In 17 autumns at the University of Minnesota Law School, I have always enjoyed the crackle of energy as students return to Mondale Hall, joined by their eager new classmates. This fall, I experienced it from a new vantage point as interim dean, but it remained as rejuvenating as always. Our dedicated faculty and staff get to see the future of our profession walking through our doors each day, ready to learn about the law and make a difference in the world.
Based on our new and record-breaking class of 2026, that future looks bright indeed. In this issue of Minnesota Law magazine, read about their impressive academic credentials, diverse backgrounds, and varied experiences, and then you will understand my optimism. This class, like others before it, brings fresh perspectives, intellectual curiosity, and a profound sense of social responsibility to our Minnesota Law family.
Among the exceptional opportunities that await them here is the James H. Binger Center for New Americans, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and featured in these pages. Since its inception, the Binger Center has represented countless immigrants and refugees, transforming the lives of clients and their families. At the same time, the Center’s holistic approach also involves advocating for change in the law on behalf of noncitizens, advancing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, and providing our students invaluable hands-on training that builds tomorrow’s highly skilled immigration bar.
And the Binger Center is just one point of pride at Minnesota Law! Read on to learn about many more. Our top-notch faculty has been as active and engaged as ever and welcomed five stellar new professors this fall— including two of our own alumni. We have hosted fascinating events too numerous to list. Our students continue to make us proud, and the many accomplishments of our graduates demonstrate the powerful legacy of a Minnesota Law education.
None of this is possible without your continued support. Our generous donors, our skilled adjunct faculty, and our network of alumni who mentor current students and spread the word about the great things happening at Minnesota Law are all essential to our mission. As our national search for a permanent dean moves ahead this year, I am confident that this extraordinary place will attract an extraordinary leader who can carry forward all these successes and plant the seeds for many more.
Warmly,
William McGeveran
Interim Dean
Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett Professor of Law