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Meet the Law School's New Dean

Paul Rose is a veteran corporate-law scholar deeply committed to service

Photo by Roger Mastroianni Paul Rose

Paul Rose, JD, who became dean of the Case Western Reserve University's School of Law in July, is known for his expertise in business law, dedication to teaching and a strong record as an academic administrator.

He previously was associate dean for strategic initiatives at The Ohio State University (OSU) Moritz College of Law, where he served for 17 years on the faculty and in other leadership roles.

"Paul brings exceptional experience to Case Western Reserve—not only as a law scholar, but also as an administrative leader responsible for developing critical initiatives that have proven impact," said CWRU President Eric W. Kaler.

Rose succeeded Jessica Berg, JD, and Michael Scharf, JD, who served as co-deans for 11 years, advancing the school's academic programs and experiential education, recruiting students with higher test scores and setting fundraising records.

After steering the school to a resurgence, they felt it was the right time to turn the reins over to a new dean.

Scharf returned to one of his passions as associate dean of global legal studies at the school; Berg is dean of UC Davis School of Law.

"Deans Berg and Scharf laid a strong foundation," Rose said. "I look forward to continuing their progress."

Rose plans to prioritize increasing bar-passage rates and expanding employment opportunities for graduates.

At the Moritz College, he was twice honored with the top teaching award and received an OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2022—recognition given annually to up to 10 recipients chosen from among 7,700 faculty members. He also launched new online programs.

Rose has written and published extensively on sovereign wealth funds, corporate governance and securities regulation, and testified before the U.S. Senate banking committee and federal agencies.

He previously practiced law at Covington & Burling in San Francisco. He also worked as an assistant trader at Citibank in New York before attending law school at UCLA.

Rose grew up in Utah and earned a philosophy degree from Brigham Young University. He then spent two years on a mission in France with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since 2017, he's been a court-appointed special advocate for foster children and plans to continue that service as he acclimates to his new position and community.

"I'm eager to build relationships with our school community and legal circles in Northeast Ohio," Rose said.

— DANIEL ROBISON