Patricia Mell out as dean at John Marshall

Patricia Mell, who has been dean of The John Marshall Law School since July 1, 2003, announced Oct. 26 that she had relinquished the position in favor of a scholarship and research position within the faculty.

A tenured faculty member, Mell said she would be on a sabbatical leave for the remainder of the academic year, “I feel the time is right for me to pursue my new scholastic and career challenges,” she said.

Vice Dean John E. Corkery, a member of the ISBA Committee on Professional Conduct, has assumed Mell's administrative duties on an interim basis.

“We are grateful for Pat's efforts and contributions as dean,” said Alfred Gallo, president of the board of trustees. “We are pleased that she will continue to be a member of our faculty as she takes on a more scholarly role in the school.”

Corkery, who has been a dean since 1998, has been on the John Marshall faculty since 1973.

Before coming to John Marshall, Mell was a visiting professor of criminal law and white-collar crime at the University of Memphis Cecil B. Humphreys School of Law. She joined the faculty of Michigan State-Detroit College of Law in 1992 and was associate dean for academic affairs from 1998 to 2001.