Minnesota Law Welcomes Class of 2023

Minnesota Law this week welcomes 213 students from 121 undergraduate institutions in 34 states and seven countries to its first-year J.D. class. The Class of 2023 is setting new records for gender and racial diversity at Minnesota Law.  In addition to women making up a majority of incoming students for just the fourth time in the school’s history, the first-year class is the most racially diverse to enter the Law School in more than 15 years.

The students also have outstanding academic credentials, with a middle 50 percent range of 3.54-3.85 for their undergraduate GPA and a middle 50 percent range of 160-166 on the LSAT. Nine percent have already earned a graduate degree in another field.

The Class of 2023 also includes the following important milestones:  

  • 54% women;
  • 25% students of color or Indigenous (a substantial increase from the prior year);
  • 24% identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community; and
  • 13% first-generation college grads.

Students bring an eclectic array of life experiences, skills, and perspectives. Included in the incoming 1L class are: a Fulbright scholar, a Ph.D. in English, a human rights advocate who has worked in China for the last seven years, a public-health scientist specializing in antimicrobial resistance, a classically trained chef, a former professional ballet dancer, and many accomplished others.  

“We are thrilled to welcome this talented and enthusiastic group of future lawyer-leaders,” said Garry W. Jenkins, dean and William S. Pattee Professor of Law. “This diverse group of law students is truly ready to contribute to our profession and tackle the many challenges issues facing the world.” 

Because of the ongoing pandemic, students have the option of attending some or all their classes remotely during the fall semester. Those who do attend in-person classes will follow important public health guidelines, including wearing face masks and adhering to physical distancing while in classes and in the building. 

“Our faculty and staff have been working diligently to prepare for their arrival, training on new educational technologies, rethinking and rearranging classroom and study spaces, and reimagining ways to build connections and foster community in a safe, responsible manner,” Jenkins said. “We have always stressed the importance of adaptability, creativity, and resilience to our students, and this year is giving us all the opportunity to demonstrate those very qualities.”  

Among the innovations the Law School has currently or in the works are expanded online speakers and events, virtual community pages for students, a branded “Minnesota Law” app for student resources and engagement, and enhanced clinical opportunities to consult with clients through video technology. 

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