News

The University of Minnesota Law School is delighted to welcome the Class of 2027! Comprising a diverse and talented group of 195 individuals, the incoming class promises to continue the Law School's tradition of producing exceptional lawyers who make a difference in their communities.

The Honorable Robert G. Schiefelbein ’56, retired District Court judge, passed away on August 15, at age 92. He was an Edina, Minnesota, native and was a graduate of St. Thomas Academy and the University of Minnesota. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1956. After law school, he served two years in the Army Center Intelligence Headquarters in Germany. He then practiced law for 22 years.

Ziyi Kang ’27 is from Tianjin, China, and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. For the past two years, he lived in Tokyo working on his master’s degree. He comes to Minnesota Law with an interest in jurisprudence and will likely specialize in criminal law, focusing on the legitimacy and purpose of punishment from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Victor Paz ’27 is originally from El Salvador, but was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He majored in classical music performance and in addition to singing, enjoys learning languages. Having worked previously in asylum law, he chose Minnesota Law because of its strength in immigration and international law programs.

Nora Prener ’27 grew up in Rochester, New York, where she developed a love for performance music. Graduate school took her to Texas and she was able to fulfill her dream to play in professional orchestras. While a musician for the Pittsburgh Symphony, she volunteered for City of Asylum, a nonprofit that provides sanctuary for exiled artists and writers.

Krista Colbert ’27 credits her Cherokee Indian heritage as a factor in steering her towards Minnesota Law: “Encouraging dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, while also ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected, is crucial in building a truly inclusive community.” This appreciation for an environment of awareness was nurtured while growing up in New Jersey and being homeschooled. It continued at Furman University where she balanced her academics with her love for ballet, acrobatics, and choreography.

Robert A. “Jim” Randall ’67, retired judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals, passed away on August 9, at age 83. Raised in Little Falls, Minnesota, he attended St. John’s Preparatory School and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, eventually receiving his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, in 1962. While in college, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Second Lieutenant.

John Patterson ’27 grew up in the Twin Cities and is a “double Gopher” with undergrad degrees from the U in Theatre Arts and Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice. In addition, he’s a board member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association where he serves as co-chair of the Student and Recent Alumni Council. That affinity continues with Minnesota Law where he’s finding a welcoming community, “I’ve been amazed at how genuine and accomplished folks are.

It is with deep sadness that Minnesota Law announces the passing of Professor Emeritus Fred L. Morrison.

Lizzie Harrop ’27 says her family has been her inspiration. She’s lived in several countries with each bringing cultural challenges and her family has always handled change with “grace, humility, and a willingness to learn.” She moved to the U.S. and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a major in international studies and has worked as a district attorney’s assistant and as a budget analyst for the FBI.