UND Law School Welcomes Class of 2012

For Immediate Release - August 25, 2009

UND Law School Welcomes Class of 2012,
Justice Mary Maring Administers Oath of Professionalism

Eighty-six students pursuing the three year Juris Doctor degree make up the University of North Dakota School of Law Class of 2012.

“We are proud to welcome this outstanding class of future attorneys,” said Assistant Dean for Student Life Jeanne McLean. “Their academic record, work experiences and personal backgrounds reflect the North Dakota spirit of our school that will allow them to be successful in law school and beyond.”

First-year students began their legal education a week prior to the start of the regular school year. During this orientation week, students participated in a series of panel discussion, guest lectures, social events, and completed the first section of their Lawyering Skills course.

On August 19, the school held a special pinning ceremony where each student took the Oath of Professionalism administered by North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Mary Maring. In her keynote address, Maring advised the students that their legal career starts today. She told of the importance for each individual to approach their legal education and ultimately their career as an attorney in a professional manner.

The class, 44 men and 42 women, range in age from 20 to 35 with an average age of 24. They come to UND from 11 states with the largest number from North Dakota, 64 percent and 16 percent from Minnesota. It also includes international students from Canada and France. The total of 86 students is an increase of seven from last year’s new student total.