Welcome Minnesota Law Class of 2029!

The University of Minnesota Law School is thrilled to welcome the J.D. Class of 2029! Two hundred and twenty-seven future lawyers arrived at Mondale Hall this week to begin their legal education. Fellow students, orientation leaders, alumni, deans, faculty, and staff offered a warm welcome to the newest members of the Minnesota Law community.

The Class of 2029 arrives with impressive academic accomplishments, including a median GPA of 3.93 and a median LSAT score of 171. Representing 126 undergraduate colleges and universities, the incoming class hails from rural towns, suburban neighborhoods, and large cities in 39 states and around the world.

Incoming 1Ls bring diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives to Minnesota Law. Thirty percent of the incoming class identify as students of color. A record 38% of incoming 1Ls identify as LGBTQ+, and 60% of the Class of 2029 identify as students of color, LGBTQ+, first-generation college graduates, or some combination of the three.

For the first time, Minnesota Law’s Student Affairs team kicked off orientation with a more relaxed pre-orientation day. More than 70 new students joined panel discussions, played games, and toured campus on the Friday before the official orientation began.

During the first session of 1L orientation, students were welcomed by Assistant Dean of Admissions Robin Ingli, Assistant Dean of Students Jay Wong, Law Council President John Patterson ’27 and Vice President Chloe Rozga ’28, along with members of the Minnesota Law faculty and Dean William McGeveran.

“We are thrilled to welcome the incredible Class of 2029 to our Minnesota Law community,” said Dean William McGeveran, William S. Pattee Professor of Law, during the opening session. “Today marks a big new start for every one of you—an entirely new profession. Today is the first day you begin to identify as an attorney, an identity that will likely remain important for the rest of your life.

“Lawyers have unique abilities to help people, fight injustice, and make the world a better place. This is not only a job; it’s a vocation,” he said. “We wouldn’t have admitted you unless we were completely confident that you have the skills and character needed to join this extraordinary incoming class.”

During orientation week, the Class of 2029 met with their sections, explored student resources and organizations, and began building the skills they’ll need to succeed at Minnesota Law. They worked with the Career Center to refine their resumes, tackled their first legal research and writing assignment, and learned about academic resources such as structured study groups.

Most importantly, they began building connections—with one another and with the faculty, alumni, and staff who make up the Minnesota Law community.

The Class of 2029 is just getting started, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to Minnesota Law!