By Ethan Faverino |
Grand Canyon University (GCU) announced this week the appointment of Phoenix attorney James Williams as the inaugural dean of its College of Law, marking another step toward the university’s plans to establish a law school centered on academic excellence, professional development, and Christian principles.
Williams will oversee the development of GCU’s 12th college, which aims to prepare future attorneys through rigorous legal education while emphasizing faith, integrity, justice, and service to others.
“We are grateful James answered the calling to serve as the inaugural dean of the College of Law,” stated GCU President Brian Mueller. “There are many accomplished attorneys who understand the law. What makes James uniquely suited for this role is the way he brings together legal excellence, a passion for teaching and mentoring, and a deeply rooted Christian faith.”
Mueller emphasized that the university intends to take a different approach to legal education by incorporating Christian worldview principles, free-market thinking, and a commitment to public service into its academic programs.
“We are not simply building another law school. We have an opportunity to rethink what legal education can look like when academic excellence, Christian worldview principles and free market thinking are joined with a strong sense of purpose,” said President Mueller. “We want to develop attorneys who pursue truth and justice, serve others with integrity and understand the tremendous responsibility that comes with the influence they will have in their communities. James understands that vision because he has lived it throughout his career.”
The College of Law could welcome its first class as early as fall 2027, pending regulatory approval.
GCU is currently pursuing authorization through the Arizona Supreme Court, the Higher Learning Commission, and the Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
The university also plans to seek accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA), a separate process expected to take multiple years.
If authorized by the Arizona Supreme Court, eligible graduates could pursue admission to practice law in Arizona, subject to applicable requirements. Upon receiving ABA accreditation, GCU would become Arizona’s third ABA-accredited law school, joining Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
Williams brings 18 years of legal experience in Arizona and currently serves as an attorney and shareholder at Phoenix-based law firm Schmitt Schneck Even & Williams.
A graduate of Baylor University School of Law, Williams also serves as president of the Phoenix chapter of the Christian Legal Society, where he has been a board member for approximately a decade.
In addition to his legal practice, Williams has worked with students at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, helping coach its mock trial competition program and mentoring aspiring attorneys.
Williams said the opportunity to establish a law school from the ground up was a significant factor in his decision to accept the position.
“Starting from the ground up gives us the opportunity to be very intentional about the kind of law school we want to become and, more importantly, the kind of lawyers we want to develop,” Williams said. “GCU students will be challenged academically, prepared professionally and encouraged to think deeply about the purpose of their work and the responsibility they have to serve others. I am confident this is a work God has begun in and through GCU, and that He will be faithful to complete it.”
His involvement in Christian leadership extends beyond the legal profession. Williams serves as an elder and worship leader at New City Church in Phoenix, reflecting his longstanding commitment to integrating faith with professional responsibilities.
Williams said he hopes the new college will develop attorneys who are not only capable legal professionals but also individuals committed to serving their communities and upholding the rule of law.
“My hope is that GCU will develop lawyers who are exceptional advocates and legal thinkers, but also men and women of courage, humility, integrity and faith who understand that their profession is ultimately about serving people,” Williams added. “If we can send graduates into courtrooms, businesses, government agencies and communities with that mindset, the impact can extend far beyond the practice of law. That is the kind of law school we intend to build.”
The establishment of the College of Law represents another expansion of GCU’s academic offerings as the university works toward introducing a new legal education program in Arizona.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
