Dean Daniel B. Rodriguez Named Chair of ABA Center on Innovation

The American Bar Association’s Center for Innovation has appointed Dean Daniel B. Rodriguez as the new chair of its governing council. “I am excited to be chairing this great group of leaders and innovators in the legal profession, all working collaboratively and creatively to improve the delivery of legal services and access to justice,” said Dean Rodriguez. “I am hopeful that the Center and Northwestern Law will develop valuable collaborations to advance the objectives of both organizations.”

Launched in 2016, the ABA Center for Innovation is focused on creating more accessible, efficient, and effective legal services in the United States and around the world. In only a few short years, the Center has offered robust educational programming on new technologies for the legal industry, collaborated with the New York State Unified Court System on an online dispute resolution pilot project, and developed a mobile app to help Louisiana flood victims establish their eligibility for FEMA disaster assistance. The Center also operates two fellowship programs for professionals interested in enhancing legal services and improving access to justice.

ABA President-Elect Robert M. Carlson noted Dean Rodriguez’s leadership at the Law School as one of the reasons for his appointment. “Dan Rodriguez has long demonstrated his commitment to leading the legal profession through change with his service on the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services and his leadership in innovating how Northwestern Pritzker School of Law prepares its students to be lawyers for tomorrow,” said Carlson. “He takes ‘what if’s’ and adroitly turns them into ‘why not’s.’ He is the kind of dynamic, thoughtful, and decisive leader who can take the ABA Center for Innovation to the next level.”

Dean Rodriguez is an integral part of the ABA Center for Innovation, having served as a member of its advisory council prior to this appointment. “Dan is the perfect choice to serve as the next chair of the ABA Center for Innovation,” said Andrew Perlman, Dean of Suffolk University Law School and current chair of the Center. “As a fearless leader and innovator, Dan will greatly advance the Center’s important work, especially its goal of ensuring greater access to justice and legal services. I have greatly valued Dan’s numerous contributions to the Center’s efforts over the last couple of years, and I know the Center will reach new heights under his leadership.”