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UMass Law earns full ABA accreditation
T
he University of Massachusetts School of Law-Dartmouth achieved a major milestone – earning full accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA) in December 2016. Established in 2010, UMass Law earned provisional ABA accreditation in 2012. Full accreditation— the final step in the process— means that the school has met or exceeded all ABA quality standards. “This achievement recognizes the dedicated work of our faculty and staff, and the accomplishments of our students and graduates,” said Law School Interim Dean Eric Mitnick. “We will continue to enhance our excellent academic programs. We will further develop the clinical and Justice Bridge programs that give our students and graduates invaluable learning experiences while benefiting those desperately in need of legal services. Most importantly, we will maintain our unyielding commitment to affordability, diversity, and justice.”
The only public law school in Massachusetts, UMass Law is committed to providing an excellent, affordable, and accessible legal education with an emphasis on public service. The law school is among the most diverse law schools in the Northeast. On the February 2017 Massachusetts Bar Exam, the law school’s first-time pass rate was fourth among the eight Massachusetts ABA-accredited law schools. The law school recently ranked third in the nation for the percentage of 2016 graduates in full-time, long-term public service jobs. “From the moment it entered the UMass system, UMass Law has had an essential focus on social justice, public service, and helping the most vulnerable members of our society,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “For those of us concerned about protecting the rights of all residents of the Commonwealth, UMass Law will play a key role in that effort moving forward.”
Rappaport Fellow prepares for public office Megan Beyer, JD ’16 (pictured left) graduated from UMass Law with plans to run for office in five to 10 years. But after the presidential election, she accelerated her timeline. She applied and was accepted to Emerge Massachusetts, a six-month training program for women who want to pursue public office. Emerge Massachusetts is an affiliate of Emerge America, a national organization working in 17 states. The organization teaches women about campaign planning, effective fundraising, and ethical leadership. "Watching Megan's career unfold is edifying and inspirational for everyone at the law school,” said Interim Dean Eric Mitnick. “I look forward to Megan representing UMass Law in her journey to public office. Her passion for justice and commitment to making a positive difference is a perfect reflection of our mission." As UMass Law’s first Rappaport Fellow, Beyer interned in the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement where one of her projects involved gender equality in Boston and closing the wage gap between men and women. Beyer applied for the prestigious fellowship because of its public interest mission, which also prompted her to attend UMass Law. She currently works at the Massachusetts Land Court in Boston as a sessions clerk. “I always wanted to be a lawyer so I could help people,” she said. “I truly believe that UMass Law has that mission.”
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Summer 2017 www.umassd.edu