Professor Leo Martinez '78 Appointed Acting Chancellor and Dean

The Board of Directors of UC Hastings Law announced that Professor Leo Martinez has been appointed as Acting Chancellor and Dean, to fill the role when Nell Newton, Chancellor and Dean, steps down on July 1. Martinez, a 1978 graduate of the law school, joined the Hastings faculty in 1985.

“Professor Martinez’s experience and lengthy tenure with UC Hastings provides stability for the university as we continue our search for a permanent Chancellor and Dean,” said Board Chair James E. Mahoney. "In addition," he added,"Martinez has extensive administrative experience, having served as Academic Dean for 12 years."  

Martinez received his undergraduate degree in math and physics from the University of Kansas and an M.S. in systems analysis from the University of Southern California.   He is a graduate of Hastings, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and Thurston Society and where he served as managing editor of the Hastings Law Journal. 

After a successful three-year tenure, Dean Newton will assume the deanship at the University of Notre Dame,School of Law.  “We fully expect Dean Newton’s fine work to continue during the balance of her term with the able assistance of the school’s senior management, including Academic Dean Shauna Marshall; Elise Traynum, General Counsel; David Seward, Chief Financial Officer; and, Jacqueline Ervin, Assistant Dean of Advancement and Communications,” says Mahoney.