John K. Fitzgerald, attorney, alumnus, and legal educator, steps into post
Whittier Law School has appointed John K. Fitzgerald as the Interim Dean, effective March 1, 2016. Fitzgerald replaces Penelope Bryan who is stepping down as the Dean of Whittier Law School, a role she has served since 2009.
Fitzgerald is a partner in the Intellectual Property section of Rutan & Tucker, LLP, Orange County’s largest law firm with more than 150 attorneys. In addition to his many years of experience as an intellectual property attorney, Fitzgerald has deep connections to Whittier Law School. After graduating cum laude from the school in ’93, he has taught as an adjunct professor, sits on the Board of Trustees of Whittier College, and is a Director on the National Board of Directors of the Whittier Law School Alumni Association.
“John is the perfect leader for the Law School at this time,” said Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger. “He will bring a passion for the institution and its student body, and an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the Law School. John’s connections to our extensive alumni body and to the legal community will aid in helping Whittier Law School graduates find legal employment as they pursue their own careers.”
Fitzgerald’s unusual combination of success in the legal field, experience as a faculty member, and a deep understanding of the mission and culture of Whittier Law School will serve the school well in the future.
“I believe I bring a fresh perspective to the law school environment. Whittier Law has been a leader in implementing experiential learning, and installing a Dean who is a legal practitioner serves to cement our reputation as a school that emphasizes outcomes,” said Fitzgerald.
In addition to Bryan’s departure, several faculty members will be taking advantage of a voluntary separation program, offered to qualified faculty, to provide them with the opportunity to pursue other opportunities. Faculty members who have elected to participate include Professors Mary Ellen Gale, Julie Manasfi, William W. Patton, Calvin Peeler, and Martin Pritikin, who have been with the law school a combined total of 96 years. They will remain at Whittier Law through the end of the spring semester 2016.
