Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge, the dean of the University of Georgia School of Law since 2015, has announced his decision to return to the faculty at the end of this year. During his tenure as dean, Rutledge oversaw a period of historic rankings and fundraising records for the law school, along with an expansion in student financial aid. The institution was also consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best returns on investment in legal education.
In 2024, the law school maintained its highest U.S. News & World Report rankings — No. 20 overall and No. 7 among public institutions — for two consecutive years. It has been rated either No. 1 or No. 2 Best Value Law School by National Jurist for seven straight years, including four years at No. 1.
“It has been an honor to serve the UGA School of Law community as its dean since Jan. 1, 2015,” said Rutledge. “With thanks to the unflagging support of President Morehead, Provost Hu and his predecessors, the UGA Foundation trustees, the University System of Georgia and the state’s elected leadership, we have successfully executed a vision to be the nation’s best return on investment in legal education.”
During Rutledge's tenure as dean, several fundraising records were set which largely benefited student financial aid. The school created 84 new scholarship funds including programs that guarantee financial assistance to all first-generation college graduates and military veterans.
Student indebtedness at UGA School of Law decreased by over half during the past decade under Rutledge's leadership and there was a more than twofold increase in Juris Doctor students graduating debt-free from UGA.
The law school also reported impressive employment outcomes during Dean Rutledge’s tenure with nearly all graduates securing full-time jobs within ten months post-graduation.
“Bo Rutledge’s tenure as dean has been extraordinary, and I am grateful for his commitment to the School of Law and the University of Georgia,” said President Jere W. Morehead.
Rutledge also championed several curricular initiatives as dean, including an undergraduate law minor, a combined bachelor’s and Juris Doctor program, and three-year degree programs that combine a Juris Doctor with an MBA or Master of Accountancy degree. The school also created a nationally recognized mentorship program.
During his tenure, the law school expanded its outreach programs and secured additional external funding for existing clinics. Several new endowed professorships were also created during Rutledge’s tenure.
“The UGA School of Law is now on course to redefine what it means to be a great national public institution,” said Rutledge.
Rutledge joined the UGA faculty in 2008 and holds the Talmage Chair of Law. Prior to his appointment as dean, he served as the associate dean for faculty development where he worked closely with the law school’s faculty to expand scholarly and research activities.
He is the author of several books and articles published by prestigious presses and journals. Rutledge earned degrees from Harvard University, University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and University of Chicago.
Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at UGA, will soon launch a search for the law school’s next dean.
“The UGA School of Law has built a well-deserved reputation as one of the nation’s best, and its growing stature is a testament to Bo’s leadership and expertise,” said Hu. “We are grateful for his years of service, and I look forward to his continued contributions to our students as a member of the law school’s outstanding faculty.”