Albany Law School welcomed its newest students—talented, committed, diverse, and 206 members strong—at orientation this August.

Of those students, 177 are pursuing a Juris Doctor. More than 1,200 individuals—the most since 2012 and an 8% increase over last year—applied to Albany Law School’s J.D. program. Members of the incoming J.D. class:

• hail from 21 states plus Canada;
• represent 89 undergraduate colleges and universities;
• completed 36 undergraduate majors;
• speak 19 native languages;
• and were born in 15 different countries.

In addition:

• 55% self-identify as women;
• 24% self-identify as diverse;
• 17 students have a relative with an Albany Law School degree;
• and three have served in the United States military.

Twenty-nine students enrolled in Albany Law School’s graduate programs: Master of Science in Legal Studies (M.S.L.S., 17), Master of Laws (LL.M., 10), and advanced certificate (2).

Prior to orientation, Albany Law School’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion held a three-day program, Lighting the Pathway (LTP), to help students adjust to and succeed in law school. The LTP program was designed for students of any race or ethnicity who are members of groups that are underrepresented in the legal profession, and have faced discrimination or overcome social and economic hardships.

Orientation officially began August 14 with a keynote from the Honorable Robert Capers ’96, former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and current practice leader at Arent Fox. Capers, an Albany Law School trustee, stressed the benefits of being open to different career options—as well as keeping on top of the news—and ended his talk by taking questions from the incoming class.

Also on Day 1, students showed off their teamwork during a race across campus, solving clues while familiarizing themselves with the people, departments, and buildings that make up Albany Law School. Congratulations to our winners, Section 8B! The day ended with a welcome barbecue hosted by the Student Bar Association.

The second day included sample classes and several sessions: Lawyers in a Multicultural World, Using Social Media Responsibly, Learning about Character and Fitness, and more. It ended with a networking event at which more than 45 alumni, representing Albany Law School’s six Opportunity Pathways, mingled with students and spoke about the different careers paths in law.

The final day was packed with highlights. Trustee James Sandman, president of the Legal Services Corporation, received a standing ovation for his heartfelt talk on lawyering and setting priorities. “Good people finish first,” he emphasized. Afterward, the Honorable Mae D'Agostino gave her own words of encouragement and administered the oath of professionalism. Orientation ended with a class photo on the front steps and a toast to the students and their families from President and Dean Alicia Ouellette.

Several new students participated in the National Alumni Association’s Community Service Day on August 17 at Patroon Land Farm.