A UB Law professor who has devoted her professional life to promoting child welfare has been chosen to head the nation’s oldest public-interest law firm for children.

Professor Susan Vivian Mangold, who joined the UB Law School in 1995, will become executive director of Philadelphia-based Juvenile Law Center. Mangold was a staff attorney with the organization from 1987 to 1992.

Mangold will succeed Bob Schwartz, co-founder of the center, who is retiring after serving as executive director since 1982. Mangold’s appointment, which takes effect Oct. 14, comes after a six-month national search, according to the Juvenile Law Center.

“I cannot imagine a greater honor than to return to Juvenile Law Center and join the leadership team as the executive director,” Mangold said. “I look forward to working with established partners and forging new relationships to improve the legal response for children in the child welfare and justice systems.”

At the UB Law School, Mangold has taught a variety of courses on children and the law. She also served for three years as vice dean for academics. She is also the co-editor of “Children and the Law: Doctrine, Policy and Practice,” a leading law school casebook in the area of children and the law.

Juvenile Law Center, which is marking its 40th anniversary, uses an array of legal strategies and legislative advocacy to promote fairness, prevent harm, ensure access to appropriate services and create opportunities for success for youths in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.