Office of the Dean

Dean Megan Carpenter

Megan M. Carpenter is dean of the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law. Dean Carpenter is an internationally known expert in intellectual property, with particular interests in entrepreneurship, branding, and the arts.

Prior to joining Franklin Pierce, Dean Carpenter was founder and co-director of the Center for Law and Intellectual Property at Texas A&M University School of Law, where she also served as Professor of Law and Faculty Director of three intellectual property and entrepreneurship-related clinical programs.

Dean Carpenter has extensive experience in institution-building; her talent for driving initiatives from concept to execution has helped to establish successful programs both within law schools and universities generally. She has spearheaded the creation of innovative academic programs, including experiential learning initiatives, joint degree programs, study abroad, regular conferences and symposia, certificate programs, and interdisciplinary programs with various colleges across university campuses. A hallmark of her leadership is a collaborative and student-centered approach.

She writes and publishes in the area of intellectual property and innovation, including the book, Evolving Economies: The Role of Law in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has written multiple book chapters and published works in the Hastings Law Journal, Fordham Law Review, Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts, Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, and the Yale Journal of Human Rights and Development.

Dean Carpenter believes that learning best takes place at the intersection of theory, policy, and practice. She has received multiple awards for her dedication to students, her skills in program development, and her service to the university and the community, including the Texas A&M University System Distinguished Faculty Award, the President’s Grand Challenge Award, the Judith Kuhn & Stephen R. Alton Service Award, and the United States Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Best Workshop Award. Throughout her career, Dean Carpenter has engaged intellectual property law with underserved communities such as early-stage entrepreneurs, musicians, and grassroots arts organizations.

Dean Carpenter practiced law at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart (now K&L Gates), where she represented clients on a variety of intellectual property and technology-related issues.

Meet the Dean's Advisory Council


2023 UNH Franklin Pierce Commencement

Celebrating the UNH Franklin Pierce Class of 2023

Sunday, May 21, 2023
A record crowd of over 1,200 family members and friends filled every available seat to celebrate UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law’s 48th Commencement on Saturday, May 20. Over one hundred and seventy students from the residential JD, hybrid JD, and graduate programs walked across the stage representing a culminating moment to celebrate their hard work and achievement of earning their law degree from UNH Franklin Pierce. Read More
Dana Remus, UNH Franklin Pierce's 2023 Commencement Speaker

UNH Franklin Pierce Honored to Welcome Dana Remus, Former White House Counsel As Commencement Speaker

Wednesday, March 22, 2023
The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law is honored to welcome Dana Remus, Former Assistant to the President and White House Counsel for President Biden as its Commencement speaker on May 20th. Prior to serving as White House Counsel, Dana led the Biden-Harris campaign's legal team as General Counsel. In the Obama administration, she served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Counsel for ethics and following the administration, she served as General Counsel of the Obama Foundation, and General Counsel of the personal office of President and Mrs. Obama.... Read More
2022 State of the Law School

Dean Megan Carpenter Delivers 2022 State of the Law School Address for UNH Franklin Pierce

Monday, March 28, 2022
Today, Dean Megan Carpenter of UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law released the 2022 “State of the Law School” address. Read More
Dean Megan Carpenter

Megan Carpenter Reappointed as Dean of UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law After Record-Breaking First Term

Monday, February 7, 2022
Law school has increased enrollment, diversity, alumni giving, and class strength. Read More
Front lawn in Spring 2021 with welcome banner

COVID Comms and Updates - Returning to Campus

Thursday, August 12, 2021
The halls of our law school are a flurry of excitement as faculty and staff prepare to greet new and returning students next week for our upcoming orientation, immersion program, and beginning of classes for the fall semester.  I am eager to welcome everyone back to our beautiful campus in Concord. We have missed you! Read More
Thumbnail for the 2021 State of the Law School Address with Dean Megan Carpenter

2021 State of the Law School Address

Thursday, April 22, 2021
Learn about the successes of the law school and how we have flourished through the COVID19 pandemic from Dean Megan Carpenter. Read More
Dean Megan Carpenter

Profiles: Dean Megan Carpenter

Thursday, January 14, 2021
A leader in intellectual property and legal education, Dean Megan Carpenter’s path shows the importance of taking risks and always looking forward to the next challenge. Learn her educational journey as a student and teacher, her experience as an IP attorney, and what she views as the future of UNH Franklin Pierce’s legal programs. Read More
students in courtroom

Dean Carpenter offers support to international students

Friday, July 10, 2020
Letter from Dean Megan Carpenter supporting international students Read More
2020 State of the Law School

State of the Law School

Monday, February 17, 2020
On Monday, February 17, 2020, Dean Megan Carpenter gave her first State of the Law School address.  She highlighted the many accomplishments of the law school and gave insight into the future of legal education.  With ground breaking programs like the Hybrid JD in Intellectual Property, Technology, and Information Law and certificate programs in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Law as well as Sports Wagering and Integrity, the dean made it clear: the future is ours.  Watch her live presentation to the community. Read More