Welcoming the gathered class for the first time in the school’s Brooke A. Goff Courtroom on August 14, Dean Brian Gallini shared insightful advice for the 1Ls to carry forward on their academic journey.

“One of the great secrets about law school is that everyone arrives with some level of doubt. So the first thing that I hope you’ll remember, and I hope you’ll hear it clearly: all of you belong here. We admitted you because we believe you can succeed here,” said Gallini. “We saw talent, potential, promise. You belong here.”

He also encouraged them to embrace discomfort and uncertainty, framing these challenges not as obstacles, but as essential opportunities for personal and professional growth. Gallini went on to highlight that “scheduling your joy” is of equal importance, urging students to make time for what brings them fulfillment, such as volunteering, community, faith, family, exercise, and hobbies.

Noting that challenges often accompany extraordinary opportunities, he advised replacing a “have to” mindset with a “get to” appreciation. Citing American Bar Association survey data counting 1.37 million active attorneys — less than 0.4% of the U.S. population — he emphasized the unique responsibility lawyers carry.

“So let’s all agree, right here, right now, together in this room, your being here is a privilege. You get to study the law,” Gallini said. “You get to learn from faculty who care deeply about you and your success. You get to learn alongside classmates that are going to challenge you, but they’re also going to support you across these next several years. You get to prepare for a profession that allows you to solve problems, to serve others and make a difference in your community.”

He said the legal profession is counting on the impactful work of the next generation.

“We’ve been waiting for you. I’ve been waiting for you. We need lawyers who will ask the hard questions, solve the difficult problems and leave the community a little bit better than they found it,” said Gallini. “That’s why your work ahead, starting now, really matters. It can be hard to see sometimes, when we get lost in the minutiae, but what you do matters. And that’s why all of us, absolutely everyone in this building, is so excited to have you here.”  

Joan Metzler, associate dean of admissions and financial aid, shared that welcoming each new class is her favorite time of year — the moment when students’ hard work and perseverance culminate not just in their acceptance, but in their arrival on campus as part of the Quinnipiac Law family.

Metzler noted it was a privilege to get to know the incoming 1L class through their applications, personal statements, and many conversations during the law school’s most competitive admissions cycle in more than 15 years. Following a 37% surge in applicants last year, submissions for full-time and part-time programs grew by an additional 9% this year.

“We received applications from 16 different countries and 45 states, and you stood out in that incredibly strong pool. Your admission is truly an accomplishment,” said Metzler.

The impressive academic credentials of the incoming class also reflect the cycle’s competitive momentum, with a median LSAT score rising from 155 last year to 157 this year, and the average GPA climbing from 3.65 to 3.68.

The incoming class is both accomplished and diverse. Arriving from 15 states and 82 different undergraduate institutions, the group includes 22 members with advanced degrees, speakers of languages and dialects from 18 countries, 24% students of color, 22% of students identifying as LGBTQIA+, 22% first-generation college students, and 12 with family members who are Quinnipiac Law graduates. The average age is 24.

“Each of you brings a unique story, perspective and set of experiences; and one of the most valuable parts of the next three to four years is discovering what you can learn from each other,” Metzler said. “Of course you’ll learn from your professors, but you’ll also learn from the people sitting beside you. You’ll challenge one another, encourage one another, and at times help each other through the inevitable difficult days. Many before you have navigated this path, and we know that you will too.”

The incoming cohort brings Quinnipiac Law’s collective student population to 415. Metzler said the small 1L class was intentionally designed to develop a highly selective and qualified group while maintaining the strong sense of community for which the school is known.

Student Bar Association president Mia Adduci JD ’27 congratulated the 1Ls for taking the first step on a journey that will change them.

“You need to enter this stage of your education willing to let it change you, and so what I’m going to encourage you all to do, more than anything, is to invest in yourself -- and with that, let the people in this community invest in you,” Adduci said.

She noted ready support exists all around them, with professors, administrators, and peers eager to mentor and guide them toward their careers. Adduci encouraged the new students to lean on these relationships as they navigate coursework, connect with classmates, and experience early interactions in the field which may shape the direction of their law study and career focus. She also asked them to work together as leaders.

“Leadership is not competitive. It’s collaborative. I don’t know what people told you about law school, but you are here to collaborate with people around you, because your greatest strength will come from your work alongside your peers, not in making them your adversary,” Adduci said. “I hope you all find community in each other, learn from each other and grow together.”  

As a peer mentor, Maja Durbic JD ’27 is supporting two mentees from the incoming class. 
“I’ll keep in contact with them throughout the year, and I’m also open to any other incoming students who need help. I’ll be a guide for them,” Durbic said, adding, “…this class seems to be very kind. They’re open and they’re curious. I’m excited to help them get acclimated to Quinnipiac.”

Student orientation leader Jill Collins JD ’27 said she’s also finding the incoming class to be characterized by kindness and an outgoing nature.

“I think sometimes people can be very in their shell and ready to be hitting the books. This class seems like they’re ready for that, but also really wanting to connect with each other,” said Collins.

Many incoming 1Ls, such as part-time student Ghammam Mansoor of Hartford, Connecticut pointed to Quinnipiac Law’s sense of community as a key reason for their acceptance decision.

“I chose Quinnipiac for the community. It seemed like a very diverse location and a school that’s very progressive in thought,” Mansoor said.

Glastonbury, Connecticut resident Samantha Misar said she was searching for a quality part-time program at a school within commuting distance when she found Quinnipiac Law and its supportive community.

“I really loved how thorough the staff was at the open house; and the community aspect of Quinnipiac. You could really tell that it’s an excellent school, but not too competitive -- people really want to help each other out. I was looking for that supportive community, especially as a part-timer, to help me get through school,” said Misar.

While earning her Law in Society bachelor’s degree at Quinnipiac, Haley Weiner ’26 forged many connections. The Southington, Connecticut resident knew she wanted to join Quinnipiac Law to undertake her legal education as a full-time law student.

“The program has always been so well-advertised, and during my time as an undergrad, I was connected with the law school, so I knew they had a good community here. I had a good experience, so I wanted to stay,” said Weiner.  

New Jersey resident Cosette Gonzalez, a full-time 1L student, said Quinnipiac Law’s community attracted her.

“I chose Quinnipiac because I loved the sense of community that I felt,” Gonzalez said. “Even online, and from emails that I got, and from going to law school forums, I could really feel the sense of community.”

Pennsylvania resident Jordan Mackey made Quinnipiac Law her first choice after meeting Megan Frederick JD ’25, assistant director of law school admissions, while Mackey was still an undergraduate.

“Community was a huge part of my undergrad experience, so that was definitely something I was looking for in grad school. I went to a law school fair, and when I talked to Megan, literally everything she said was what I was looking for,” Mackey said. “I ended up coming to check out the school and just loved everything about it. I loved the people and the vibes and the atmosphere. I felt an instant connection from coming to visit and hearing people talk about it. I’m super excited to get started.”

Clarissa Pierre of Shelton, Connecticut said she’s thrilled to be joining Quinnipiac Law’s community as a full-time 1L.

“I just liked the sense of community it brought when I came and toured. It was very welcoming. And being from Connecticut and near here, I just wanted to find a sense of community near my home. Now I don’t have just my family – I have friends, I have classmates and potentially future employers to connect with, so I’m happy to be here,” said Pierre.

To mark the official start of their legal journey, the Honorable Seán P. McGuinness ’06, JD ’09, administered the Professional Oath during a special ceremony held on the North Haven Campus on August 15. He also serves as an adjunct professor of law at Quinnipiac Law.

“As an alumnus, there can be no greater honor than to be asked to administer the oath to the incoming class,” Judge McGuinness said. “The oath represents the first step towards a career in law - the foundation of which is built on integrity, compassion, and hard work. To be a small part of their upcoming journey is incredibly humbling to me.”