Gerald Dickinson

Jerry Dickinson, a Pittsburgh native and Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, brings a dynamic vision to Pitt Law rooted in a distinguished career as a constitutional law scholar, civil rights lawyer, community advocate, and politician. As Dean, Dickinson is committed to enhancing Pitt Law’s academic excellence, strengthening its national reputation, building ties with the local legal community, securing resources, and expanding opportunities for students to engage in meaningful legal practice. 

An accomplished scholar, Dean Dickinson specializes in constitutional law, focusing on judicial federalism, civil liberties, state constitutional law, and the constitutional politics of the U.S. Supreme Court. His scholarship has been published in top law reviews and specialty journals at law schools such as Yale, NYU, Georgetown, Penn, Duke, William & Mary, Washington & Lee, Ohio State, Cardozo, Utah, and Baylor, and cited by federal courts, including the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Sixth Circuits, and in high-profile amicus briefs. 

In addition to his prolific scholarship, Dickinson is a sought-after voice in national and international media. His commentary and op-eds have appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, USA Today, Bloomberg, The Hill, The Atlantic, and MSNBC. Internationally, his work has been featured in BBC News, BBC UK, and other global publications. 

Dickinson has taught first-year courses in Constitutional Law and Property and upper-level courses in constitutional theory and race and the law. His engaging teaching style and innovative curriculum have inspired countless students and reflect his deep commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical areas of the law.