About Dean Donald J. Polden

Dean Donald J. Polden joined Santa Clara Law in 2003 as dean. He also serves as chair of the Standards Review Committee of the American Bar Association, where he is charged with leading a committee review of proposed changes in or additions to standards, interpretations, rules, policies, procedures, and criteria. In September 2008, the Council of the Section of the Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar began a comprehensive review of the ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Approval of Law Schools. The Council is relying on the work of its Standards Review Committee to complete this project. More on the ABA’s self study program.

Before joining Santa Clara University School of Law, Donald Polden was the dean and professor of law at University of Memphis School of Law, positions he held from 1993 to 2003. He has also served as associate dean and professor of law at Drake University School of Law and was a visiting professor at the University of Louisville School of Law. Dean Polden was of counsel at the firm of Hawkins and Norris from 1978 to 1990 and clerked for the Honorable William C. Hanson, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa from 1975-1976. He was elected to the American Law Institute in 1993, is a life member of the American Bar Foundation, and a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. His previous Section activities include serving on the Law Libraries, Questionnaire, Pre Law, and New Deans’ Seminar committees. Dean Polden holds a B.BA from George Washington University, and earned a J.D., cum laude, from the Indiana University-Indianapolis Law School.

Donald J. Polden's Faculty Page