UND School of Law Welcomes Class of 2029

Ninety-eight first-year students began their legal education with a call to professionalism, service, and integrity

Ninety-eight members of the University of North Dakota School of Law Class of 2029 began their legal education last week with a Convocation ceremony and a weeklong orientation focused on preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The Class of 2029 officially began its journey on Sunday, Aug. 16, at a Convocation ceremony in the UND Memorial Union Ballroom, where family and friends gathered to celebrate the students’ entry into the legal profession. UND President Andrew Armacost, UND School of Law Dean Del Crandall, and Assistant Dean of Student Services Brad Parrish offered remarks. Ashley Samuelson, North Dakota District Court Judge for the Northeast Judicial District, delivered the keynote address.

Invited to speak about professionalism and ethics, Samuelson drew on her own experience as a law student 22 years ago and encouraged students to recognize that their professional reputations begin taking shape from their very first day of law school.

“The time is now,” Samuelson told the class. “Your reputation, your credibility in the eyes of your peers … starts today. What you do during your three years of law school will follow you as you start your career.”

Samuelson encouraged students to build strong relationships with classmates, faculty members, and mentors, emphasizing that those connections can last throughout their professional lives.

“The practice of law is not for lone wolves,” she said. “Show each other grace, but hold each other accountable too.”

She challenged students to recognize the responsibility lawyers carry in maintaining public trust in the legal system and encouraged them to approach artificial intelligence with curiosity and caution, understanding its limitations and ethical risks.

“How all of you conduct yourselves from here on impacts the public’s perception of the legal community as a whole,” Samuelson said.

Throughout her remarks, Samuelson emphasized mentorship and well-being, urging students to seek help when needed and prioritize their mental and physical health.

“Practicing law is a bit like being an airline passenger. Put your mask on first, people.”

She also encouraged students to embrace the diversity of people and circumstances they will encounter as lawyers and explore different areas of the profession through clinics, trial advocacy, volunteer opportunities, clerkships and work with public defenders, prosecutors, family law practices, and tribal courts.

“Try it all because you might just find a calling where you least expect it.”

Samuelson closed by reminding students of the privilege and responsibility that come with entering the legal profession.

“Remember what an honor it is to learn how to one day take on the profound responsibilities embedded in the law.”

Following the remarks, each student received a UND School of Law padfolio from Dean Crandall and recited the School of Law Pledge of Professionalism, led by Samuelson.

The Class of 2029 includes 58 women and 40 men representing 18 states and two countries. Fifty percent of the class is from North Dakota, with others coming from Minnesota, Texas, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Arkansas, Connecticut, Nevada, and other states, as well as Canada and South Korea.

During orientation, students became acquainted with the law school, faculty, staff, and one another while learning about academic expectations, wellness, career development, professionalism, equity and inclusion, financial planning, advising, and the School of Law’s core values.

Students also began their first course, Lawyering Skills, taking their first steps toward joining the legal profession.