SMU Law Announces the Appointment of Two New Assistant Deans

Marcie Davis '96
Assistant Dean of Career Services

Marcie Davis has been appointed Assistant Dean of Career Services for SMU Dedman School of Law, an appointment which will become effective on June 1. Marcie brings 23 years of legal industry experience both as a practicing attorney and an Administrative Partner at Thompson & Knight, LLP, one of the oldest and largest firms in Texas. Marcie was an associate and then partner at the firm before taking on an administrative position, becoming the Practice Manager for the firm’s Employment & Labor, Environmental, and Trial practice groups. Marcie served the last nine years as the firm’s Chief Development Officer in charge of attorney professional development and talent management across the firm’s nine offices.

Marcie graduated cum laude from SMU Dedman School of Law in 1996. She is a certified Mental Health First responder and a CTI-trained life coach (certification pending). Marcie is a member of the ABA, Dallas Bar Association, Professional Development Consortium, and NALP. She brings to her role a passion for professional development, new and innovative ideas related to career services, and an abiding commitment to our students.

Erika Fadel '98
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Erika Fadel has been named to the role of Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Erika received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Emory University and her Master of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology before graduating from SMU Dedman School of Law in 1998. While at SMU, she was a member of the International Law Review Association and the Board of Advocates. She was also a member of Phi Alpha Delta and the Order of Barristers. After graduation, Erika worked for several law firms in Texas as a corporate attorney before moving to Missouri in 2003. While in Missouri, Erika served at the University of Missouri School of Law as a Visiting Professor of Legal Research and Writing, as the Director of Public Service/ Public Interest law, and, as the Director of Diversity.

She returned to the Law School in 2015 as a Director in our Office of Career Services. In addition to that role, Erika was the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. In fall of 2020, Erika was promoted to full time Director of Diversity. As the Director of Diversity and Inclusion and now Assistant Dean, Erika is responsible for coordinating Diversity Orientation and Diversity Week. She also supports our affinity groups and offers professional development programs and counseling to our diverse students.