Dean’s View

Dear Friends,

Every time a new issue of the Gargoyle comes out, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of a community with a longstanding tradition of excellence, whose members are always pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers. You’ll find many examples of the positive impact that law students, legal scholars and lawyers can have on our world.

This issue highlights the remarkable scholarly work of Professors Sumudu Atapattu, Alexandra Huneeus, Heinz Klug and Mitra Sharafi, four of our leading international and comparative law experts. Their recent and forthcoming books further our Law-in-Action tradition, revealing how law functions across continents and eras. From environmental rights in South Asia, to constitutional transformation in South Africa, to the interaction between international law and environmental law today, their research exemplifies the global impact of our faculty.

We take great pride in their deep and innovative scholarship, which advances knowledge and elevates UW Law‘s global reputation. This issue also celebrates the remarkable career of Howard Erlanger ’81, whose more than four decades of inspired teaching have earned him six Teacher of the Year awards, the most by any UW Law professor ever. The heartfelt tributes from students and colleagues demonstrate the lasting imprint he’s had on so many people. Thank you, Howie, for your exceptional dedication to our students’ learning. You’ve shaped generations of UW Law students who have gone on to do great things in the world.

We also highlight the exceptional work of our Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), which helps our students and recent graduates get their legal careers off to a great start. Their countless hours of advising and programming prepare our students for career success. Our students have made good use of their services, with the Law School consistently ranking among the top schools in the country in the placement of recent graduates.

Within these pages, you’ll also find stories that highlight the accomplishments of our alumni, the creativity of our faculty and the promise of our current students. I’m especially proud to highlight the transformative generosity of so many alumni, who are shaping the future of UW Law and the next generation of lawyers and leaders through their philanthropy.

We highlight the contributions of Warren Woessner ’81 and Iris Freeman, whose commitment to public service inspired them to create the Warren Woessner and Iris Freeman Fellowship Fund for Public Service. Their generosity opens doors for students who want to serve other people, particularly in family legal advocacy and victim services. Warren and Iris embody the Wisconsin Idea, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership and inspiration.

We are also grateful to Barbara Arnold ’76, who made a very special gift in memory of her late husband, Paul Turley ’73, a beloved member of our Board of Visitors. During my first few years as dean, Paul became a friend, always there to offer me sage advice and words of encouragement. Barbara’s generous gift in Paul’s memory will support the pathbreaking work of the State Democracy Research Initiative, led by Professors Miriam Seifter and Robert Yablon. It’s a fitting tribute to Paul’s career in public service.

Here on Bascom Hill, the future looks brighter than ever. The Law School has been working diligently on our new strategic plan, to which many of you have contributed ideas. We appreciate the thoughtful engagement from faculty, staff, students and alumni. Your insights have helped us develop a bold and forward-looking vision for UW Law, which we look forward to sharing in the next issue of the Gargoyle.

The future is bright not just for the Law School but the university of which we are part. Over the past four years, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin has provided steadfast leadership through challenging times. As she departs for the presidency of Columbia University, she leaves UW–Madison in a stronger position than ever. All of us at the Law School are grateful for her leadership.

We’re also delighted that Eric Wilcots, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, will serve as interim chancellor in the 2026-27 academic year. Eric is a trusted colleague and dear friend. He embodies the values that define our university. That includes keeping higher education accessible to everyone with the capacity to succeed, advancing knowledge and fulfilling the Wisconsin Idea.

There are, of course, real challenges ahead. Higher education has become more expensive, and some of the financial assistance upon which our students depend will be diminishing. The reduction in federal research funding and the elimination of Grad PLUS Loans are creating uncertainty for some of those who aspire to join our profession, especially students of more limited means.

In response, we launched the Support Our Students Initiative, new scholarships to help keep law school affordable to students with the will and drive to become great lawyers. With your support, UW Law will remain a place where opportunity is determined by one’s ability and work ethic rather than by financial circumstances. You can learn more about the initiative in “Transforming Tuition Into Access” and on the back page of the print edition.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to the Law School, whether through financial gifts or by making a positive difference in your communities. You reflect our shared commitment to the promise of law and legal education.

 

On, Wisconsin!

Dean Dan Tokaji