North Dakota Law

Updates from the University of North Dakota School of Law.

Welcome Reception Honors Dean McGinniss and Law Class of 2022

UND School of Law hosted a welcome program and reception for new Dean Michael McGinniss and the Class of 2022, on Friday, August 23, in the Baker Courtroom.

The program began with comments from State Bar Association of North Dakota (SBAND) President Aubrey Zuger.  She read a special letter honoring McGinniss written by retired Delaware Supreme Court Justice Randy J. Holland. North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Gerald VandeWalle then extended his congratulations and confidence in the law school moving forward under McGinniss’ leadership.

McGinniss in his comments said, “The UND School of Law is North Dakota’s Law School. I am deeply committed to ensuring that the qualities that have made us so distinctive and special among law schools endure for the future of our state.”

He gave a special recognition to the Class of 2022, SBAND leaders, Professor Emerita Patti Alleva, previous Deans Kathryn Rand and Brad Myers, UND administration, faculty and staff and to the legislators, alumni and other friends in the audience who have helped the law school move forward.

“I am very excited and humbled by the chance I have been given by UND to provide leadership for a law school I love, and to be your Dean as you venture forward in meeting the challenges ahead of you,” said McGinniss.

McGinniss’ UND career began as he joined the faculty in 2010. He has taught courses in Professional Responsibility, Evidence, Conflict of Laws and Advanced and Legal Ethics.  He also co-coordinated UND School of Law’s team-taught, first-year course Professional Foundations and has been honored annually with the J. Phillip Johnson Faculty Fellowship Award. He began his deanship on July 1, 2019.

Associate Dean for Academic & Student Affairs, Julia Ernst closed the program and welcomed guests to the reception. During the reception, students were able to connect personally with the Dean, faculty and alumni to discuss expectations for the coming academic year.