For the second consecutive year, UConn School of Law has welcomed one of the most diverse and academically accomplished classes in the school’s history.

The incoming students bring academic and professional achievements in a number of subject matter areas, they have been engaged in leadership roles in their communities, and bring a wealth of different viewpoints to the classroom. They are committed to justice and preserving the rule of law.

The class of 146 JD students had a median undergraduate grade point average of 3.71, the highest recorded in the last 30 years, and matched the highest median LSAT score in the last decade at 160.

Students of color make up 32 percent of the incoming JD class, exceeding the record set last year of 31 percent. They include 8.9 percent who identify as Black or African American, 6.8 percent Asian or Pacific Islander, 5.5 percent Latinx or Hispanic, and 10.3 percent who identify as two or more races.

Additionally, 30 percent of incoming class members are the first in their families to graduate college, which is among the highest ratios in recent years.

“It is inspiring to welcome such a talented incoming class whose diverse backgrounds and experiences will enhance the excellence of our law school,” Dean Eboni S. Nelson said. “The whole class brings great energy to our campus, and it’s evident that they share a commitment to advancing justice, serving the community and protecting the rule of law. I look forward to seeing the many ways in which these students will contribute to the UConn Law community and beyond.”

The first-year JD students represent 74 undergraduate institutions and 41 academic majors, with 14 percent already holding advanced degrees. They come from 17 states with 75 percent from Connecticut.

The class – made up of 121 day students and 25 in the evening division – ranges in age from 20 to 55, and 58 percent identify as women. They have a range of experience and include a doctor of osteopathic medicine, several veterans, two patent agents, two UConn varsity athletes, and numerous musicians.

The incoming class is an excellent example of everything the admissions committee is looking for when reviewing applications,” Admissions Director Lauren Terbush said. “Echoing Dean Nelson’s opening remarks, they all truly belong here at UConn Law, and I am so happy that UConn Law now belongs to them.”

UConn Law also welcomed 32 students pursing LLM (Master of Laws) degrees from 16 nations around the globe, stretching from the United States to the Philippines.

Thirteen LLM students are seeking a degree in U.S. Legal Studies; eight in Insurance Law; five in Human Rights and Social Justice; four in Governance, Risk Management and Compliance; and two in Energy and Environmental Law.

In addition, 16 exchange students have joined the UConn Law community this fall. They come from partner schools in Brazil, China, German, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

“I am thrilled to see such a diverse and talented group of incoming LLM and exchange students from 19 different countries, enriching our academic community and promoting cross-cultural opportunities,” Director of Graduate Programs and Admissions Yan Hong said.

The new class arrived on campus August 23 for a three-day orientation program that included presentations from faculty, staff, alumni and current students. They participated in sample classes, interest group discussions and a Day of Service.

Students felt the orientation was very informative and helped calm their nerves. They made connections with their classmates, bonding over common interests in and outside of the law.

“I feel more prepared going into class and inspired for the next three years,” Alanna Uthgenannt ’26 said.

Brice Ashford, entering his second year at UConn Law, was part of a panel of current students who advised the 1L JD students on what to expect from law school. He found the class to be an ambitious and social group.

“It’s a very social class, which is a very good thing – they’re going to have one another to lean on,” he said. “They asked good questions, a lot of the right questions, which shows they’ll do well.”