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Denise Durbin named Assistant Dean for Professional Development at UC Law

headshot of Sherry English By Sherry English
4 minute read January 25, 2022

Denise Durbin has been appointed assistant dean and director for the Center for Professional Development at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. A long-time advocate for children’s and victim’s rights, she brings a wealth of public interest experience to the role.

Durbin is a legal professional with a strong interest in developing the next generation of attorneys. She will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction for the College’s career services division, engaging in career building activities at the local, state, and national levels that will promote the College and highlight UC Law student excellence.

“Denise is a respected attorney in the community whose fresh ideas will lead the CPD into new directions,” said Verna Williams, Cincinnati Law Dean. “Our students will benefit from her professional experience, skills, and know-how as they navigate their careers.”

Denise Durbin

Working closely with students, faculty and professional development staff, Durbin will create career education programming designed to introduce students to and prepare them for careers in the legal field. By connecting with employers and cultivating employment opportunities, she will play an important role in ensuring students are equipped to meet the demands of today’s legal market.

“I am thrilled to join the CPD team. Helping students work toward their career goals is very meaningful work and I am excited to join them on their journey,” said Durbin. “Today’s market brings many opportunities. I look forward to helping students navigate options in the ever-changing legal market with the CPD team.”

Prior to joining the College, Durbin was the executive director of the Office of Victims Advocacy with the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, overseeing the team providing both direct services to crime victims and training to legal system professionals. Before joining the Attorney General’s office, she was the lead attorney for the Crime Victim Project at the Children’s Law Center, representing child and adolescent survivors of family, dating, and sexual violence. At the Law Center, Durbin was also the student program coordinator. Prior to this work, Durbin served as assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Northern Kentucky, where she prosecuted felony offenses.

Durbin enjoys giving back to the community by contributing her legal skills and knowledge as a volunteer with the RIGHTS committee—a group that developed strategies to improve the community’s response to human trafficking in Northern Kentucky and by working with the Northern Kentucky Violence Prevention Task Force. She also served as an adjunct professor for the College of Law. Durbin also enjoys coaching her son's little league baseball team.  

After graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky, Durbin received her juris doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. While she was a JD student, Durbin served as an associate member of the University of Cincinnati Law Review and was a fellow with the Glenn M. Weaver Institute for Law and Psychiatry.

Photo credit: istockphoto.com (main)

Durbin photo: provided

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