Christopher Essert has been appointed as the new Dean of the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. A professor and legal scholar, Essert will assume his position starting February 1, 2026, and serve until December 31, 2030. His appointment followed a comprehensive international search and was approved by the university’s Governing Council.
Academic Background and Experience
Essert holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Toronto and both a Master of Laws (LLM) and Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) from Yale University. Since joining U of T in 2018, he has made notable contributions to legal scholarship. He served as the Associate Dean of the JD program from 2020 to 2025.
Research Contributions
- Published over 30 articles in prestigious journals such as Philosophy & Public Affairs, Legal Theory, and the University of Toronto Law Journal.
- Authored the book “Property Law in the Society of Equals”.
- Co-wrote Canada’s leading tort law textbook.
Essert is also involved in significant legal projects, acting as a member of the International Advisory Panel for the American Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law (Fourth), focused on Property. In addition, he is a faculty affiliate at U of T’s School of Cities.
Vision and Leadership
In expressing his vision, Essert stated that teaching at Jackman Law has been his “dream job” since he was a law student at U of T. He acknowledges the weight of his new responsibilities and aims to elevate the faculty further.
Trevor Young, U of T’s Vice-President and Provost, commended Essert’s blend of scholarly expertise and leadership capabilities, noting his understanding of the law faculty’s direction. Young emphasized that Essert’s dedication to progressive legal education will be integral for the faculty’s future success.
Transition and Future Challenges
Essert succeeds Jutta Brunnée, a University Professor who extended her term for a seamless transition. His appointment is timely as the Jackman Faculty of Law recently received an $80 million donation from Henry N.R. Jackman, a move intended to enhance the faculty’s impact both nationally and internationally.
Looking ahead, Essert envisions continuing the law school’s tradition of teaching students not only the law but also critical thinking skills necessary for problem-solving. He expressed faith in the faculty and students to tackle upcoming challenges as they adapt to a changing world.
