WashU Law welcomed our newest class of JD, MLS, LLM, and exchange students at the 2025 Convocation Ceremony, held on Monday, August 18 in historic Graham Chapel.
The day began with a community breakfast, followed by a ceremonial walk from Anheuser-Busch Hall to Graham Chapel, where students, faculty, alumni, and special guests gathered for the formal program.
Dean Lindquist opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and reflections on leadership, civility, and community. She praised the incoming class, one of the most highly qualified in the law school’s history, representing students from across the United States and 18 countries worldwide.
“Lawyers act as the bulwarks of democracy, due process, and the rule of law,” Dean Lindquist told the audience. “We ensure that people are treated fairly and with respect. We are the keepers of civil society.”
Dean Lindquist emphasized the value of community, encouraging students to see each other “by name and by story.” She added: “Look to your right and look to your left. You just met a future United State Attorney. A future CEO of a fortune 500 company. A future criminal defense attorney protecting the rights of the accused. A future federal judge. A future head of a nonprofit organization focused on improving the world. Your classmates are now your community.”
Following Dean Lindquist’s remarks, keynote speaker and WashU Law alumna Kara Newmark, JD ’94, addressed the students. Newmark, a lawyer turned entrepreneur and CEO of Sweetology, encouraged students to embrace resilience and perspective throughout law school. “Every single one of you is smart enough, good enough to be here,” she reminded the audience.
Convocation set an inspiring tone for the academic year ahead, marking the start of a journey of exploration, challenge, and growth for WashU Law’s newest students. Last week, on Monday, August 11, LLM, MLS, and exchange students arrived for their Fundamentals of Legal Practice course and university welcome events. Meanwhile, the JD class spent the week in courses such as How to Brief a Case, Understanding Bias in the Legal Profession, and Negotiations and Dispute Resolution.
The law school building is filled with energy as faculty and staff prepare to welcome all students to classes beginning Monday, August 25. The week’s programs and events reflect the collaborative efforts of organizers across the Office of Student Life, Admissions, the Career Center, Graduate and International Programs, and Events, whose work ensures a strong and supportive start for every student entering WashU Law.
