American University Washington College of Law has named Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. its new dean, effective July 1. 

“I am truly honored to join Washington College of Law and American University and look forward to building upon the foundation of WCL’s impressive tradition of scholarly and teaching excellence, commitment to diversity and equal justice, and service to the legal profession and society – in the District of Columbia, throughout the nation, and around the world,” said Fairfax in the announcement.  “I am excited to work with WCL’s world-class students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as university partners and external stakeholders, to amplify WCL’s rich legacy of leadership and uncompromising excellence, and to propel WCL into a bold and exciting future.” 

Fairfax currently serves as the Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor and Founding Director of the Criminal Law & Policy Initiative at George Washington University Law School. His scholarship includes criminal law and procedure, professional responsibility and ethics, criminal justice policy and reform, racial justice, and grand jury and internal investigations.