Daniel Drane III joins ASU Law as executive director of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property and the Center for Law, Science and Innovation

Daniel Drane III has joined the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University as executive director of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property and the Center for Law, Science and Innovation. In this role, Drane will oversee ASU Law’s centers and initiatives at the intersection of law, technology, intellectual property and life sciences, supporting the growth of innovative, interdisciplinary programming and expertise.

Drane brings deep experience in higher education leadership, with a background spanning student affairs, medical education and wellness. He most recently served in leadership roles at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, where he advanced initiatives focused on student success, interprofessional collaboration and professional development.

“ASU Law stood out to me as a national leader in innovation, particularly in how it approaches emerging intersections between law, health care, science, and technology,” said Drane. “The opportunity to oversee the Center for Law, Science, and Innovation, the Wolin Center and the McCarthy Institute offered a rare chance to lead and grow a portfolio that aligns closely with my background in academic leadership, cross-disciplinary programming and strategic development.”

Drane joins ASU Law at an exciting time, as the college expands its footprint in key areas of legal innovation. The newly established Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property Law will serve as a national leader in preparing future attorneys to navigate the rapidly evolving IP landscape. With a robust curriculum, hands-on experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships, the center will focus on core areas such as patents, trademarks and copyrights while also tackling emerging issues like AI-generated content, digital copyright and data privacy.

Read more: ASU Law launches Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property Law to drive innovation and legal excellence

In contrast, LSI has been a core part of ASU Law for nearly 40 years, leading national work at the intersection of law and science. Drane will build on this strong foundation to expand its impact in areas like biotech, cybersecurity and emerging tech.

At ASU Law, Drane will lead efforts to expand the reach and visibility of these centers, foster new strategic partnerships and help shape programming that prepares students to meet the legal and ethical challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

His appointment reflects ASU Law’s continued investment in collaborative, future-oriented legal education and its commitment to building bridges between disciplines in ways that serve both students and the community.

Drane earned both a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and a Master of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education from ASU and he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University.

Written by Crystal Jimenez