Columbia attorney Hubbard named dean of USC School of Law

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Columbia attorney and former American Bar Association president William Hubbard has been named the new dean of the University of South Carolina’s School of Law.

Hubbard, a partner with the Columbia office of Nelson Mullins, will begin his new position on Aug. 1.

Hubbard earned a bachelor’s degree in history from USC in 1974, graduating magna cum laude, and a J.D. from the School of Law in 1977. Hubbard was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the university’s highest student honor.

Hubbard served as president of the American Bar Association from 2014-2015 and has been past president of both the American Bar Endowment and the American Bar Foundation. He is the current chair of the board of directors of the World Justice Project.

A member of USC’s board of trustees since 1986 and chair from 1996-2000, Hubbard received the Order of the Palmetto in 2002.

“I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to work with the law school family, as well as our external stakeholders to bring additional support to the law school,” Hubbard said in a news release from USC.  “I am most excited to be able to work with our students to ensure they have the tools to continue to develop their advocacy skills, respect for the rule of law, and passion for justice. These students will be South Carolina’s leaders of tomorrow. I will do everything I can to help them reach their full potential as lawyers and citizens.”

Hubbard, who will step down as a university trustee, was chosen after an extensive national search and succeeds Robert Wilcox, who is retiring after 34 years as a USC professor and nine years as dean of the law school.

“William Hubbard is an extraordinary choice for dean of our School of Law,” said USC interim Provost Tayloe Harding. “His experience is unique and profound, his vision and reach bold and dynamic, and his posture for success and significant achievement for our School inspiring.”