Lee Fisher

Lee Fisher is Dean Designate and soon-to-be Dean of Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where he will also hold the Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law. He is additionally affiliated with the university as a Senior Fellow at the Levin College of Urban Affairs and as an Urban Scholar in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. His career spans law, public service, and nonprofit leadership.

• Dean Designate, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University
• Senior Fellow, Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University
• Urban Scholar, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, Cleveland State University
• Urban Scholar, Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago
• Senior Advisor, CEOs for Cities

Lee Fisher earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he was the first recipient of the Distinguished Recent Graduate Award and was inducted into the Society of Benchers. He also holds a Master of Nonprofit Organization from the CWRU Mandel Center and a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, where he served on the Board of Trustees for 12 years.

His research and professional interests center on urban development, public policy, legal governance, and nonprofit leadership. With deep experience in state government—including roles as Ohio Attorney General, Lt. Governor, and Director of the Ohio Department of Development—his work bridges academic scholarship and practical policy innovation. His expertise in economic development, particularly through initiatives like the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, informs his academic contributions.

Although no recent publications are listed, his career trajectory and affiliations suggest a strong engagement with urban law, governance, and civic innovation. His leadership in both public and nonprofit sectors reflects a commitment to improving city systems and legal frameworks.

Notable honors include:

• Distinguished Recent Graduate Award, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
• Inductee, Society of Benchers, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Lee Fisher has advised and led major institutions, including serving as President and CEO of the Centers for Families and Children and President and CEO of CEOs for Cities. While formal student advising is not detailed, his role as Dean and academic leader implies mentorship and academic guidance. He has been involved in significant civic and institutional grants through his leadership in economic development and nonprofit organizations.

He is affiliated with research and policy centers including the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Levin College of Urban Affairs, contributing to urban scholarship and policy innovation. His work with CEOs for Cities further demonstrates engagement with national urban networks focused on city success and innovation.