The size of the first-year student class is smaller than previous years. With fewer than 30 students in doctrinal classes, 1L students will enjoy a unique learning environment with more opportunity for personalized engagement with faculty and other student support resources.
“From day one, students will be able to develop important learning relationships with professors,” said Interim Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio. “More so, they develop deeper fundamental relationships with fellow law students. We hope the smaller classrooms will spur discussion and debate where varying views are heard and appreciated.”
With diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, the students will share a rich tapestry of perspectives, skills, and lived experiences.
Students come from 21 states; five countries (United States, China, Canada, South Korea, and Italy); and three tribal nations (Rosebud Sioux Nation, Bay Mills Indian Community of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of the Chippewa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians)
They studied 40 major disciplines at 66 undergraduate institutions.
“The Class of 2027 brings a wealth of academic and professional experiences,” said Kathy Fox, Assistant Dean of Admissions. “The class statistics are emblematic of the role that our law college plays in providing access to the legal profession, and about the economic mobility they will experience in their future careers. We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of future lawyers,”
An important aspect of this year's class is the high percentage of first-generation lawyers, which stands at 83%.
This highlights the MSU Law’s commitment to expanding the practice of law to communities that have been under-represented in the legal profession.
“Not only does this promote economic mobility,” said Dean Sant’Ambrogio, “it also enables students to become future leaders in policy, politics, justice, across the state, including rural areas of the state, where lawyers are especially needed.”
Notably, 61% of the incoming students have spent at least two years in the workforce prior to enrolling in law school.
Gender diversity is another notable feature of the Fall 2024 class. With 54% women, 44% men, 1.4% non-binary, and 0.7% gender queer, this distribution reflects the law school’s commitment to inclusion and representation.
“As these students embark on their legal education, they are poised to make significant contributions to the legal profession and to society at large,” said Dean Sant’Ambrogio.