The University of Austin, an institution co-founded by Bari Weiss and often described as an "anti-woke" entity, has recently announced a bold move into legal education. This initiative, in partnership with the Federalist Society, aims to establish a law program unlike any other, with the immediate task being the selection of a dean to steer this nascent ship.

The search committee, intriguingly, is composed of notable figures such as Ho, Oldham, and Thapar—three judges from the appellate bench who are no strangers to Supreme Court aspirations. Their involvement is a testament to the program's serious intent, leveraging their high-profile status within the Federalist Society to attract potential leaders for this unconventional law school.

The job listing itself has sparked conversations, with its audacious call for a "dean to build America’s boldest legal program." This isn't just another law school; it's pitched as a revolutionary way to study law, sidestepping traditional paths like ABA accreditation. Critics and supporters alike are buzzing about the implications of a major educational institution that plans to focus purely on "merit" without the typical accreditation credentials.

Adding to the complexity, the University of Austin has stated it will not seek ABA accreditation, a decision that aligns with recent conservative critiques of the ABA's diversity policies. This stance is part of a broader cultural battle, with implications that ripple across the academic and legal landscapes.

The application process for the dean’s position is notably streamlined and seems to prioritize quick, decisive action over prolonged deliberation. Candidates are asked to submit a CV, a letter of intent focused on their vision for the law program, and notably, a piece of writing—preferably an opinion piece. This choice highlights a preference for candidates who can engage with broad, public audiences, perhaps at the expense of scholarly depth.

This development at the University of Austin is closely watched by both legal educators and political commentators, as it may signal a shift in how legal education is approached in the United States. Whether this will set a precedent for others to follow or remain an outlier remains to be seen. As the search for a dean progresses, the legal community and prospective students are keen to see what kind of legal education paradigm the University of Austin intends to establish.