UMass Law entering class of 2026 sets new academic benchmarks

148 new law students bring wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences to Massachusetts' only public law school

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School of Law (UMass Law) welcomed 148 new students this week following an admissions cycle that drew more than 1,500 applicants, a 45% increase in three years.

The entering class of 2026 also arrives with the highest undergraduate GPA and LSAT scores in the law school's history, setting new academic benchmarks as interest in a UMass Law education continues to grow.

The new students also bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the classroom. The class represents 27 states, 11 countries, and 102 undergraduate colleges and universities. Eight native languages are represented in the class: Albanian, Duri, English, Kurdish, Punjabi, Pushtu, Spanish, and Tagalog.

"Plan on being confused. Expect it. And when you are, know that we’re here to help. Take advantage of our accessible faculty and all the tools and resources available to you. Welcome to law school."

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Nearly one-third of the class—31%—are students of color, while 23% identify as LGBTQ+. Twenty-seven percent are first-generation college students, and 86% are the first in their families to attend law school.

The class ranges in age from 19 to 70, with an average age of 26. Ten members of the class are veterans or active military members.

"Each of you is about to embark on the single most transformative experience in all of higher education, the first year of law school," Interim Dean Eric Mitnick told the class. "Plan on being confused. Expect it. And when you are, know that we’re here to help. Take advantage of our accessible faculty and all the tools and resources available to you. Welcome to law school."

Students began that transition during a four-day orientation designed to introduce them to the academic, professional, and service expectations of the legal profession. Sessions ranged from legal reasoning, research, and learning to professional identity, career services, experiential learning, and preparation for the bar exam.

On Wednesday, Justice Jane Marum Roush (Ret.) welcomed the class to the legal profession and administered the Lawyer’s Oath. Chancellor Mark A. Fuller also welcomed the incoming students to the UMass Dartmouth community.

Orientation continued Thursday with legal skills sessions, student panels, and a faculty dinner hosted by the Student Bar Association and Dean Mitnick. On Friday, students put UMass Law’s commitment to public service into practice through a community service project at Sharing the Harvest Community Farm.

"The Orientation service project at Sharing the Harvest Community Farm is a great example of our law school's commitment to serving those in need in our communities," said Assistant Dean of Students Julie Cahill. "It also gives our new out-of-state students a glimpse of the beauty of the SouthCoast region."

Classes for the 2026-27 academic year begin Monday, August 24.