About
Jenny Roberts is the 11th Dean and Professor of Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, a position she assumed on July 1, 2024. She brings over 22 years of experience in legal education, with a national reputation in criminal justice, particularly in the areas of misdemeanors, plea bargaining, and collateral consequences of criminal convictions. She previously served in leadership and teaching roles at American University Washington College of Law, Syracuse University, and NYU School of Law.
Her research interests center on criminal justice reform, defense lawyering, prosecutorial discretion, and the structural inequities in lower criminal courts. She has extensively published in top law reviews, including the Yale Law Journal, Cornell Law Review, and Annual Review of Criminology, and her work has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. Her scholarship analyzes the systemic failures in plea bargaining, the need for expanded defense training, and the long-term impacts of criminal convictions on individuals and communities.
The trends in her recent publications reflect a deepening focus on progressive prosecution, holistic defense models, and the integration of compassion into criminal justice policy, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Her work bridges academic scholarship with real-world legal reform and policy advocacy.
She has received notable recognition, including the Excellence in Teaching Award (2019–20) and scholarly awards from American University. She is also active in national legal organizations, having served as co-president of the Clinical Legal Education Association and on advisory boards such as the Plea Bargaining Institute and the Data Collaborative for Justice.
Jenny Roberts is a dedicated mentor and academic leader. While specific student advisees are not listed, her leadership in clinical programs and legal education suggests significant involvement in student training and professional development. She has secured research grants and institutional support for her scholarship, as evidenced by her numerous working papers and research affiliations. She has also contributed to amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court, demonstrating her influence on national legal discourse.
She is affiliated with research centers and initiatives focused on criminal justice data, plea bargaining reform, and the restoration of rights after conviction. Her work often involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and national experts in law, criminology, and public policy.
