Brooklyn Law School Suddenly without Dean

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Summary: Brooklyn Law’s first announcement of their dean leaving was vague, but further details are leaving the departure amicable.

Brooklyn Law School’s dean and president of six years was suddenly removed from the position, according to the New York Law Journal. Nicholas W. Allard had been with the law school since 2012 when he left Patton Boggs where he was the chairman. His departure will be effective June 30, 2018, according to Market Watch.

  

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Faculty received an email Thursday from Stuart Subotnick, chairman of the board of trustees directing them to go to interim dean professor Maryellen Fullerton in the meantime. Subotnick will serve as president until a new president and dean can be selected. At the time of the initial email, things were vague, with no explanation from Allard or Subotnick. A professor told the journal that Allard sent a subsequent email, expressing his surprise at the announcement. Since then, more information has been released.

Subotnick said, “We were incredibly fortunate to have Nick lead the law school through a volatile period in legal education. His many talents were just what we needed to move the Law School successfully forward. He has a great rapport with our alumni, and our students love his energy and desire to always do what is best for them. He will be difficult to replace, but we are thankful for all that he has done and respect his desire to pursue other opportunities at this time in his professional life.”

Generally, law school deans announce the will be stepping down months, even a year in advance. Even when a dean leaves under unpleasant circumstances from spats with officials, faculty, or the public, they are usually allowed a more discreet exit than the one Allard has been given.

Allard took the reins at Brooklyn Law when law schools everywhere were struggling. The law school has seen financial difficulties, selling off a number of properties in highly sought-after locations. Just two years ago they sold an office building across from the downtown campus for $76.5 million. Even with the sales, the school’s finances have not improved.

Last month the law school was moved by Moody’s Investors Service from stable to negative for “ongoing tuition pricing challenges and operating deficits that are deeper than previously projected and will continue for a period longer than anticipated, leading to a likely deterioration of spendable cash and investments.” According to Moody’s the school generates $43 million annually. Subotnick countered that the law school “endowment has quadrupled to nearly $250 million putting the school in an extremely strong financial position.”

Allard is listed as of counsel at Dentons. He was in China when the law school board made the announcement of his ousting. He works in the firm’s public policy and regulation practice. He said of his departure: “It has been a privilege to serve as President and Dean during this period of change and innovation for the law school. This was a difficult decision that was a long time in the making. I will miss the extraordinary people of Brooklyn Law School who every day have a tremendous, positive impact on law and society. I know the school will continue to grow in prominence in the years ahead and further advance its well-deserved reputation for excellence and innovation.”

Do you think the school is covering up since its first initial announcement was abrupt and less friendly? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

To learn more about law school dean announcements, read these articles:

• Wake Forest University Law In the Market for a New Dean
• David Lopez Selected as Rutgers Law Co-Dean
• University of Arkansas Law Finds New Dean

Photo: law.com