A new dean of the University of Toledo’s College of Law has been hired.

Benjamin Barros, associate dean of academic affairs at Widener University’s School of Law in Harrisburg, Pa., will be the college’s next leader following a national search, a statement from the university said today. 

“Ben Barros has extensive experience in legal education and in the practice of law at two of the nation’s top law firms, each with an international footprint,” John Barrett, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. “As dean, Ben will bring with him innovative educational approaches that respond to the changes in the legal profession and ensure our law graduates continue to leave UT a step ahead of their peers as they pursue employment.”

In the statement, Mr. Barros said UT law graduates have some of the best bar passage rates in both Ohio and Michigan and “a big part of that is unquestionably the stellar faculty that comprise the College of Law.”

“Faculty are regularly advancing national legal conversations in their published scholarship and are frequently the voices media at a national level reach out to for expertise,” he said.

Mr. Barros previously worked as an attorney at the law firm Latham & Watkins, LLP, and before that at Debevoise & Plimpton, both in New York. He has taught at Fordham University in New York and Catholic University in Washington.

First Published May 26, 2015, 4:47 p.m.