the next phase.

"During her tenure as interim dean, she promoted a culture of openness, understanding and respect," Folt said. "She has a strong student-centered, inclusive focus and a deep appreciation for all areas of the law school and is nationally recognized for her scholarship in election law, constitutional law and voting rights and access. We know she will continue to lead the school to even greater heights."

Tolson studied at the University of Chicago Law School where then-professor Barack Obama taught her constitutional law class. She said the former U.S. president modeled the type of instruction she now uses to educate her students. "He managed to find this balance between making information accessible, while still communicating the complexities of doctrine," she said in a statement.

Tolson has authored several articles, essays and opinion pieces including two books and four book chapters. Her upcoming book, "In Congress We Trust? Enforcing Voting Rights from the Founding to the Jim Crow Era," will be published later this year. Her work has appeared in the Yale Law Journal, Harvard Law Review, Stanford Law Review, California Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review and Vanderbilt Law Review.