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Greetings,

Last week, I visited with students, alumni and friends during the annual summer mixer. I enjoyed learning some of your Arizona Law stories and about what you are doing now.

In today’s newsletter, I’m continuing the conversation. As I reflect on the past several months as interim dean and look forward to the fast-approaching fall semester, I wanted to tell this community a bit more about myself and, more importantly, why I believe in this law school.

Over the next few weeks, you also will be reading about the Arizona Law Ambassadors. This impressive group of students should make us all proud of the college, and I’m grateful for Ruben Fierros, our director of admissions, for leading this group.

Finally, I am excited to share that we welcomed a new group of students to the College for orientation this week. The energy in the building is wonderful. I look forward to sharing more about our new students next week.

Read on,

Jason

What interested you in attending law school and becoming a lawyer in the first place?

I was drawn to the law because of its impact on people’s lives. Early on, I saw how the justice system could shape entire communities, for better or worse, and I wanted to be part of work that made a difference. Law school opened my eyes to the many ways lawyers can create change by advocating for justice or supporting individuals in need. Law is both a profession and a trade, and its practical, problem-solving nature appealed to me.

When/why did you become interested in a career in academia?

I’ve wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember. I just wasn’t sure if that would be a high school math teacher, a basketball coach or a college professor. I actually did a stint coaching college basketball early in my legal career, and I think I will always identify as a teacher and coach. The challenge of breaking down and exploring ideas, figuring out how to motivate people and seeing people improve over time is incredibly rewarding. Becoming a law professor allowed me to engage in several things that I love.

What drew you to Arizona Law?

The people are what drew me to Arizona Law. The faculty are not only strong scholars but also collaborators. The staff are committed and mission driven. The students bring a range of perspectives, and they ask hard questions. What pulled me in was the culture of respect and shared purpose. You see it in the classroom, in committee meetings, in the way people show up for each other. There’s a sense that we’re building something together, and that mindset is what drew me here and keeps me invested.

How would you describe the Arizona Law community?

We don’t assume the way things have been done is the way they should continue. Whether we’re talking about teaching, scholarship or service, the focus is on improvement. That mindset extends across the community. Faculty learn from students. Staff shape student experiences in ways that often go unseen but are essential. Alumni give their time, insight and support. There’s also a willingness to try new approaches, evaluate them honestly and adjust as needed. That’s a hard balance to strike, and it’s one of the things that makes this place distinct.

Much of your work as a practicing attorney and as a professor has been around criminal justice. Why is this work compelling to you?

Decisions made in the criminal justice system affect people’s freedom, families and futures. When the system gets it wrong, the consequences are devastating. Much of my work has centered on identifying and addressing those points of failure, whether it’s wrongful convictions, flawed forensic practices or a lack of transparency in decision-making. These are not abstract problems. They demand careful, sustained effort. What keeps me focused on this area is the belief that the legal system can do better and that lawyers have a responsibility to help it get there.

Describe a “typical day” so far as interim dean.

There’s no fixed routine. Some days are filled with meetings like working through questions with faculty, supporting staff initiatives, listening to students or coordinating with university leadership. Other days I’m focused on long-term planning, budget questions or external partnerships. But across all of it, the role comes down to one thing: supporting people in their work. That means clearing barriers when I can, asking good questions and staying connected to what’s happening across the college. I’m also mindful that decisions made in this role ripple outward. So, I try to keep perspective and pay attention to the details, while staying focused on our mission as a public law school.

What are you optimistic about right now at Arizona Law?

There’s real momentum here, even in a difficult moment for higher education. Faculty are leading innovative research projects and shaping national conversations in their fields. Students are launching initiatives, building organizations and pursuing paths that didn’t exist a few years ago. Staff are strengthening the foundation that allows all of this to happen. And alumni continue to show up as mentors, employers and advocates for our students and programs. That collective energy is what gives me confidence.

Is there anything that surprises people about you (personally or professionally)?

I have a lot of hobbies—roller skating, hiking and collecting sneakers, to name a few. Oh, and I can still do a solid cartwheel, which tends to catch people off guard. And, in a pinch, my sewing skills are good enough for last minute garment alterations. 

What would you like newsletter readers to know about you?

That I see this role as a team effort. This is a school where people pull in the same direction. Faculty, staff and alumni work alongside students to build an education that’s responsive, practical and grounded in service. I don’t see myself as stepping into this role to redefine what Arizona Law is; I’m here to support what makes it work and improve what doesn’t. That means listening, removing obstacles when I can, and staying focused on the people and values that move the institution forward. I’m very grateful to serve the college in this role.

FROM THE COLLEGE

Arizona Law Ambassadors are often the first to welcome prospective students to our community. This select group of student leaders supports admissions and alumni events, answers questions from admitted students and their families about life at Arizona Law, and helps new students feel at home during orientation. Ambassadors also play a key role in building connections between current students and our alumni community.

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing the Arizona Law Ambassadors for the new academic year. If you see them at an upcoming event, like Homecoming, be sure to say hello and thank them for all they do!

IN THE NEWS

Trump plan to deregulate climate pollution could make Arizona hotter, drier and more fiery

Arizona Republic, featuring Stephanie Stern

Local opinion: Arizonans must be Informed, active to protect unique place

Arizona Daily Star, co-authored by Marc Miller

Opinion: So, you thought you protected abortion rights in Arizona? Not so fast

Arizona Republic, featuring Barbara Atwood

Instagram, @uarizonalaw

Although the weather in Tucson certainly doesn’t feel like fall, the excitement of a new school year is in the air. I’m grateful for the students, employers, faculty and staff who are gearing up for the start of the academic year.

Onward!

Jason