NEWTOWN, PA — The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has announced Sudha Setty as its next president and chief executive officer. Setty’s appointment comes into effect on July 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in LSAC’s efforts to promote equity and access in legal education.
Currently serving as dean of the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law, Setty brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leadership. She previously served as dean of Western New England University School of Law, where her work prioritized advancing public interest, social justice, and access to legal education.
“I am honored to have been selected as LSAC’s president and CEO. For years I have been deeply impressed with LSAC’s mission and work in championing access, equity, and outcomes in legal education that advance law and justice,” Setty said.
Setty takes the helm at a pivotal time for legal education, which is navigating significant challenges and opportunities. She emphasized the importance of fostering a diverse and engaged legal profession, acknowledging LSAC’s critical role in expanding access to the field.
Setty’s tenure at CUNY School of Law has been marked by notable achievements, including the expansion of the Pipeline to Justice program, aimed at increasing equity in law school admissions. She also founded the First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative, a groundbreaking initiative to engage younger students with issues of law and civics. These efforts reflect her deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
“As the first South Asian-American woman to serve as dean of an ABA-accredited law school, I am particularly attuned to the fact that we must collectively do more to support those who have been historically excluded from leadership roles,” she said.
Setty is a nationally recognized legal scholar, specializing in national security and comparative civil rights. Her professional affiliations further underscore her qualifications, including her membership in the American Law Institute and her service on the editorial board of the Journal of National Security Law and Policy.
Her legal education and early career also exemplify excellence. A graduate of Columbia Law School and a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Setty began her legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell, one of the nation’s premier law firms.
The search for LSAC’s new leader began in May and was chaired by Marcilynn Burke, dean of Tulane Law School, and Rebecca Scheller of the University of Wisconsin Law School. The selection committee highlighted Setty’s vision and ability to inspire others as aligning perfectly with LSAC’s future aspirations.
“Sudha has a compelling vision for LSAC and will inspire us all to even greater achievements,” Scheller said.
Setty will succeed Susan Krinsky, who has served as LSAC’s interim president and CEO since July 2023, following the departure of Kellye Testy. Testy left to lead the Association of American Law Schools.
With her history of innovative leadership and her deep commitment to social equity and inclusion, Setty’s appointment signals an exciting chapter for LSAC. Her leadership is expected to steer the council toward new strategies that advance legal education and strengthen the rule of law.
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