News

The Law School announced today the launch of an innovative program to provide students committed to serving the public with valuable legal experience and to provide them with guaranteed legal employment post-graduation, while providing leading public interest and government organizations with much-needed legal assistance.

The University of Minnesota Law School held its 128th commencement ceremony May 14 at Northrop Memorial Auditorium. Dean David Wippman welcomed the Class of 2016, their families and friends, and several special guests: University of Minnesota Regent David McMillan (’87), executive vice president at Minnesota Power in Duluth, Minn.; Karen Hanson, the University’s executive vice president and provost; and the keynote speakers, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and United States Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta.

The Law School welcomed graduates and their families for the 2016 Student Awards and Recognition Ceremony, held at 2:00 p.m., May 13 in Lockhart Hall. The event acknowledged outstanding student achievement among those in the Class of 2016, prior to the May 14 Commencement.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has appointed Gail T. Kulick (’85) to serve as a judge in the state’s 7th Judicial District, which consists of Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena Counties. In making the appointment, Dayton said, “Throughout her distinguished career, Gail T. Kulick has proven herself committed to justice for all Minnesotans. I trust that her commitment to justice and service will continue in her new role.”

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has named Nikki Farago (’07) the deputy assistant commissioner of its Children and Family Services (CFS) program. CFS is responsible for adoption, foster care, child care, child support, adolescent services, public assistance, child protection, refugee resettlement, economic opportunities, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As an attorney with a background in tribal law and child welfare issues, Farago will provide strategic direction and oversight in a number of these areas.

Heather Abraham (’12) has been awarded a two-year postgraduate fellowship through Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice.” Abraham will spend the term of her fellowship at Legal Services of Northern Michigan, in Traverse City, representing homeless adults and low-income renters at imminent risk of homelessness.

Governor Mark Dayton has appointed University of Minnesota Law School Professor Mark Kappelhoff to serve as a judge in Minnesota’s 4th Judicial District. The district, encompassing Hennepin County, is the state’s largest trial court. In appointing Kappelhoff, Dayton praised his “deep commitment to justice and public service.”

President Obama has nominated Beth M. Andrus (’88) to serve on the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. Andrus is currently a judge in Washington state’s King County Superior Court, a position she has held since 2010.

University President Eric Kaler’s office has announced that six third-year Law School students—Drew Glasnovich, Kyle Kroll, Katarina Lee, Chelsea Lemke, Allison Rochford, and Marc Shinn-Krantz—are among the winners of the 2016 President’s Student Leadership and Service Award (PSLSA). The award is presented to approximately one half of one percent of the student body for their exceptional leadership and service to the University of Minnesota and the surrounding community. Honorees will be recognized at a Homecoming Week banquet in October.

The Association of American Law Schools’ Section on Clinical Legal Education has selected Professor Perry Moriearty as the recipient of its 2016 Shanara Gilbert Award.