Congratulations to Neel U. Sukhatme, an alumnus of Princeton’s Economics Department, on his recent appointment as the David A. Breach Dean of Law and professor of law at the University of Michigan.

Sukhatme earned his law degree from Harvard University in 2005. He then attended Princeton University between 2009 and 2015, graduating with a Ph.D. in Economics. Working at the Georgetown University Law Center, Sukhatme began as an Associate Professor of Law and ended his tenure there as Associate Dean for Research and Academic Programs. Prior to his academic career, Sukhatme practiced as a patent attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP. He clerked on the US District Court for the Northern District of California and the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Approved in late March, Sukhatme’s position will start in July 2025. He is the first dean in the school’s 166-year history to be recruited from outside the university. 

“Professor Sukhatme’s career has been defined by relentless innovation and a consistent dedication to the public good. I am so pleased to welcome him to Michigan,” said Laurie K. McCauley, University of Michigan provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “His broad experience and dynamic leadership promise to bring an exciting new chapter to the Law School, where he aims to further elevate the institution’s reputation in legal education and research.”

Princeton Economics congratulates Sukhatme and wishes him the best in this next endeavor.