You know that feeling when you meet someone who actually gives a damn about making things better instead of just climbing a ladder? That’s basically the vibe you get when you look at the career of Zachary A. Kramer. People usually just call him Zak.
Honestly, law school deans can sometimes feel like distant figures in mahogany offices, but Kramer is a different breed. He took over as the dean of Elon University School of Law in June 2023, and he didn't just show up to keep the seat warm. He came in with a track record of shaking things up at Arizona State University and a very specific philosophy on what it means to be an "outsider" in America.
Who is Zachary A. Kramer, really?
Before he was leading one of the most innovative law schools in the country, Kramer was a bit of a nomad in the academic world. He didn't just stay in one ivory tower. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law—where he was also the editor-in-chief of the Law Review, no big deal—he started his journey at UCLA.
He moved through the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Penn State before landing at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2010. By the time he left for Elon, he had worn almost every hat possible: Associate Dean of Faculty, Executive Associate Dean, and even Interim Dean. Twice.
The "Outsider" Philosophy
What makes Kramer actually interesting (and not just another resume) is his book Outsiders: Why Difference is the Future of Civil Rights. Published by Oxford University Press in 2019, it basically argues that our current civil rights laws are stuck in the 1960s.
Kramer’s big idea? We are all outsiders.
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Whether it's because of your religion, a disability, or even just a "fleeting preference" that makes you different from the person in the next cubicle, Kramer thinks the law should protect those differences rather than forcing everyone to act the same. It’s a pretty bold stance for a legal scholar, shifting the focus from "sameness" to "accommodation."
Why Elon Law was a perfect match
Elon Law is kind of a weirdo in the legal education world, but in a good way. It’s the only law school in the U.S. that uses a 2.5-year residency-based program. They are obsessed with experiential learning—meaning students actually do the work of being a lawyer instead of just reading about it for three years.
When Elon needed a new dean, they weren't looking for a traditionalist. They wanted someone who could handle "entrepreneurial leadership."
Zak Kramer stepped in following the deanship of Luke Bierman and a stint by Interim Dean Alan Woodlief. Since arriving in Greensboro, Kramer has focused on making the school an "engine of opportunity." He’s been very vocal about the fact that law schools shouldn't just be about getting a degree; they should be about breaking down barriers to the profession.
What he's actually doing there
Since 2023, Kramer has leaned into the "mentor-protégé" model that Elon is famous for. He’s pushing for more:
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- Partnerships with law firms to ensure students aren't just graduating with debt, but with jobs.
- Inclusive excellence that goes beyond just checking boxes.
- A focus on "intellectual courage," which is a fancy way of saying he wants students to be brave enough to challenge the status quo.
The ASU Legacy: Not just a stepping stone
You can’t talk about Dean Zachary A. Kramer without looking at what he did in Phoenix. He spent over a decade at ASU Law, and he was there during the school’s massive rise in national rankings.
As the Jonathan and Wendy Rose Professor of Law, he wasn't just an administrator. He was a prolific researcher. His work on sex discrimination and "transitional identity" has appeared in some heavy hitters like the Duke Law Journal and the California Law Review.
He wasn't just a paper-pusher. He was the guy they called when they needed a steady hand during transitions. Serving as interim dean multiple times at a top-tier law school like ASU is basically like being the backup quarterback who keeps winning games. It showed he could handle the politics and the budget, not just the philosophy.
Why this matters for the future of law
The legal industry is changing fast. AI is coming for the grunt work, and the old-school way of teaching law—where you sit in a lecture hall for three years and then hope you can pass the bar—is dying.
Kramer gets this.
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He’s positioning Elon Law to be the place where "practical training" isn't just a marketing slogan. He’s looking at the human side of the law. If you read his scholarship, he’s constantly asking: Who are we leaving behind? He’s argued that sex discrimination law hasn't kept up with how people actually live their lives. He’s looked at how "gender stereotyping" hurts everyone, not just specific groups. This kind of nuanced thinking is what he’s bringing to the Dean’s office in North Carolina.
Actionable insights for law students and professionals
If you're looking at what Dean Kramer is doing and wondering how it affects you, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Embrace your "Outsider" status: Whether you're a law student or a junior associate, stop trying to blend in perfectly. Kramer’s research suggests that the future of civil rights (and workplace culture) is about valuing what makes you different.
- Focus on experiential learning: If you're choosing a law school or a career path, prioritize "doing" over "observing." The Elon model is successful because it prepares people for the actual stress of practice.
- Mentorship is a two-way street: Kramer has spent his career mentoring, but he also seeks it out. If you're in the legal field, don't just look for a boss; look for a community that values "inclusive excellence."
- Stay curious about the law: Don't just learn the rules as they are. Look at the gaps. Kramer’s success comes from identifying where the law fails people and trying to build a bridge over that gap.
Kramer’s move to Elon wasn't just a career jump; it was a signal that the school is doubling down on being the most innovative legal program in the country. It'll be interesting to see where he takes it next.
Next Steps for You:
- Research Elon Law’s residency program to see if a 2.5-year track fits your career goals.
- Read Kramer's book Outsiders if you're interested in how civil rights law is evolving for the 21st century.
- Follow the Elon Law news feed for updates on their latest clinical partnerships and community outreach programs.