News

When 2L Nathanael Ashton-Piper graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in journalism and Spanish, his sights were set on dental school. He had spent years fulfilling the rigorous prerequisites—chemistry, biology, physics, and biochemistry—and was preparing for a stable, more predictable career in dentistry.

Then in 2020, the world changed.

The Joseph P. and Carol Z. Sullivan Health Law Moot Court team delivered an exceptional performance at the National Health Law Moot Court Competition at Simmons Law School at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, from October 31 to November 1, 2025. Minnesota Law teams earned multiple awards, marking the Law School’s strongest showing yet in the competition.

This summer the Human Rights Center supported 14 Minnesota Law students through their fellowship program. The summer f ellowships are a cornerstone of the center, providing the opportunity for students to take otherwise unpaid internships in the areas of human rights and international law.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kyle Hawkins '09 as Justice, Place 7, on the Supreme Court of Texas for a term set to expire on December 31, 2026. In a press release announcing the appointment, Governor Abbott noted that "Hawkins' tremendous experience will be an asset to the highest court in Texas as he remains steadfast in his dedication to the rule of law."

The Honorable Michael A. Young ’73 passed away on September 9 at age 78. Young was born in Faribault, spent his early years in St. Cloud, and graduated from Wayzata High School in 1965. After attending St. Olaf College, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota. He then enrolled at the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated in 1973.
 

On October 15-17, Human Rights Center Distinguished Alumni Fellow Judge LaJune Lange ’78, Research Fellow Alejandra Arboleda ’26 and Undergraduate Research Intern Caleb Masi traveled to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 24th session of the

The Gun Violence Prevention Clinic, led by Professor Megan Walsh, collaborated with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office in State of Minnesota v.

James W. Rustad ’67 passed away on September 23 at age 83. Rustad was a native of Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School. He attended the University of Minnesota, earning an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. At the University, he served as president of the student body and was an active member of the ATO fraternity. He maintained those friendships throughout his life.