Professor Rilka Dragneva-Lewers appointed Dean of Birmingham Law School

“It is a true honour to be appointed Dean of Birmingham Law School – an ambitious, dynamic, and inclusive academic community that has been my intellectual home since 2012,” said Professor Rilka Dragneva-Lewers after being appointed the new Dean of Birmingham Law School this week.

“The Law School is distinguished by its longstanding tradition of world-leading research, its commitment to delivering an outstanding educational experience, and its transformative civic engagement agenda. These pillars will be proudly celebrated as we approach our centenary in 2027.”

Professor Dragneva-Lewers has been Associate Dean of Birmingham Law School since 2023 and as Professor of International Legal Studies, she specialises in comparative regional integration law and regionalism, particularly in relation to the European Union, Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Prior to academia, she was a legal counsel to a large foreign trade company.

“As Dean, I am committed to building on the School’s legacy and leading our exceptional team of academic and professional services colleagues in advancing our shared vision: to position Birmingham Law School as a global leader in promoting justice and driving meaningful societal change through excellence, integrity and innovation in research and education,” said Professor Dragneva-Lewers.

“Our research addresses some of the most pressing legal and societal challenges of our time – from advancing global justice and promoting social empowerment and well-being, to exploring the legal dimensions of technological innovation and the complexities of future governance. Our scholars engage in cutting-edge work that contributes to academic discourse as well as informs policy, supports communities, and drives transformation at regional, national, and international levels.”