Christopher Essert – a professor, legal scholar and theorist – has been appointed dean of the University of Toronto’s Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law. A widely published researcher in private law, property and tort theory, as well as legal and political philosophy, Essert will serve in the role from Feb. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2030. His appointment was approved by U of T’s Governing Council on Wednesday following an extensive international search.