Megan Carpenter

Megan Carpenter became the first woman Dean and Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, where she served as dean from 2017-2025. She is an internationally renowned leader in intellectual property, technology, innovation, and education.

During nearly nine years as dean, Carpenter increased applications and admissions over three-fold; increased donations to the highest levels in recorded history; and transformed the financial position of the institution. She led the creation of innovative programs and increased support for faculty, staff, and students, including professional development, collaboration spaces, and wellness. During her tenure, she was named one of the Most Influential People in Legal Education by National Jurist.

Carpenter’s talent for driving initiatives from concept to execution has had a demonstrable positive impact at institutions around the world. She led the creation of the Hybrid JD in Intellectual Property, Technology, and Information Law, a national award-winning program and the first hybrid program for a specialized area of the law in the US. In 2022 the program was recognized as one of the top law school innovators nationwide by Bloomberg. Carpenter is also the founder and former director of the Center for Law and Intellectual Property at Texas A&M School of Law and Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.  

Carpenter has over 20 years of experience as a global leader in intellectual property and technology, having built partnerships and programs across six continents. She speaks around the world on topics related to IP, technology, and legal education, with more than 150 keynotes and presentations. She is also a prolific writer in IP and innovation, with more than 30 publications, including the edited volume, “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, and in popular media, such as the New York Times, NPR, IAM, Chicago Tribune, Salon, and Smithsonian Magazine.  

Carpenter is a community-minded executive working to support economic development and innovation around the world. She has extensive volunteer and leadership experience with organizations such as the International Trademark Association (INTA), the Asociación Interamericana de la Propiedad Intelectual (ASIPI), the National Center for State Courts, and the Law School Admissions Council. 

Carpenter practiced law at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart (now K&L Gates), where she represented clients on technology-focused legal issues, and at Bruning Law, a boutique IP and entertainment law firm.