St. John’s Law welcomes one of its most diverse incoming classes

St. John’s Law welcomed one of its most diverse and academically accomplished cohort earlier this month. Photo via St. John’s Law.

By Jonathan Sperling

As first-year law school students settle into their classes across the city, a Queens law school is celebrating one of its most diverse and academically successful cohorts ever.

St. John’s Law officially welcomed 259 J.D. and 39 LL.M. students at its New Student Convocation earlier this month. School leaders noted that this particular incoming class boasts a median LSAT score of 159 and a median G.P.A. of 3.63, “the highest ever.”

“It’s great to welcome our new students at Convocation,” said Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment Alicia Meehan. “They’re a talented group and, as our most diverse class ever, they come with an amalgam of experiences, skillsets, and insights that can only enhance classroom discussions and foster connections across the St. John’s Law community.”

The incoming class is impressive for more than just their academic achievements. Students range in age from 20 to 39, and 46 of them are first-generation Americans. Another two dozen students were born outside the United States and 32 percent of them identify as students of color.

The students attended 118 different colleges as undergraduates, pursued 50 different majors, and earned 28 graduate degrees, plus one Ph.D. At least 40 of them are the first college graduates in their family, according to St. John’s.

The class’ diversity comes at a time when there is a global call to confront evil and intolerance in many forms, Dean Michael Simon noted. 

“When protesters challenge politicians to ‘do something’—as happened in Dayton, Ohio last week—the ‘something’ they’re talking about is law: write a law, pass a law, enforce that law, bring lawsuits under that law. They’re talking about the power of the law to change society. You will have access to that power,” Simons said.

At the close of convocation, the students took an oath administered by Hon. Wilma Guzman ’86, an accomplished trial lawyer, experienced judge and public servant.