September 4, 2026 | Meagan Fazio

UConn Law Welcomes a New Class of Scholars, Advocates, and Leaders

These outstanding students bring a wealth of experiences shaped by service, scholarship, professional achievement, and global engagement.

The incoming class of 2026 stands in a large group in front of Starr Hall.

UConn Law's newest students pose for the traditional class photo.

UConn School of Law welcomes this year’s class of JD, LLM, SJD, and exchange students. Together, they bring a wide range of academic achievements, professional experiences, and personal interests that will contribute to the vibrant life of the law school.

The new students include 149 JD students (129 in the Day Division and 20 in the Evening Division), 30 LLM students, and one student pursuing a Doctor of Juridical Science (the legal equivalent of a Ph.D.) who is specializing in Energy and Environmental Law. UConn Law also welcomes 12 exchange students.

“The stage is set for you to use your talents to make systemic changes in our society that will benefit generations to come,” Dean Eboni S. Nelson told the students during Convocation. “You are part of UConn Law’s 105-year legacy of progress, excellence, and impact, a legacy that has produced great leaders who advocate for justice and protect the rule of law throughout our state, our country, and indeed, the world.”

Five students sit at a round table outside with Starr Hall in the background.
New students attended Orientation before classes began.

A Talented and Diverse JD Class

Drawn from a highly competitive applicant pool of more than 2,500 candidates, the JD class was selected not only for their promise as future lawyers but also for the experiences they bring to the law school. As they begin their legal education, they will enrich classroom discussions, strengthen connections across the school, and help shape the future of the profession.

The newest JD class arrived in Hartford from 24 states and more than 80 undergraduate institutions, representing over 40 academic majors and an age range spanning from 20 to 51. Every member of the class received scholarship support, underscoring the school’s commitment to accessibility and affordability.

Members of the class have pursued a wide variety of passions and accomplishments. They include activists, researchers, published authors, former congressional interns, Division I athletes, marathon runners, musicians, dancers, vloggers, and even skydivers. Six students are currently serving or have served in the U.S. military. Together, the class speaks 24 languages and brings experiences from fields ranging from STEM disciplines to public service and the arts.

Students in the incoming class represent a broad range of backgrounds. More than half of the students identify as women, 29% identify as people of color, and 27% identify as LGBTQ+. Sixteen percent are the first in their families to attend college, while 85% are the first in their families to attend law school.

“Over the past year, I had the privilege of reading these students’ applications, learning their stories, and celebrating their accomplishments,” says Assistant Dean of Admissions Rachel Szostak. “This was an extremely competitive admissions cycle, and every student earned a place in this class through hard work, talent, and dedication. We looked for individuals who would contribute both to the academic excellence of UConn Law and to the strength of our community. Looking at this class, I can confidently say we succeeded.”

A Global Community of Legal Scholars

The 30 students seeking an LLM are pursuing advanced legal training in U.S. Legal Studies; Insurance Law; Governance, Risk Management and Compliance; Human Rights and Social Justice; Energy and Environmental Law; and Intellectual Property and Information Governance.

“We are deeply enriched by our global connections, welcoming brilliant students from our partner schools, practicing attorneys, recent international law graduates, a distinguished Fulbright scholar, and new immigrants who earned their first law degrees abroad but are determined to achieve their legal dreams here in the United States,” says Yan Hong, director of Graduate Programs and Admissions and International Programs. “Most importantly, this cohort acts with immense compassion. Our students actively lift others in their spare time, whether by helping new immigrants navigate their new lives, volunteering in asylum centers, or serving as sailing instructors for children with mental disabilities.”

The LLM, SJD, and exchange students come from 19 countries and regions: Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Kosovo, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and the United States.

Together, these students join a law school community known for academic excellence, practical training, public service, and a commitment to advancing justice.

As Dean Nelson reminded students during Convocation, “I encourage you to walk your own path and be true to your own purpose. Law school is about figuring out what that purpose is and how best to use the skills and talents that you already have, and those you will develop with us, to help those in need of your services. We here at UConn Law look forward to guiding you along your journey.”