Interview with Dean Michael Fitts, University of Pennsylvania Law School--

Interview with Dean Michael Fitts, University of Pennsylvania Law School(3)

2007-04-26 13:45:59 [ Big Normal Small ] zong xing 　Comment

Xing Zong: During your tenure, the Penn Law faculty has grown substantially in size, quality, productivity, and breadth of expertise, the School’s national reputation and international engagements have risen. Especially you are known as an indefatigable fundraiser. How do you accomplish that and what fulfills you most as a law school dean?

Fitts: This is a difficult question to answer. Since my tenure as dean, I have definitely focused on growing our faculty in certain substantive areas of the law, increasing our cross-disciplinary programs, improving financial aid, renovating our facilities, and, of course, fund-raising to make this all possible. It has been most rewarding to see the positive results of our efforts – and this is definitely a group effort. Seeing our goals realized is probably the most satisfying aspect of being dean.

Xing Zong: Your grandfather, who used to be dean of Wharton school, didn’t believe that consensus was a workable decision-making model in academic setting. You are known for holding this belief too. Why?

Fitts: I have never really thought about my management style but would certainly not characterize it as autocratic. Decision-making in an academic setting, especially at Penn Law, requires the combination of consensus building and leadership. As dean, I work hard to seek input and make informed decisions. Communicating to the various constituencies at all stages of decision-making is an important component of governance and one that I strongly believe in.

Xing Zong: I read from the website you visited Tsinghua Law school last summer. How was that trip? What is the status quo of Penn Law’s collaboration with China?

Fitts: Penn Law is honored to have an exchange program with such an esteemed Law School. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip last summer to the Tsinghua Law School and was overwhelmed by the hospitality I received, especially the opportunity to address students and faculty. As I visit law schools abroad, I find it fascinating to learn about the differences and similarities in legal education.

Penn Law has a very dynamic program with Tsinghua Law School. Our students can spend a semester studying Chinese law through English-language courses. Later, after completing their J.D. studies at Penn Law, participants can return to Tsinghua for a second semester of graduate-level study to earn an LL.M. degree.

Xing Zong: Last question, do you have any suggestions for aspiring young Chinese students who would like to choose law practice as their career? Any closing thoughts to our Chinese readers?

Fitts: The study of law provides a framework from which to grow. Whether you ultimately practice law in a firm, work in government, are appointed to the judiciary, or apply your legal skills to another enterprise, you will undoubtedly find that the training that you received is an excellent preparation for almost any endeavor. Thank you once again for this opportunity to communicate with your readers!

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