UMass Law named among nation's most innovative law schools

National recognition highlights Justice Bridge Legal Center's innovative approach to expanding access to affordable legal services

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School of Law (UMass Law) has been named one of the nation's 20 most innovative law schools by preLaw magazine, a publication of The National Jurist, recognizing the school's Justice Bridge Legal Center and its innovative approach to expanding access to justice.

The recognition highlights law schools rethinking how they prepare students for a changing legal profession through experiential learning, emerging technologies, and new approaches to legal education and professional development.

UMass Law was recognized for Justice Bridge's unique model, which helps recent graduates establish sustainable legal practices while providing affordable representation to individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to access legal services.

"At UMass Law, innovation is about finding new and effective ways to fulfill our mission of expanding access to justice," said UMass Law Dean Eric Mitnick. "Justice Bridge demonstrates how law schools can prepare graduates for successful legal careers while addressing critical needs in our communities. This national recognition reflects our commitment to developing practical solutions that make legal representation more accessible."

"At UMass Law, innovation is about finding new and effective ways to fulfill our mission of expanding access to justice. Justice Bridge demonstrates how law schools can prepare graduates for successful legal careers while addressing critical needs in our communities."

Justice Bridge expands access to affordable legal services

Established in 2014, UMass Law's Justice Bridge Legal Center is a law firm incubator that helps recent law graduates establish independent legal practices while providing affordable representation to moderate-income individuals and families.

The program operates through a "low bono" model, serving individuals who may not qualify for free legal assistance but cannot afford traditional attorney rates. By supporting emerging attorneys as they build financially sustainable practices, Justice Bridge expands access to legal services while creating new professional opportunities for graduates.

In 2025, Justice Bridge's 23 incubator attorneys connected with and provided some level of legal assistance to 857 individuals. Participating attorneys practice in every county across Massachusetts, primarily serving clients in family, housing, employment, and consumer law.

Unlike traditional pro bono programs, Justice Bridge is designed to create long-term capacity within the legal profession. Its approach allows new attorneys to gain practical experience, develop client management skills, and establish sustainable careers while helping individuals and families navigate legal challenges.

Under the leadership of director Kelli Proia, who joined the program in November 2025, Justice Bridge is exploring additional opportunities to expand its impact, including the responsible use of emerging legal technologies to improve access to legal information.

"Justice Bridge is the embodiment of UMass Law’s motto: Pursue Justice," said Proia. "Our attorneys work hard to embody that spirit. Our goal is to continue growing this model, equipping the next generation of attorneys to build thriving practices while expanding access to justice throughout Massachusetts."

The recognition adds to UMass Law's growing national reputation for practical legal education and public service. Earlier this year, preLaw ranked UMass Law as the third best law school in Massachusetts and seventh best in New England for practical training. U.S. News & World Report ranked UMass Law as the 26^th best law school in the nation for public interest law employment.