UMass Law UMass Law: UMass Law welcomes largest and most diverse class in school's history

Class of 2027 hails from 25 states, 13 countries, and 94 undergraduate institutions

The Commonwealth's only public law school celebrated another year of growth after a three-day orientation that welcomed the largest and most diverse class in the school's history, enriching the UMass Law community with a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.  

About the class 

• 146 students 
• 38% students of color 
• 25 states represented 
• 13 countries of origin 
• 10 different native languages 
• 9 veterans or active military personnel 
• 94 undergraduate institutions 

"Our diversity is a core strength of our school, as, indeed, it is for our country," said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. "And like our country, we are better because of it."

Finding support

In the class's first session as students at UMass Law, Dean Panarella spoke about his path to overcoming adversity and the importance of support. The product of a chaotic household with extremely limited resources, he dropped out of high school at 16, later earning his GED.

A first-generation college student, like one-third of the 1L's in the class of 2027, he described feeling a sense of imposter syndrome throughout his education and professional career, but says he found success thanks to the tremendous support he received from his professors, mentors, and his wife.

"I'm an average person who's had the extraordinarily good fortune of having support from people who lifted me on my path," said Panarella. "We hope and intend to be those people for you on your path through law school and beyond. You belong here."

Orientation 

Full-time 1L's wrapped up their three-day orientation on Thursday after a full slate of introductory classes on legal education, professionalism, and access to resources, highlighted by the Lawyer's Oath, administered by Attorney Hannah Kilson, and the First Law School Class, taught by Professor Eric Mitnick.

"We had a great orientation week with our newest students," said UMass Law Assistant Dean for Students Julie Cahill. "They brought their energy, curiosity and excitement to our law school community and they are ready to get started. We're looking forward to a wonderful year ahead with all of them!"

"Our diversity is a core strength of our school, as, indeed, it is for our country. And like our country, we are better because of it."