Michael Schill: A Career in Legal Scholarship and University Leadership
Michael Schill has established a distinguished career spanning legal practice, academic scholarship, and high-level university administration. With a deep specialization in property law and urban planning, Schill has led some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States, focusing on institutional growth, fundraising, and academic excellence.
Early Career and Legal Scholarship
Following his graduation from law school, Schill began his professional journey as a clerk for Judge Marvin Katz of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania during the 1984 term. He then entered private practice at the firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson from 1985 to 1987.
Schill transitioned into academia in 1987, joining the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the Wharton School. He rose from assistant professor to professor of law, and later served as a professor of law and real estate between 1993 and 1995. In 1995, he moved to New York University (NYU), where he became a professor of law and urban planning at the NYU School of Law and the Wagner School of Public Service. During this time, he also served as the founding director of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, eventually becoming the Wilf Family Professor in Property Law in 2003.
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Leadership in Law Schools
Schill's administrative trajectory accelerated in 2004 when he became the dean and professor of law at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law. His five-and-a-half-year tenure was marked by significant expansion, including the establishment of 13 endowed chairs, three new legal research centers, and two academic specialization programs. Under his leadership, private philanthropy tripled and alumni fundraising participation doubled.
From 2009 to 2015, Schill served as the dean of the University of Chicago Law School. During this period, he focused on increasing student credentials to record levels and expanding the faculty. He also established new curricula and centers dedicated to business leadership, public interest law, and the intersection of law and economics.
Presidency at the University of Oregon
On April 14, 2015, Schill was appointed the 18th president of the University of Oregon. His administration focused on three primary pillars: enhancing research excellence, supporting student success and access, and improving campus diversity.
Scientific Innovation and Fundraising
A hallmark of his tenure was the launch of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. This billion-dollar initiative was funded by two separate $500 million gifts from the Knights. Additionally, Schill partnered with Oregon Health and Science University to create a biomedical data science center aimed at treating cancer. By 2021, the university surpassed a record-breaking fundraising goal, raising $2.5 billion to reach a total campaign target of $3 billion.
Student Success and Inclusion
Schill introduced the Oregon Commitment, an initiative to increase four-year graduation rates and expand access via PathwayOregon, which provides free tuition and fees to eligible residents. This effort included the 2019 opening of Tykeson Hall for academic advising. The university achieved its goal of improving four-year graduation rates by 10 percentage points in 2019.
To foster a more inclusive environment, Schill oversaw the creation of 34 diversity action plans, launched an African American speaker series, and opened a new Black Cultural Center in 2019. He also recommended renaming two campus buildings to distance the university from racism and promoted the hiring and retention of faculty of color.
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Northwestern University and Resignation
Schill became the 17th president of Northwestern University on August 11, 2022, succeeding Morton O. Schapiro. He was formally inaugurated in June 2023.
His tenure was marked by significant controversy in April 2024, when students established a "Gaza solidarity" encampment on Deering Meadow during the Hamas–Israel war. Schill signed an agreement to end the encampment peacefully in exchange for expanded support for Palestinian and MENA/Muslim students and the permission to protest through June 1. This deal was denounced by Jewish communal groups, such as the ADL Midwest and StandWithUs, who argued it rewarded antisemitic conduct.
The administration's response drew federal scrutiny during a May 2024 U.S. House Committee hearing, where critics accused Schill of failing to protect Jewish students. In February 2025, Schill announced his resignation. While the university cited "leadership transition priorities," reports indicated the departure was linked to dissatisfaction over the handling of the encampment. Schill maintained that the agreement ended a major antisemitic event without violence.
Key Facts
- Academic Specialization: Expert in property law and urban planning.
- Major Leadership Roles: President of Northwestern University and University of Oregon; Dean of UCLA Law and University of Chicago Law.
- Fundraising Success: Led the University of Oregon to a record $3 billion fundraising campaign.
- Scientific Impact: Oversaw the creation of the billion-dollar Phil and Penny Knight Campus.
- Authorship: Co-author of the widely used legal casebook Property (now in its 9th edition).
Summary of Professional Career
| Period | Institution/Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | U.S. District Court (Eastern District of PA) | Law Clerk |
| 1987–1995 | University of Pennsylvania | Professor of Law and Real Estate |
| 1995–2004 | New York University | Professor / Founding Director, Furman Center |
| 2004–2009 | UCLA School of Law | Dean and Professor of Law |
| 2009–2015 | University of Chicago Law School | Dean and Professor |
| 2015–2022 | University of Oregon | 18th President |
| 2022–2025 | Northwestern University | 17th President |
Advisory Roles and Publications
Beyond university leadership, Schill has served on the NCAA Board of Governors and chaired the PAC-12 CEO Group. He is a trustee for Ithaka Harbors (the parent of JSTOR) and has served on the New York City Loft Board and the Board of Governors of Argonne National Laboratory. His research has been supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
As a writer, he is best known for the casebook Property. He has also co-authored works on reducing housing construction costs in New York City and revitalizing American cities through neighborhood reinvestment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Michael Schill's primary academic focus?
Michael Schill specialized in property law and urban planning, serving as a professor in these fields at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University.
What were the major achievements of Schill's presidency at the University of Oregon?
His achievements include raising $2.5 billion during the largest campaign in the university's history, launching the billion-dollar Phil and Penny Knight Campus, and improving four-year graduation rates by 10 percentage points.
Why did Michael Schill resign from Northwestern University?
While the university cited leadership transition priorities, his resignation followed significant controversy and federal scrutiny regarding his handling of a pro-Palestinian student encampment on Deering Meadow in 2024.
Which major legal textbook did Schill co-author?
Schill is a co-author of the casebook titled Property, which is currently in its ninth edition.
What was the "Oregon Commitment"?
The Oregon Commitment was an initiative launched by Schill to support student success by increasing access to higher education and improving graduation rates through programs like PathwayOregon.