Temporary Move: property law professor named as interim dean of SMU’s Dedman School of Law

A property law professor will occupy the real estate of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law’s dean’s office effective June 1 as a search committee looks for a permanent dean to replace John B. Attanasio who completes his service as dean in May. Julie Patterson Forrester, who previously served as the law school’s associate dean of academic affairs from 1995 to 1996, will serve as the law school’s interim dean. Forrester did not immediately return a call for comment. “We are fortunate to have Professor Forrester in place to serve in this important role,” said Paul W. Ludden, SMU provost and vice president for academic affairs, who appointed the interim dean, in a press release. “She is an outstanding legal scholar who also has an impressive record of community service and engagement.

She will work well with the University community and with the broader legal community as we look forward to a bright future for the Dedman School of Law.” Some of the members of the search committee include: Michael M. Boone of Haynes and Boone; William D. Noel of Houston; Alan Feld of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Deborah G. Hankinson of Hankinson LLP; and Albon Head of Jackson Walker.

--- John Council