September 9, 2024 | Jeanne Leblanc - School of Law

UConn Law Welcomes Exceptional Incoming Class

The 148 JD students come from 17 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and the 27 LLM students from 18 countries.

New law students in group on lawn in front of William F. Starr Hall.

The incoming JD and LLM students in front of William F. Starr Hall during the 2024 Orientation. (Domenic Allegra)

A remarkably strong incoming class brings outstanding academic credentials and a wealth of experience to the UConn School of Law this fall.

The new class comprises 129 JD students in the Day Division, 19 in the Evening Division and 27 LLM students. The JD students earned a median LSAT score of 161 and bring with them a record-setting median undergraduate GPA of 3.72.

“The incoming class’ academic credentials are undoubtedly impressive as they represent some of the highest recorded in the law school’s history,” said Lauren Terbush, director of JD Admissions. “Looking beyond the exceptional numbers, what strikes me most about the incoming cohort is their commitment to justice and the rule of law, their ability to persevere in the face of adversity, and their enthusiasm to contribute meaningfully to the UConn Law community.”

The new JD students include 30 percent who identify as people of color, 19 percent as LGBTQ+, and 55 percent as women. Nineteen percent are the first in their families to seek higher education. Nine percent hold advanced degrees and 5 percent are military veterans.

Terbush noted a large proportion of athletes, many of them team captains, among the new students, plus an uptick in the number who have worked with children as camp counselors, mentors, coaches, teachers and similar roles.

Connecticut residents make up 74 percent of the incoming JD students. The remaining 26 percent come from 16 other states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Their undergraduate degrees represent 51 majors from 91 institutions. One is a Fulbright Scholar and two are former AmeriCorps fellows. Among them, they speak 22 languages in addition to English. Their professional backgrounds are equally diverse, ranging from voice actor to neurosurgeon.

The 27 new students seeking an LLM (Master of Laws) degree include lawyers from around the world with aspirations to work in international corporations or law firms and American lawyers who want specialized training to enhance their careers. Thirteen LLM students enrolled in the U.S. Legal Studies program; six in Insurance Law; five in Governance, Risk Management and Compliance; two in Human Rights and Social Justice; and one in Energy and Environmental Law.

“We’re very pleased to welcome this outstanding class of LLM candidates,” said Yan Hong, the director of Graduate Programs and Admissions. “I’m deeply impressed by the depth of legal experience they bring to UConn Law as well as the drive and determination they demonstrated from the moment they arrived on campus. I’m certain they will be an asset to the UConn Law community and will find tremendous success in their future careers.”

The incoming LLM class represents 17 countries in addition to the United States: Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Germany, Guyana, Haiti, India, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and the United Kingdom. Hong noted that UConn Law admitted an additional 14 international students for this fall semester who were forced to defer enrollment because of visa problems.

Dean Eboni S. Nelson said she is delighted to welcome the incoming class and proud that the law school continues to expand opportunities to pursue a legal education. “These accomplished and outstanding students embody the mission of the law school in so many ways,” she said. “They come to us with a great diversity of experience and tremendous energy to make positive change in the world. I’m eager to watch their growth and celebrate their success as they contribute to the excellence of UConn Law.”