Lorraine N. Lalli

Lorraine N. Lalli serves as Associate Dean of Student Life and Operations at Roger Williams University School of Law, where she provides senior leadership on student experience, institutional operations, and community engagement. In this role, she works closely with law school and university leadership to develop and implement strategies that support student success, foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment, and strengthen connections between the law school and the broader community.

Over two decades at RWU Law, Dean Lalli has been instrumental in advancing the school’s commitment to access, equity, and student-centered excellence. She previously served as the law school’s inaugural Director of Diversity & Outreach, where she developed pipeline initiatives, expanded student support programming, and helped drive meaningful progress in the recruitment and success of students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Dean Lalli teaches Race and the Foundations of American Law, a course that examines the role of race in shaping American legal systems and institutions, and challenges students to critically engage with the historical and contemporary intersections of race and law.

Dean Lalli began her legal career at Brown Rudnick LLP in Boston, MA. She earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Spelman College and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law.

Deeply committed to public service, she is an active leader in the Rhode Island community and has served on numerous boards and civic organizations, including the National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals, One Neighborhood Builders, Mt. Hope Learning Center, and Inspiring Minds. She previously served on the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission and the Providence School Board. In recognition of her leadership and service, she received the NAACP Providence Branch’s Rosa Parks Courageous Leader Award.