Former Wasden Chief Deputy Named Dean of University of Idaho College of Law
The University of Idaho has appointed Brian Kane as the new dean of its College of Law, bringing nearly two decades of state government legal experience to the Moscow-based institution.
Kane spent 20 years as chief deputy attorney general under former Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, making him one of the most familiar faces at the Idaho Statehouse. Following Wasden’s defeat in the 2022 Republican primary to current Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Kane went on to lead the National Association of Attorneys General as its CEO and executive director.
A Familiar Face in Idaho Legal Circles
Kane is no stranger to the U of I campus. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at the law school since 2017 and is a Vandal alumnus, having earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the university, where he also served as student body president. He later earned his law degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and completed four years of service in the U.S. Army.
U of I Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence pointed to Kane’s professional network as a key asset. “We believe Brian’s professional experience will benefit the College of Law and expand the relationships and connections that make studying law at University of Idaho so valuable,” Lawrence said in a statement.
What Comes Next
Kane’s first official day as dean is set for July 31. He will oversee both the Moscow and Boise campuses of the law school, which together enroll 502 students. Kane has also been active with Idahoans for Openness in Government, a nonprofit focused on public records and open meeting law education across the state.
For more on the University of Idaho and Latah County, including recent research from a U of I physicist on planetary science and Vandal athletics news, visit Latah County News. Statewide education coverage is available at Idaho News.