Jay Baer, ‘09, is chief of staff at the University of Michigan Law School, where he works to advance the institution’s mission through strategic leadership and collaboration. With a focus on facilitating interdisciplinary initiatives and integrating innovative solutions, Jay is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office of the Dean.

Jay previously served as chief of staff and a cabinet member at the U-M’s largest school, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), for six years. In that role, he advised the dean and worked alongside the senior leadership team to plan and execute strategic priorities for the college. Jay also had broad leadership responsibility in LSA for organizational effectiveness across human resources, departmental administration, and academic affairs.

Before serving as the chief of staff at LSA, Jay held leadership roles at the University of Michigan’s Law School, including in the career planning and admissions offices, where he worked with a range of university stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, prospective students, employers, and alumni.

Before transitioning into higher education, Jay practiced law in both the public and private sectors. Jay served as an Assistant US Attorney for the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Georgia, where he was the Chief of the Financial Litigation Unit. Prior to his federal service, Jay practiced law at Covington & Burling, in Washington, DC, where he worked on complex, high-stakes cases.

Jay received his JD from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was a contributing editor of the Michigan Law Review. He is a first-generation college graduate and a believer in the transformative power of higher education.