Chapman Law School dean resigns to run for state attorney general

Susan Valot/KPCC

File photo of Chapman University's School of Law

The dean of Chapman University's School of Law is stepping down. John Eastman today announced his resignation from the job he's held for three years.

Eastman will remain on the faculty at the Orange campus. But he says he wants to pursue a bid for state attorney general. That means he's going for the Republican nomination to run for that post.

In a letter to Chapman law students, Eastman wrote that he leaves "with mixed feelings."

He called the prospect of serving as attorney general an "exciting undertaking" that might allow him to bring his "constitutional expertise" to Sacramento and help to solve some of the state's "many problems."

Eastman added that he'll miss his daily interactions with the Chapman students and faculty.

His resignation takes effect Monday.

Chapman criminal law professor Scott Howe will step up as interim dean.