The Phoenix School of Law has appointed Shirley Mays as dean. Dean Mays began her position in August 2010.

Dean Mays comes to the position after a long line of success in other positions. She received her JD from Harvard Law School and served as a Law Clerk for the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. Mays then went on to Capital University Law School in Columbus, OH where she was a professor since 1991 and spent five years as associate dean of Academic Affairs.

The two new full-time faculty members joined Northern Illinois College of Law this fall with expertise in the areas of intellectual property, entertainment law, contracts, and international business law to further develop the law school’s curriculum in these areas.

Assistant Professor Yolanda King and Christopher Hines will not only expand the curriculum in new cutting-edge areas of law, but will add richness in every respect, said Dean Jennifer Rosato.

“They are accomplished, ambitious and devoted to the law school’s mission,” she said.

Rachel M. Janutis has been named interim associate dean for Capital University Law School. She fills the position formerly held by Shirley Mays, who accepted the deanship position at Phoenix School of Law in Arizona.

Janutis joined Capital Law School in 2002 and has taught courses on Civil Procedure, Remedies, Complex Litigation and Conflict of Laws.

Gowri Ramachandran was granted tenure and promoted to Professor of Law.

“Professor Ramachandran excels in teaching, service, and scholarship," Southwestern Dean Bryant Garth said. "We are very fortunate to have her on our faculty." 

This appointment also acknowledges Ramachandran’s individual attention given to students, writing and service to Southwestern as well as the profession. She was also named as the Irving D. and Florence Rosenberg Professor of Law for the 2010-2011 academic year.