The George Washington University Law School announces Suzanne Hard as Associate Dean, Professional Development and Career Strategies. Dean Hard joins GW Law from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
As associate dean, Hard will serve as a key member of Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew’s cabinet of advisors and will provide strategic direction, oversight and management of the professional development and career strategies department. Hard will be responsible for all of GW Law’s Career Center strategies, staffing and activities, as well as relations between the Career Center and all other units within the law school, including the faculty, as well as implement a “whole school” approach to maximizing employment for GW Law graduates.
Dayna Bowen Matthew, Dean and Harold H. Greene Professor of Law said Dean Hard is a “skilled, dedicated, and innovative administrator. She brings a wealth of experience leading career services professionals, as well as an infectious passion and energy to working with our students. I believe students, faculty, staff, and alumni will love working with Dean Hard to establish a holistic career development ecosystem, which is an essential piece of GW Law’s strategic plan."
Hard said “I am thrilled to be joining the GW Law community, and to get to do the work of supporting students as they pursue their career goals and enter the legal community. I look forward to collaborating with the many constituencies on campus that play a role in building opportunities and strengthening outcomes for students and alumni. The energy and enthusiasm of GW Law students inspire me and strengthen my faith that the legal profession will thrive in the face of current challenges.”
“When we met Suzanne, we felt she was uniquely positioned to lead GW Law’s Career Center through this important, critical phase of growth, considering her past experiences at the University of Connecticut School of Law. We believe she is well-prepared to develop and implement a vision and strategy for a holistic career development ecosystem at GW Law that will maximize the future career trajectories of law students and alumni,” said Thanh Nguyen and Christie Babinski, Managing Directors of MLA’s In-House Counsel Recruiting team and GW Law alumni.
Hard joins GW from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she served as director of the Center for Career Development and led a team of counselors to deliver a robust curriculum of career development programming. She also developed, planned and supported recruiting programs and cultivated relationships with the alumni and employer community. Previously, Hard served as director of education and section programming with the Connecticut Bar Association. She has also served as an associate professor of legal studies at Post University, where she taught courses in environmental law, administrative law, business law (including torts, contract and criminal law), legal research, real estate and intellectual property. Her earlier legal career included tenure as an attorney with Cohen, Burns, Hard & Paul and as an associate attorney with Hogan & Hartson.
Hard received her JD from the University of Michigan Law School and her AB from Cornell University.
About GW Law’s Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy
The Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy (Career Center) at GW Law is dedicated to partnering with our students to develop their personalized career plans. Our experienced counselors work with students to understand their individual goals, formulate an effective job search strategy, and develop the professional skills needed in today’s complex legal environment. GW Law graduates are leaders in law firms, government agencies, nonprofits, and corporations worldwide.
About Major, Lindsey & Africa
GW Law utilized services from Major, Lindsey & Africa is the world’s leading legal search firm. Founded in 1982, the firm offers specialized recruiting services to meet the evolving legal and governance needs of law firms, corporations, and individuals seeking to advance their careers in the legal and governance sectors. With over 25 offices and more than 200 search consultants globally, Major, Lindsey & Africa leverages its extensive market knowledge and experience to partner with organizations in fulfilling their legal and governance talent requirements and to provide solutions for increasing team efficiency and effectiveness. Major, Lindsey & Africa is a part of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions. To learn more about Major, Lindsey & Africa, visit www.mlaglobal.com and follow MLA on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.