Charleston Law Dean steps down, interim dean appointed

The Charleston School of Law Dean and Provost Larry Cunningham has accepted a new position as Clerk of Court for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

“I have been honored to serve the students and other constituents of Charleston Law,” said Dean Cunningham. “I am proud of the accomplishments of our team, students, and alumni. As I return to my roots in public service, I look forward to following the school’s continued progress.”

In his new position, Cunningham will serve as the Court’s most senior non-judicial administrator. His final day as Dean at Charleston Law will be October 31.

Cunningham became the Dean of Charleston Law in June 2020, bringing a national reputation in legal education, assessment, and student learning to the position. During his tenure he served as the chief academic officer of the school. Prior to his tenure in academia, Cunningham served as a state court prosecutor.

“I have been fortunate to work with two excellent deans during my tenure as President, first Andy Abrams and Larry Cunningham,” said Charleston School of Law President J. Edward Bell, III. “During Dean Cunningham’s tenure, the Law School has grown. Applications have increased 46%, the academic profile of the class has improved, bar passage and job placement rates are increased significantly, we have a new Library and Student Center, and our financial position has improved. I am grateful for his leadership and friendship.”

INTERIM DEAN ANNOUNCED

President Bell has also announced that Professor of Law Jonathan A. Marcantel has been appointed interim Dean at Charleston Law for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year.

Marcantel joined the Law School in 2011. Prior to joining the faculty, Marcantel served as the Associate Dean of Assessment at the Lincoln Memorial University-Duncan School of Law.

“This is an exciting time in the history of the Charleston School of Law,” said Professor Marcantel. “I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Law School through this next chapter.”

Marcantel graduated from the College of Charleston, cum laude, with B.A.s in political science and history and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

“Students and faculty have a deep respect and appreciation for Jon [Marcantel] as an individual and professor,” said President Bell. “I am excited that he has stepped up into this leadership role.”

A nationwide search to recruit candidates for the dean position is underway. The Charleston School of Law will initiate its search for a Dean of the Law School with direction from the Board of Directors who will form a committee to solicit, screen, interview and recommend the strongest candidates for the position.

The function of the Dean Search Committee (the “Search Committee”) is, with substantial involvement of the Law School faculty, to advise the Board of Directors with regard to the selection of the Dean, including the definition of a final list of appropriate candidates. The Search Committee will ensure that the faculty shall have substantial involvement in advising, consultation and recommendations for consideration in the committee’s recommendations to the Board of Directors.

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Veteran’s Engagement Group

Charleston School of Law Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, United States

Charleston School of Law and Lawyers Helping Lawyers will host a Veteran’s Engagement Group from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5 in the Student Affairs conference room.

Moms of Law

Charleston School of Law Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, United States

Moms of Law will meet on Tuesday, November 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Sol Blatt Jr. Law Library in Room 103.