Former Penn President Liz Magill Named Dean of Georgetown Law School

Magill will take over leadership of the prestigious law school after a year of interim leadership.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Liz Magill, the former president of the University of Pennsylvania, has been named the new dean and vice president of the Georgetown University law school. She is scheduled to begin her duties on August 1, according to Georgetown's announcement. Magill resigned as Penn's president in December 2023 after facing criticism over her testimony at a congressional hearing about allegations of antisemitism at Penn.

Why it matters

Magill's appointment represents a return to a significant leadership position at one of the nation's leading universities after her controversial exit from the University of Pennsylvania. Her tenure at Georgetown Law will be closely watched as she looks to rebuild her reputation and lead the prestigious law school.

The details

Magill will succeed Interim Executive Vice President and Dean Joshua Teitelbaum, who has led Georgetown Law for the past year after its long-time dean, William Treanor, stepped down in 2025. Magill has a sterling academic resume, with prior positions at several elite institutions including the University of Virginia, Stanford Law School, and the University of Pennsylvania.

  • Magill resigned as Penn's president in December 2023.
  • Magill is scheduled to begin her duties as Georgetown Law dean on August 1, 2026.

The players

Liz Magill

The former president of the University of Pennsylvania who has been named the new dean and vice president of the Georgetown University law school.

Joshua Teitelbaum

The Interim Executive Vice President and Dean who has led Georgetown Law for the past year after its long-time dean, William Treanor, stepped down in 2025.

William Treanor

The long-time dean of Georgetown Law who stepped down in 2025.

Robert M. Groves

The Interim President of Georgetown University who expressed eagerness to bring Magill on board as the new dean of Georgetown Law.

Elise Stefanik

The New York GOP Representative who sharply questioned Magill during a congressional hearing about allegations of antisemitism at Penn.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to welcome Liz Magill as the new dean of Georgetown Law. Liz is the right person to lead Georgetown Law. She is a distinguished legal scholar and an accomplished administrator who brings a values-driven vision to Georgetown Law. We are excited to see her take the helm and join our vibrant community.”

— Robert M. Groves, Interim President, Georgetown University (Georgetown University Press Release)

“My testimony in Congress left people distressed, and it particularly did that for Jewish students back on the Penn campus. I take very seriously the response that people had to my testimony, and I regret that I conveyed a lack of compassion and care and good sense to those people. I want every Jewish student, a student of every faith, every view, every single student to feel they are in a secure environment and they're in a place where they can flourish.”

— Liz Magill (Politico)

“I've long admired Georgetown Law's motto: 'Law is but the means; justice is the end.' That sense of purpose is woven into the life of the school — a clear expression of Jesuit values. I have great aspirations for the Law School's future; this is the time to build on excellence and become an even stronger school.”

— Liz Magill (Georgetown University Press Release)

What’s next

Magill is scheduled to begin her duties as Georgetown Law dean on August 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Liz Magill's appointment as the new dean of Georgetown Law represents a chance for her to return to a prominent leadership role after facing criticism over her testimony at a congressional hearing during her time as president of the University of Pennsylvania. Her tenure at Georgetown will be closely watched as she looks to rebuild her reputation and lead the prestigious law school.