He previously served as chair of corporate finance law at Western and had stint at Queen's Law
Western University has announced Mohamed Khimji as the next dean of the Faculty of Law, with his five-year term set to begin July 1, 2025. Khimji, who previously served as a professor and the Stephen Dattels chair in corporate finance law at Western, returns to the university after a stint at Queen’s University in Kingston.
“We’re delighted to welcome Mohamed back to Western,” said Florentine Strzelczyk, provost and vice-president (academic). “Mohamed brings an impressive record of academic leadership, teaching, and research strengths in corporate and commercial law, as well as deep experience in curriculum development and alumni engagement.”
“I’m humbled to be selected for this role,” said Khimji. “I look forward to reconnecting with the faculty and staff I already know and supporting the more junior faculty members to help them achieve their teaching and research goals.”
Khimji currently holds the David Allgood Professorship in Business Law at Queen’s. He has held several leadership roles at Queen's, including interim associate dean of graduate studies, associate dean of academic policy, and director of the business law program.
The incoming dean plans to begin his tenure with “100 days of listening” to better connect with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.
Born and raised in Tanzania, Khimji began his legal education at the University of Bristol in the UK. As a first-generation university graduate and internationally trained lawyer, he has expressed his commitment to inclusive education.
“I’m very passionate about giving students in similar positions things I didn’t have, like network, information, and advice,” Khimji said. “If you’re a first-generation student, you don’t always have access to a wide network, which is why I’m a big believer in alumni mentors and connections.”
Western students will soon be able to take his course “Law (Taylor’s Version),” which examines pop star Taylor Swift’s interactions with the legal system and her impact on entertainment law in the music industry. The course was previously well-received by Queen’s law students.
The appointment comes as the Faculty of Law implements its new strategic plan. Provost Strzelczyk thanked the selection committee members for their efforts in securing Khimji's appointment and professor Andrew Botterell for his service as acting dean since July 2024.
Strzelczyk acknowledged Erika Chamberlain’s “exceptional leadership” during her decade-long tenure as dean, noting her “enduring legacy of innovation, excellence and student-centred growth.”
