Mondale Hall at sunset

News

Meet the Class of 2026: Pia Puentespina

Incoming 1L Pia Puentespina ’26, was born and raised in the Philippines, where her large, tight-knit family still resides. Her educational journey started at United World College in China. She came to Macalester College in St. Paul where she received her undergraduate degree in political science and international studies. She then served as an aide to the general counsel in the Minnesota governor’s office where her roles included coordinating extradition matters and preparing Board of Pardons meetings. She’s also active in the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans.

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Pia Puentespina

Meet the Class of 2026: Emily Sparling

Incoming 1L Emily Sparling ’26, was born and raised in St. Paul, but has lived across the country. She earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in museology from the University of Washington. She’s worked as an educator at the Smithsonian, the Minnesota History Center, as well as her children’s elementary school. She and her husband and two young children live on a horse farm near the St. Croix River.

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Emily Sparling

Meet the Class of 2026: Alex Mysler

Incoming 1L Alex Mysler ’26, was born in the U.S. but has lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina since the age of two. He studied history at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and worked as an educator in various settings. During the past year, he worked at a museum that preserves the story and memory of Anne Frank and victims of the Shoah, while advocating for human rights. He also was tutoring and wrote simplified high school history textbooks.


Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Alex Mysler

Professor Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin Elected to Serve a 5-Year Term on the International Commission of Jurists

Professor Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin was recently elected to the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) for a 5 year term. Established in 1952, the Commission plays a unique and prominent role in defending human rights and the rule of law worldwide. Served by a full-time staff with offices in every region of the world, ICJ is founded on the appointment by ballot of a fixed number of 60 eminent global jurists.

Fionnuala NiAolain

Meet the Class of 2026: Paul Leon

Incoming 1L Paul Leon ’26, is from the Twin Cities originally. After graduating from  the University of Minnesota, he joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and worked with people with developmental disabilities. He met his wife and then traveled around Europe before they settled in Chicago where he taught and was a volunteer coordinator. They recently moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family.


Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Paul Leon

Meet the Class of 2026: Emily Miranda

Incoming 1L Emily Miranda ’26, is a first generation American and college graduate. Her family is from Brazil, and she was born and raised in Massachusetts. She attended high school and college simultaneously at Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a degree in political science and criminal justice. While there she dedicated herself to volunteering in the community and accumulated over 500 community service hours, primarily in areas addressing food insecurity.

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Emily Miranda

Meet the Class of 2026: Alex Mahmou-Werndli

Incoming 1L Alex Mahmou-Werndli ’26, grew up in Wisconsin a little north of Madison. The University of Minnesota became his home during his undergrad years. He majored in Arabic and North African history. He also worked in the U's Department of Athletics and the Writing Center. After graduating, he taught English in Morocco where he met his wife. His experience in the Writing Center peaked his interest to earn a master’s in rhetoric/composition at Oregon State. He then returned to Morocco as a university faculty member.

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Alex Mahmou-Werndli

Alumni News: The Honorable Natalie Hudson '82 Appointed Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court

Minnesota Law alum the Honorable Natalie Hudson '82 has been appointed chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court by Governor Tim Walz. Hudson will be the first chief justice of color and the first Democratic-appointed judicial branch leader in 25 years.

Governor Walz told Minnesota Public Radio, “I know that she will use her decades of judicial experience and deep understanding of our justice system to lead the Judicial Branch with a steady hand and strong conviction.”

Natalie E. Hudson (’82)

Alumni News: Dana Mitchell '97 Appointed Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota

Dana Mitchell '97 has been appointed Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota by State Attorney General Keith Ellison '90. 

 Mitchell will step into the role left by Deputy Attorney General Luz María Frías, who is retiring on September 29 after a 30-year career in the law, public service, and community service, including the last three years with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Ms. Mitchell will oversee the Government Support Section of the Office, which provides legal support to a wide range of State of Minnesota agencies, boards, and commissions.

Dana Mitchell '97

Meet Interim Dean William McGeveran

William McGeveran, Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett Professor of Law, stepped into the role of interim dean of the Law School on July 1. To this critical role, Dean McGeveran brings 17 years of experience as a faculty member, four years as associate dean of academic affairs, and deep enthusiasm for the Minnesota Law community.

Dean McGeveran Seated