UND School of Law Mourns the Loss of Professor Kirsten Dauphinais
Professor Dauphinais served the School of Law for more than two decades and leaves a lasting legacy of compassion, excellence, and student success.
The University of North Dakota school of Law is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Kirsten Dauphinais, who died on July 18, 2026 at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with illness.
Professor Dauphinais joined the UND School of Law faculty in 2005 and dedicated more than 20 years to educating and mentoring future lawyers. She developed and directed the Lawyering Skills Program, as well as the Bar Passage and Academic Success programs, and was widely admired for her unwavering commitment to student achievement. Through her teaching, scholarship, and mentorship, she fostered a learning environment where students felt supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
A graduate of Colgate University and Columbia Law School, Professor Dauphinais began her legal career as a judicial clerk and attorney-advisor before entering academia. At UND, she became known not only for her expertise in legal writing and advocacy, but also for her belief that the practice of law is rooted in reason, integrity, empathy, and service to others.
“While I did not know Kirsten personally, I know from talking with many in our community that she was a cherished member of the School of Law,” said Dean Del Crandall. “Her dedication to her students and to legal education made a lasting impact on our school, and our thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues, and the many alumni whose lives she influenced.”
Professor Margaret Jackson reflected on Professor Dauphinais’s enduring contributions to the law school and beyond. “Kirsten shared her many skills and talents with both the UND School of Law and the wider community. Her students and colleagues greatly benefitted from her commitment to high-quality legal education, gaining her national recognition. We will all miss her.”
The UND School of Law extends its deepest condolences to Professor Dauphinais’s husband, David, their son, Jack, and her entire family, friends, colleagues, and former students.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, July 23, at 10 a.m., also at Amundson Funeral Home, with interment immediately following. Kirsten’s complete obituary is available on the Amundson Funeral Home website.
