New Associate Deans Appointed in the Law School

The School of Law, under the leadership of new Dean April Barton, has appointed three new associate deans.

Law Professor Jane Moriarty has been named associate dean for faculty scholarship. She also is the Carol Los Mansmann Chair in Faculty Scholarship. Moriarty’s scholarship focuses on scientific evidence, neuroscience and law, and professional responsibility. In addition to her frequent speaking events, Moriarty is a well-cited scholar in the areas of scientific evidence, neuroscience and law, as well as on matters of judicial and legal ethics.

Law Professor Wes Oliver has been named associate dean for academic affairs. In addition, he is director of the school’s Criminal Justice Program. Oliver teaches courses in criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence. He is frequently sought for media interviews about criminal justice issues. Oliver’s research has approached criminal law and procedure from the perspective of diverse disciplines not frequently considered in these areas, history and artificial intelligence.

Associate Law Professor Tara Willke has been named associate dean for strategy and administration. In addition to teaching legal research and writing, she co-created and teaches a Law Firm Simulation course. Willke’s scholarship has focused on issues pertaining to veterans and members of the military.

Moriarty, Oliver and Willke join Ella Kwisnek, associate dean of students and assistant professor of legal research and writing, and Law Professor Frank Liu, associate dean for legal programs and director of the Duquesne Center for Legal Information and Allegheny County Law Library.