Business acumen of Syracuse Law School's Dean Terence Lau showcased at his former institution
In an exciting development, Terence Lau has been appointed as the 13th dean of Syracuse University College of Law. Lau's unique background, blending business acumen and military principles, promises to bring a fresh perspective to the esteemed institution.
Lau, an alumnus of Syracuse Law, is the first-ever alumnus to hold the position of dean. His leadership philosophy is significantly influenced by the military philosophy of "leaders eat last," emphasising servant leadership where leaders prioritize the well-being of others over themselves. This approach aligns with Syracuse Law’s strong veterans program and its mission of nurturing people as the school's most valuable assets.
Under Lau's leadership, Syracuse Law will focus on people as its core assets. This perspective derives from his military experience and his understanding that leadership entails discipline and commitment to others. Lau's leadership style is expected to reframe the university's assets not as physical property but as its human capital, highlighting the importance of nurturing and growing human capital in the academic setting.
Syracuse Law is renowned for its expertise in fields such as disability and new technology law, as well as its strong trial advocacy program. However, Lau aims to expand legal education by adding new areas of study in the coming years. He also plans to increase the number of full scholarships the law school provides, ensuring accessibility to legal education for a broader range of students.
One of Lau's key priorities is the school's online J.D. program. He sees it as a major role in the school's future, providing access to legal education for groups who historically could not pursue a law degree.
Syracuse Law's veterans initiative is another area of focus for Lau. The school offers a legal clinic that assists veterans and their families with VA benefits, the nation's only military law moot court competition based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and a focus on training JAG lawyers.
The success of Syracuse Law's students is evident in the employment statistics. As of April 2024, 97.8% of the class of 2023 were employed in the field of law or pursuing graduate studies.
Lau's background is a mix of business and academia. He has experience leading a business college in California and was previously an attorney at Ford Motor Company. His appointment as dean was the result of the search committee's admiration for his insight.
Syracuse University College of Law's Security Policy and Law department's alumni have gone on to work in various sectors including the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, federal government, non-governmental organizations, and big law firms.
Lau's profound faith in the U.S. constitutional scheme, instilled in him by his experience as an immigrant and a U.S. Supreme Court fellow, is likely to guide his leadership at Syracuse Law. His commitment to experiential learning, offering in-house clinics, externships, and advocacy competitions, ensures that students will continue to receive a practical, hands-on legal education.
[1] Source: Interview with Dean Terence Lau, Syracuse University College of Law, April 2024.
Terence Lau, as the new dean of Syracuse University College of Law, aims to expand legal education by adding new areas of study, reinforcing the school's commitment to personal growth, education-and-self-development, and career-development for its students. His leadership style emphasizes the importance of nurturing and growing human capital, aligning with Syracuse Law’s mission of viewing people as its most valuable assets, notably in the development of veteran aspirants.
