Widener University School of Law Dean Linda L. Ammons today congratulated LeaNora Ruffin, assistant dean of career development, on assuming the presidency of the National Association for Law Placement. Ruffin was installed as the organization’s leader on April 3 at the organization’s 2009 Annual Education Conference in Washington, D.C. She will serve a one-year term.The National Association for Law Placement, or NALP, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating legal career counseling and planning, recruitment and retention and the professional development of law students and lawyers. Ruffin joined the association, which is comprised of legal employers and law school members, in 1998. As NALP embarks on it strategic planning process for 2010-2015, Ruffin said she is committed to making sure the plan reflects the association’s core values while fully appreciating the ever-changing nature of the legal industry. Ruffin’s business plan also places a particular focus on leadership, innovation and technology and market positioning for the association.Ruffin has worked in Widener Law’s Career Development Office for 10 years and has served as its assistant dean since 2000. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.“Assistant Dean Ruffin takes this role at a challenging time in our nation’s history, when legal career professionals need the support of her service more than ever,” Ammons said. “I commend her for taking on this commitment in the spirit of civic engagement, which so aptly reflects the heart of our mission at Widener Law.” Ruffin lives in Bear, Del. with her husband, Michael. She works out of Widener’s Delaware campus.