Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Kirkland, JD, is the Senior Assistant Dean of Academic Services, Innovation, and Compliance at New York University School of Law. She oversees the student lifecycle, including registration, bar certification, and discipline, and increasingly leads the school's efforts in technology, artificial intelligence in education, accessibility, and compliance. Over 24 years in higher education, she has spent 22 at NYU Law, advancing from director to assistant dean and now to senior assistant dean.
Kirkland began her career in private practice as an associate attorney at Bricker Graydon Wyatt, where her work spanned commercial lending, bond financing, and mergers and acquisitions. After a visit to Cornell, she moved into higher education as Assistant Director of Admissions at Cornell Law School, helping to recruit one of the most diverse classes in its history. Her earlier roles as a resident assistant at Cornell University and a Westlaw representative during law school had already fueled her interest in supporting students.
A graduate of Cornell University (BS, Consumer Economics) and Howard University School of Law (JD), Kirkland is completing a certificate in Instructional Design at NYU, focused on online learning design, learning theory, and instructional technology. She serves on a law school committee on the responsible use of AI, and she keeps current with the EU AI Act and ABA Formal Opinion 512. She is a member of the American Bar Association and the National Association of Law School Officers. Shaped by her Jamaican immigrant parents' commitment to education, she is guided by authenticity and a dedication to service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who are immigrants from Jamaica and placed a strong value on education. They supported learning for our entire family and encouraged us to pursue opportunities such as specialized high schools. My brother helped me prepare for the exam to attend Bronx Science, and my whole family championed forward movement through education.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was not to be afraid to take chances and to follow my own intuition and path. When I left the firm, it meant a reduction in pay, but I knew I had to pursue what I had a zest for. That decision led me to the greatest joy and to opportunities such as teaching.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to stay open to new possibilities and new ideas. The fact that no one has done something does not mean you cannot do it. Sometimes you have to chart your own path, and if you have a vision and can see yourself being of service and helping others, I encourage you to go for it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education faces a declining student population, caps on borrowing, concerns about affordability, and the need to demonstrate return on investment. At the same time, AI offers real opportunities to enhance teaching and learning. We must be careful to preserve foundational skills such as writing, reading, and critical thinking so they are not lost.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity and being helpful are the values most important to me. Being someone who helps has been a consistent theme in my life, and I believe everybody has a talent to share. It is essential to be authentic, truthful, and of service.
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