Professor of Law Faith Rivers James has been named Elon University School of Law's first associate dean for experiential learning and leadership.

As the director of leadership programs at Elon Law since 2012 and the creator of the school's Public Law and Leadership course, Rivers James has the necessary experience for this role.

"Faith Rivers James has been instrumental in building signature programs at Elon Law, including the law school's nationally recognized leadership and attorney mentor programs," said Elon University School of Law Dean Luke Bierman in a statement released by Elon University. "Her appointment to the administration at Elon Law will accelerate our efforts to provide law students with multiple experiential opportunities in law that enhance their education and advance their careers."

In Rivers James' newly appointed position, she will be responsible for providing guidance and coordination for opportunities such as attorney mentorships, trial practices, law practice residencies and leadership programs.

River James' expertise in the field of law extends far beyond her work at Elon. With degrees from both Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, River James practiced as a legislative attorney in Washington, D.C. and served as Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor to the Majority Leader of the United States Congress.

She has also taught at South Carolina Law and Vermont Law before coming to Elon and is a member of the South Carolina, District of Columbia and North Carolina Bar Associations.