Law School Vice Dean for Administrative Services:
Jo-Ann Verrier

Jo-Ann Verrier, L'83, has moved full-time into the role of Vice Dean for Administrative Services at the Law School. In this capacity, she will be focusing her efforts on implementing the Law School's strategic plan, including streamlining administrative processes with the Law School's joint degree programs and working with the Law School's senior staff on a variety of projects.

"We are deeply committed to improving and expanding Penn Law's already strong cross-disciplinary curriculum and joint degree programs throughout the University. Jo-Ann Verrier will be instrumental in accomplishing this goal, working closely with our administration and faculty as well as those of the various Schools and Graduate Programs. We have already benefited from her numerous contributions as Vice Dean, despite her having dual responsibilities heading up Career Planning and Placement this past year. We look forward to her continued success," said Dean Michael A. Fitts.

In the new structure, Career Planning and Placement will be managed by two Co-Directors, Diane Downs and Claire Wallace. Diane Downs will work with students seeking clerkships, provide counseling, and assist LL.M. students. Claire Wallace will direct the on-campus recruiting program, direct the 2L and 3L private sector employment search, and serve as liaison to the Students of Color groups.

Assistant Dean of Admissions/Financial Aid Law School: Derek Meeker

Dean Michael A. Fitts has announced the appointment of Derek E. Meeker, J.D., as Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the Law School. "We are delighted that someone with Derek's vision will lead our Admissions Office," said Dean Fitts. "He has uniformly impressed faculty, students, and staff with his understanding of and appreciation for Penn Law, and with his ideas, dedication, and ability. His admissions expertise, coupled with prior legal experience, will be of immense value as he assumes this important leadership role in an office that is the lifeblood of Penn Law."

Mr. Meeker was recruited as Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Penn Law in August 2002, and was named Interim Director of the Office in December. In that role, he has successfully implemented new strategies for admitting the incoming Class of 2006. Prior to joining Penn Law, he spent several years as Assistant Director of Admissions with William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, he successfully engaged in all aspects of admissions, including recruiting applicants, evaluating candidates, and implementing post acceptance strategies. 

He served as an Assistant Attorney General in Ohio, where he represented universities and state agencies in employment litigation and assisted clients with the development of their personnel policies.