News

Dear Alumni and Friends of Minnesota Law:

As we begin another academic year, a new class of incredible 1Ls (with the highest academic credentials on record!) will begin their studies at Minnesota Law, eager to join our community and ready to take advantage of our world-class legal education. By choosing the University of Minnesota Law School, these exceptionally bright students have started on a path that will shape their future and allow them to make a positive difference in their communities across the globe. 

Minnesota Law students spent their summer working in a wide variety of summer jobs throughout the United States and in several other countries. Nine students recently shared their experiences in Minnesota Law magazine's digital summer edition. Follow the links below to learn how these students spent their summer.

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Bruce Douglas '70, a former judge in Minnesota’s 10th Judicial District, passed away on Aug. 13.

A graduate of 1967 Carleton College, Douglas served as in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps after obtaining his law degree from Minnesota Law. He practiced law in Buffalo, Minnesota, before being appointed a judge.

Douglas enjoyed time spent with his family, being outdoors—especially hunting and fishing.

Per his request there will be no public service. A private family ceremony will held at Kreidler Cemetery.

Related:

Garry W. Jenkins, dean and William S. Pattee Professor of Law, and eight Minnesota Law alumni were honored by Minnesota Lawyer with Diversity and Inclusion Awards.

The award is for groups and individuals who have made a significant impact with respect to diversity and inclusion on the greater community or within their organizations. They will be honored at an awards celebration on Oct. 5. (Register)

Kelly Lyn Mitchell, executive director of Minnesota Law's Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice and a lecturer in law, received the Richard P. Kern Memorial Award for 2022 from the National Association of Sentencing Commissions (NASC).  The award recognizes an individual who “has contributed greatly to the development of sentencing policy and research.”  

Professor JaneAnne Murray was elected to serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) at the association’s annual meeting.

Assistant Dean of Students Erin Keyes ’00 has long been one of the first people 1Ls meet when they arrive at Minnesota Law and one of the last to wish them well as they cross the stage at commencement. As students navigate the stresses of law school and life, Keyes has served as an essential support system throughout their time at the University.

Nine Minnesota Law alumni were among a select group of lawyers recognized with Up & Coming Attorney award by Minnesota Lawyer newspaper.

The award recognizes “new attorneys off to a fast start in their legal careers and the legal professionals who work to make sure the job gets done.” All honorees are in their first decade of practice.

The following Minnesota Law alumni were among the honorees:

President Biden has nominated Jessica Looman '01 to serve as administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Looman has served as the principal deputy administrator of the Division since Jan. 20, 2021. She previously served as the executive director of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, representing 70,000 union construction professionals working in 15 construction trades.

Ra'Shya Ghee '13 will join Minnesota Law in mid-August as its assistant dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

In this newly created role, Ghee will be part of the Law School’s senior leadership team and will be responsible for leading and aligning the Law School’s critical work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The role will focus on: