The University of Canterbury's law school has appointed Professor Ursula Cheer as its Dean of Law.

Professor Cheer will take up her new role in January 2016, and is the first woman Dean of Law at Canterbury.

She has been an academic at the law school for 20 years and has also worked in legal practice and in-house.

"Professor Ursula Cheer is extremely well respected by staff and students alike for her teaching and her research," Vice Chancellor Rod Carr says.

"She is an expert in her chosen field, delights in sharing her knowledge with students and absolutely highlights the high calibre of teaching and research staff we have at UC."