NIU Law Mourns Death of Former Dean

 
Renowned Educator Helped Bring Law School to NIU

February 14, 2006

Contact: Melody Mitchell
Alumni Events/Public Relations
815.753.9655 or mmitchell@niu.edu

NIU Law Mourns Death Of Former Dean
Renowned educator helped bring law school to NIU

DeKalb, Ill. – John S. Bainbridge, former dean of the Northern Illinois University College of Law, passed away on January 25, 2006, in Kennett Square, Pa. He was 90.

Dean Bainbridge joined the law school as its fourth dean in 1979 where he played a vital role in its transition from Lewis University in Glen Ellyn, Ill. to NIU. After initiating discussions about the changeover, Dean Bainbridge worked with Lewis University, NIU, the Illinois House of Representatives and the Senate to draft legislation for the school’s transfer. On June 27, 1979, Governor James Thompson signed the bill that officially transferred the law school to NIU, effective August 1, 1979. Dean Bainbridge remained at NIU Law until 1981.

“The NIU College of Law is indebted to John for his vision and tireless efforts to bring an affordable, high quality public law school to the Northern Illinois region,” remarked NIU Law Dean LeRoy Pernell. “He has influenced countless lawyers and educators, and we are grateful for the mark he has left here at NIU Law.”

A distinguished educator and administrator, Bainbridge began his first administrative role as the assistant dean of Columbia University School of Law and associate director of its International Fellows Program. During this time, Dean Bainbridge organized a law-education program for Africa’s emerging leaders in the 1960’s, known as Staffing of African Institutions of Legal Education and Research (SAILER). He also directed the International Legal Center for 10 years and published the highly acclaimed book, The Study and Teaching of Law in Africa.

After his deanship at NIU Law, Dean Bainbridge continued his legacy by helping establish the Touro College Law Center in Huntington, N.Y., where he served as its dean from 1982 until 1985. He also held administrative positions in law schools at Wayne State University, Pace University, and Delaware Law School.

Born in Manhattan, Dean Bainbridge graduated from Harvard College in 1938 and earned his law degree from Columbia University School of Law in 1941. He started his career in general private practice with firms in Baltimore and New York City, and also with a corporate law department, before returning to Columbia University in 1956.

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For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
815/753-9655l