Jane Murphy, Dean Gilbert A. Holmes Professor in Clinical Theory and Practice

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  Jane Murphy joined the University of Baltimore School of Law faculty in 1988 with a mandate to expand the school's clinical programs.  One of the reasons she has stayed is the school's continuing commitment to clinical education, which closely mirrors her own.  "Clinical experiences are the capstone of a law student's education," explains Murphy.  "They allow students to apply what they've learned to the actual practice of law. Very few schools have clinical programs that are as broad in scope as those here at UB." 

   

  Another reason she has stayed is the quality and dedication of the School of Law's alumni.  As Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, an appointment she has held since 2008, Murphy has many opportunities to interact with students, faculty and alumni.  "Our alumni are the key to our reputation within the community.  Many of our students say that they chose UB because of the recommendation of one of our alums.  The legal community looks to UB to provide its students with standards of practice that they (the students) will take with them wherever they go. We don't disappoint them."

   

  Nor does graduation necessarily mean a severing of the ties established between faculty and students.  These new alumni keep in touch with their professors long after graduation, and faculty members continue to act as mentors to students.  Contact with students - and knowing that she can help them as they establish themselves professionally - is an aspect of her job that Murphy greatly enjoys.

   

  In addition, she is excited about the construction of the new John and Frances Angelos Law Center.  "The new building will allow us to do even more academically for our students.  Everything will be together in one building: classrooms, student organizations, the litigation center, and, importantly, the clinics.  In fact, this will be the first time that the clinics will all be housed together with the rest of the law school."  Murphy feels that the new building will increase the School of Law's visibility and will help to tie the school even more strongly to the local community served by the clinics.

   

  And her final reason for staying?  "This is a dream job.  I am seeing many of my dreams for the School of Law come true."