Timothy Fisher

Dean and Professor of Law Emeritus

Education/Professional Certification

JD, Columbia Law School
BA, Yale University

Expertise

Construction Law, Trust and Probate, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ethics, Municipal Law

Biography

Timothy Fisher served as dean of the University of Connecticut School of Law from July 1, 2013 to July 30, 2020, following thirty-five years in private practice. Prior to becoming dean he was a partner at a major regional law firm, distinguishing himself with a long history of public service. During his career prior to becoming dean, he taught at UConn School of Law as an adjunct instructor and participated in the life of the school through moot court judging, a faculty workshop presentation, and numerous activities with students and faculty.

Dean Fisher’s practice and publications have focused on the fields of ethics, alternate dispute resolution, commercial transactions, construction law, family wealth disputes, and municipal law. He also has led pro bono engagements in such fields as marriage equality, prison conditions, speedy criminal appeal rights, and strategic relationships of non-profit organizations. In private practice, he served on the executive and compensation committees of his firm, held the position of office managing partner, and co-led its strategic planning process.

A graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School, Dean Fisher has served in numerous public service and private sector leadership roles. He chaired the state Commission on Judicial Compensation and co-chaired the Legislature’s Task Force on Access to Legal Counsel in Civil Matters. He previously served on the Governor’s Commission on Judicial Reform, as well as various commissions of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, and was president of the Connecticut Bar Foundation. He served as president of a social service agency and has held leadership positions in Greater Hartford Legal Aid and the Connecticut Bar Association. Dean Fisher conceived and undertook the organizational and fundraising effort to create the Connecticut Innocence Fund, a first-in-the-nation program to assist exonerees to re-enter society when released from prison after proof of their innocence. He brought a deep belief in public service to his role as dean of UConn School of Law.

Dean Fisher’s teaching and research focus on the fields of compliance and criminal justice. He is a frequent guest lecturer in such other areas as alternative dispute resolution, construction, and American racial slavery. Since retiring, Dean Fisher continues to teach compliance both at UConn Law and at law schools in Israel and Ukraine.