Dean Kenneth C. Randall Retires: University of Alabama School of Law, 1994-2013, 1113 ALBJ, 74 The Alabama Lawyer 378 (2013)

Dean Kenneth C. Randall Retires: University of Alabama School of Law, 1994-2013

Vol. 74 No. 6 Pg. 378

Alabama Bar Lawyer

November, 2013

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0In June, Dean Ken Randall retired from the University of Alabama School of Law to become president of iLawVentures LLC, where he continues his work in building excellence in legal education. Dean Randalls tenure at the University of Alabama led the law school to national prominence in both academic stature and innovative learning. As he departs for a new career, Dean Randalls legacy includes a law school ranking of seventh among public law schools and an overall ranking of 21^st out of 210 law schools nationally.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Under Randalls leadership, the law school underwent a quiet, yet extraordinary, transformation. Judy Bonner, president of the University of Alabama, recognized Randalls legacy: "The University of Alabama School of Law was transformed under the leadership of Dean Kenneth C. Randall during the past two decades. By any measure, Dean Randalls tenure as dean was an era of amazing progress for our law school and our university. Our school of law experienced unprecedented growth in reputation, academic excellence and vast expansion and improvements in programs and facilities."

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Randall joined the faculty in 1985 as an assistant professor, teaching Constitutional law, international business transactions and public international law. Prior to joining the UA law faculty, Randall served as an associate in the New York City offices of Simpson Thacher & Barlett. Randall became vice dean of the law school in 1988, and dean in 1994.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0When Randall became dean, the law school was nationally ranked in the third out of four tiers. In 2013, United States World and News Report ranked the UA 21^st out of the 210 law schools in the United States and as the seventh best public law school.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Working with Judge Harold Albritton, Randall establish the Albritton Lecture Series to bring United States Supreme Court justices to the law school. Since 1998, nine justices have delivered lectures there.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0In partnership with the firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Randall established the Morris Dees Justice Award in 2005 to recognize outstanding public service by lawyers.

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