UI law Professor Margaret Raymond is the one of five finalists being considered for the law-dean position at the University of Arizona, officials recently announced.

Raymond, the only female finalist, now has the opportunity to interview in Tuscon, Ariz., some time in the next six weeks.

Current Arizona Dean Toni Massaro has served as dean for 10 years; she will resign July 1. Arizona officials said in a news release that Raymond has been chosen as a finalist from a wide field of applicants. She’s up against law experts from the Arizona, University of Washington, Tulane University, and University of California-Davis.

Raymond could not be reached for comment Sunday night.

Enrique Carrasco, a colleague of Raymond and UI professor of law, said he’s confident in her skills for the position.

“I respect her for what she has been able to accomplish,” Carrasco said. “She is an exceptionally fine teacher and scholar. She seems to have all the qualities one would need to be a dean.”

Raymond, who currently teaches Criminal Procedure: Investigation, joined the UI faculty in 1995 after engaging in private practice as a commercial litigator and criminal defense lawyer.

In 2004, she won the UI Law School’s Collegiate Teaching Award. Her husband, Mark Sidel, is also a UI law professor.

William Hines, a UI professor of law and a dean emeritus, said he hired Raymond in 1995 because he recognized her impressive abilities. He also helped her advance and become a tenured professor.

Current College of Law Dean Carolyn Jones agreed Raymond would do well as the Arizona law dean, adding that she is an outstanding teacher who cares a lot about her students.

Other UI officials have been considered — and earned — jobs with Arizona after leaving the UI. Former Vice President for Research Meredith Hay left the UI almost a year ago to become the school’s executive vice president and provost.

Many law faculty said although they will be supportive of Raymond if she gets the job, she would be missed.

“It would be a huge loss to the UI,” Hines said.

Jones agreed Raymond is highly valued at the law school.

“I hope she ends up having the choice, but I hope she decides to stay here,” Jones said. “We would really miss her.”