Canterbury University's new dean of law Ursula Cheer says law has always been male-dominated.

The University of Canterbury's law school will soon be led by a "double act" female team for the first time in its 142-year history.

Ursula Cheer will take up the dean of law role in January, working alongside Karen Scott as head of school.

Cheer said women had been the minority throughout her legal career. She had worked at the university for 20 years, but had also been a practising lawyer and government lawyer.

"All that time I've been working with more men than women.

"Things are changing, but slowly."

She was happy to work as a "double act" with Scott.

"I feel it's significant," she said.

"I think it's good for both young men and young women to see women in leadership roles."

She went for the job because she felt she could do it, and wanted it.

There had been three other female deans of law in New Zealand in the past.

"There are none at the moment anywhere else," Cheer said.

"It's the same old thing about it being so hard to break through."

Two-thirds of law students were young women and a third men, but when she studied it was the opposite.

She had been touched by the reaction from students.

"I'm feeling generally inspired and a little bit scared."

Vice Chancellor Rod Carr said the appointments marked an important milestone for the university.

"Professor Ursula Cheer is extremely well respected by staff and students alike for her teaching and her research.

"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."

Cheer had served on many departmental and university committees during her two decades at UC, and was university proctor between 2002 and 2008.

She would be one of two staff - along with Dr Herb de Vrie - awarded a 2015 UC Teaching Award by the University Council in recognition of her innovative approach to teaching and learning, he said.

Previous dean of law was Chris Gallavin, while Jeremy Finn was acting in the interim.