Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bob Smith announced Tuesday, Aug. 23, that Howard W. Brill, Vincent Foster University Professor of Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, has been named the interim dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law effective immediately.

Brill replaces Carol Goforth, who served as acting dean of the School of Law since Dean Richard B. Atkinson’s death on Aug. 4.

In his letter of support to Brill, Provost Smith wrote, “You have the Chancellor's and my full support and that of the Law Faculty. And, the Chancellor and I will work diligently with the Law School to mount a search process that should lead to new long-term leadership for the School beginning in 2006. Howard, your notable administrative and leadership abilities will be greatly valued during the interim service period-at the University level, in the School and among the state's law community. And, the combination of abilities, strengths, and unselfish dedication and service you bring to your interim position ensures the full support of the Chancellor, my office and my Vice Chancellor colleagues as we all work towards advancing the vision that you have helped craft for the School of Law.”

Brill joined the UA law faculty in 1975. His primary teaching areas are Professional Responsibility, Remedies, Civil Procedure, and occasionally Domestic Relations and the special topics course on Baseball and the Law.

After earning a bachelor of arts degree from Duke University, he taught English language and African literature as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria. Professor Brill graduated from the University of Florida Law School, where he was the editor-in-chief of the law review and later earned a master of law degree from the University of Illinois.

In addition to practicing with a small firm in Rock Island,Ill., he has taught at the Universities of Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. His publications include Arkansas Law of Damages (5th edition) and Arkansas Professional and Judicial Ethics (6th edition). He has served on Gov. Clinton's Commission on Ethics and Gov. Tucker's Ethics Task Force. Along with other court and bar association committees, he serves on the ProfessionalEthics and Grievances Committee of the Arkansas Bar and the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee. Professor Brill serves as the University's representative to the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference.

In May 2005, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Brill to University Professor, effective Aug. 1, 2005.