What's Going On At SMU?

SMU Dedman School of Law Dean John Attanasio will not be renewed when his contract expires in May.  As we know, deans come and go in the legal academy.  This going, however, has its own controversy associated with it for a number of reasons.  One is that it was the SMU’s choice rather than Dean Attanasio’s.  Another is that it came out of the blue.  Even Dedman’s executive board wasn’t aware of it.  According to the ABA Journal, Dallas attorney and board member Leslie Ware resigned after hearing the news.  He had recently donated $1 million to the law school.  Two other board members are considering similar action. 

The Dallas News (subscription required) reports quotes from other prominent Dallas litigators who are also upset by the news.  Most reactions note that there was no explanation or justification by the University for the action.  The closest there was to a reason was in the internal memo sent to Attanasio that said “it is now time for another individual to take on the leadership of the law school at SMU and to provide leadership for the challenge necessary in the current climate of legal education.” 

I’ll say that university presidents and provosts are well within their rights to tinker with the administration of their law schools if they want to, and typically without any negative reaction by the ABA if past events are a guide.  There are political consequences depending on the circumstances.  The alumni and donor base at Dedman like Attanasio and are rising to defend him from everything I’ve read.  Their pressure may prompt some explanation beyond the usual “new beginnings” BS. [MG]