Mondale Hall at sunset

News

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

Meet the Class of 2026: Ricky Bayon-Barrera

Incoming 1L Ricky Bayon-Barrera ’26, is originally from Toluca, Mexico, but moved to Houston when he was a child. He studied finance and economics at Texas A & M University. While there, he became the first minority and first Hispanic president of his fraternity. In this role he founded a philanthropic golf tournament to assist the American Diabetes Association. He also worked as a paralegal specializing in the preparation and execution of jury/bench trials of criminal cases.

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Ricky Bayon-Barrera

Meet the Class of 2026: Matt Prager

Incoming 1L Matt Prager ’26, is originally from the Chicago suburbs and received his undergraduate degree from Denison University in central Ohio. Most recently, his work has included writing for the satirical fake newspaper, The Onion.


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

Minnesota Law is a great school in a lovely city and of course, they accepted me!

What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Matt Prager

Meet the Class of 2026:  Eleanor Nagel-Bennett

Incoming 1L Eleanor Nagel-Bennett ’26, is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She recently completed her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.


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

I chose Minnesota Law because of the community. Every interaction I’ve had with faculty, staff, and students has shown me that Minnesota Law is a special place.  From my first visit, I knew Minnesota Law was the place for me.

Meet the J.D. Class of '26: Eleanor Nagel-Bennett

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

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

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