The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Elena Baylis as the inaugural Associate Dean for Experiential Learning (ADEL).
This new senior administrative role represents a cornerstone of the Law School’s strategic vision and institutional commitment to educating outstanding new lawyers. As the inaugural ADEL, Professor Baylis will manage the Law School’s vast array of experiential courses and learning opportunities spanning a substantial set of programs into a cohesive, strategically designed curriculum that ensures every student has a clear, well-articulated pathway to practice-readiness.
Professor Baylis brings significant academic, administrative, and regulatory expertise to this role, having spent twelve years developing and managing high-quality experiential learning programs. During this time, she established and directed the Semester in DC Program from 2009 to 2021, where she successfully managed a network of over 50 government and nonprofit employers and more than 100 actively engaged alumni. Her substantial experience in experiential learning includes co-directing the comprehensive overhaul of the Law School’s Externship Program, creating a rigorous curriculum of reflective assignments and individualized faculty feedback that has received substantial praise. Her ability to navigate complex administrative frameworks and design rigorous learning environments will be critical as the Law School establishes itself at the vanguard of experiential learning.
The ADEL will work in close consultation with Vice Dean John Linarelli to design, implement, and assess the Law School’s experiential curriculum. This partnership will focus on bolstering the curriculum by integrating practical skills training more deeply with traditional doctrinal coursework and supporting the professional development of faculty who lead experiential courses. The Vice Dean will remain a key collaborator as the ADEL office identifies and reviews existing and develops new experiential courses that meet the changing needs of the legal profession. The ADEL will also work closely with the Curriculum Committee each year, offering insight and guidance into how best to improve and coordinate experiential learning courses and experiences into annual curriculums.
“Professor Baylis is a nationally recognized legal scholar and educator with a proven track record of designing programs that bridge the gap between doctrinal learning and professional practice,” said Vice Dean Linarelli. “Her leadership sets a high standard for excellence at Pitt Law. As we establish this new inaugural role, I look forward to working with her to ensure our curriculum remains the very best in legal education, equipping our students with the skills so essential for success in today’s legal profession."
“I am honored to serve as Pitt Law’s inaugural Associate Dean for Experiential Learning. I am looking forward to collaborating with our talented faculty and staff, professional partners, alumni, and students to strengthen and expand our experiential learning opportunities. By integrating experiential learning into the heart of our curriculum, we ensure our graduates don’t just understand the law—they possess the confidence and practical skills to succeed in an evolving legal market from day one,” said Professor Baylis.