On May 12, WashU Law celebrated the Class of 2025, bringing together graduates, families, friends, faculty and staff to honor the accomplishments of our students. Dean Lindquist led the ceremony, extending a warm welcome to the graduates and acknowledging their dedication and achievements throughout their time at WashU Law.
Student speakers Jason Shefferman and Franklin Okoro delivered inspiring remarks reflecting on their law school experiences and thanking their families, peers and professors for their support.
The ceremony also paid tribute to this year’s faculty and staff award recipients, honoring their exceptional service and lasting contributions to WashU Law.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Learn more about the honorees, speakers and marshals below.
John Drobak, Professor of the Year
Celebrating Professor John N. Drobak, a true pioneer of interdisciplinary scholarship! As the George Alexander Madill Professor of Law and Professor of Economics & Political Economy, he’s bridged law, economics and global policy for decades. From co-teaching with Nobel laureate Douglass North to shaping international reforms, Professor Drobak’s impact at WashU and beyond is profound.
Darryl Barker, Distinguished Service Award
“Serving the students of WashU Law, and especially the class of 2025, has been an honor as the law multimedia staff and I have assisted a new generation of lawyers. I have been personally educated by our students, who have navigated a changing world, and are now planning their course in life. As I have assisted our students achieve their goals these past three years, it is clear that working together to make a better world is the greatest reward I can hope for. I am honored to receive the WashU Law Student Bar Association’s, Distinguished Service Award. Many thanks to the law students of WashU Law.”
David Rosen, Adjunct Professor of the Year
After graduating from WashU, Professor Rosen had a 32-year career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, where he led groundbreaking efforts in civil rights, organized crime, terrorism and identity theft prosecution, including launching the first Identity Theft Task Force in the country. Since 1996 he’s brought real world experience into the classroom at WashU Law, where he’s twice been named Adjunct Professor of the Year. As a WashU Law alum, Professor Rosen’s unwavering commitment to justice and mentorship continues to inspire our community.
Russell Osgood, Voice of the Faculty
A nationally recognized legal scholar and leader in higher education, Professor Osgood has an extensive background in university administration, as WashU Law dean from 2022 to June 2024, president of Grinnell College from July 1998 to July 2010, where he also was a professor of history and political science, and as dean of Cornell Law School from 1988 to 1998. Known for his thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to legal education, he continues to inspire future lawyers with a blend of scholarship, service, and heart.
Jason Shefferman, JD ’25 Student Speaker
Jason is on a mission to redefine wellness in the legal profession. As the founding president of the Wellness in Law & Life Society, he’s championed mental health and community support at WashU Law. After graduation, Jason will join Cooley LLP where he plans to continue his advocacy for well-being and connection in law.
Franklin Okoro, LLM ’25 Student Speaker
Originally from Imo State, Nigeria, Frank graduated with his LL.B from the Faculty of Law at Imo State University in 2023. He is the youngest of five children and continues to inspire with his dedication and passion for the legal profession.
Dan Keating, Grand Marshal
Professor Dan Keating is a leading voice in bankruptcy and commercial law, known for his influential scholarship, award-winning teaching and deep commitment to service. A three-time interim dean and recipient of WashU’s Ethic of Service Award, he’s taught everywhere from law school classrooms to correctional facilities, bringing legal education to diverse communities with insight and heart.
Kaitlyn Salyer, Student Marshal
Kaitlyn is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and International Studies. In addition to serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Washington University Law Review, Kaitlyn worked as a Research Assistant for Professor D’Onfro, served as a student advocate in the appellate clinic and competed in the Wiley Rutledge Moot Court Competition and the 2025 John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition. After graduation, she will be clerking for the Northern District of Illinois and the First Circuit.
Alaa Otayf, Student Marshal
Alaa Otayf is a Two-Year LLM candidate at WashU Law. He’s originally from Saudi Arabia and his focus is on corporate and business law. During his time here, he’s had the privilege of serving as the LLM Representative on the SBA and participating in programs such as the Judicial Experiential Learning Program, the Graduate Policy Scholars and the Global Public Interest Law Fellows. Alaa states “this journey gave me more than knowledge. It gave me clarity and perspective for what comes next.”
Kyle Lorey, Student Marshal
During his time at WashU Law, Kyle worked as a research assistant for Professors Daniel Epps and Danielle D’Onfro and as a teaching assistant for Professor John Drobak’s Antitrust class. He served as a Senior Executive Editor for the Washington University Law Review and as a student advocate in the Appellate Clinic, where he had the opportunity to argue a case in front of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Kyle also competed in Wiley Rutledge and as a member of the Admiralty Moot Court Team. His post-graduation plans include two federal clerkships, after which he plans to return to Washington, D.C. to practice law.
