News

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Incoming 1L Sarah Chaoui ’26 is from Charlotte, North Carolina. Her family is originally from Morocco. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University where she majored in public policy and minored in visual media studies. Before law school, Sarah worked as a direct services professional, providing respite and community living support services for people with disabilities for two years. 

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

Incoming 1L Noah Miller ’26 is from Pine City, Minnesota. He is a graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul. Prior to coming to law school, he held positions in court administration and at the Minnesota Appellate Defender’s Office.

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