Daniel Abebe facts for kids

Daniel Y. Abebe is an American lawyer and a professor who teaches about law. He is the 16th person to be the leader, or dean, of Columbia Law School. Mr. Abebe started his role at Columbia Law School on August 1, 2024. He also holds the title of Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law.

His studies focus on how the laws of the United States about foreign countries connect with international laws that apply to many nations. Before joining Columbia, Mr. Abebe was a professor and a deputy dean at the University of Chicago Law School. He was also a Vice Provost at the University of Chicago.

Education

Daniel Abebe finished his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Maryville University of St. Louis in 1997. He graduated with top honors.

In 2000, he earned his law degree (called a Juris Doctor or JD) from Harvard Law School. Later, he continued his studies at the University of Chicago. There, he earned a Master of Arts (MA) in political science in 2006. He then completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in political science in 2013.

Career Highlights

After law school, Daniel Abebe worked for a judge named Damon J. Keith on the Sixth Circuit court. This job is called a clerkship, where he helped the judge with legal research and writing.

After that, he worked at a law firm called Cravath, Swaine & Moore. In 2008, he joined the faculty at the University of Chicago Law School as a professor. He also worked with the political science department at the University of Chicago.

On June 17, 2024, Daniel Abebe was chosen to be the Dean of Columbia Law School. He also became the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law. He officially started these roles on August 1, 2024. With this important appointment, Mr. Abebe became the first Black dean in the history of Columbia Law School.