Embarking on his first year of leadership for the School of Law, Dean Brian Gallini greeted the group, which filled the Brooke A. Goff Courtroom on the North Haven Campus.

“It is my genuine privilege and thrill to welcome all of you here as the newest students of Quinnipiac University School of Law, and my first class as your new dean,” said Gallini.

Gallini encouraged the students to lean into the challenging work ahead and said they will find support within the school, among each other and throughout the School of Law’s kind and caring community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“It’s all a part of our shared dream of everyone in this room in helping you to become lawyers. It’s a dream that’s worth pursuing. It’s one that society needs you to pursue, and it’s one that I need you to pursue,” said Gallini. “We are in a moment where we need good lawyers and leaders.”

Gallini encouraged the first-year students to embrace their law school experience and to be agents of change in their law careers.

“When the work of law school piles up, and it will; and you’re reviewing case after case, and you’re attending class after class, I do want you to remember people are waiting for you and are counting on you,” Gallini said.

Associate Dean of Students Kathy Kuhar encouraged the students to pursue their interests, get to know one another, and explore new opportunities and organizations at the Law School and within the extended university community.

Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Joan Metzler said this “bright and fascinating” group of first-year students includes a majority from the Northeast and in total hail from 15 states, 8 countries and collectively speak 24 different languages and dialects. Thirty percent are students of color, 32% are first-generation college students, and 10% identify as LGBTQIA+.

“We’re honored and excited that you’ve chosen to embark on your legal education with us. We’re committed to providing you with an exceptional education and degree that you will cherish and be proud of for the rest of your life,” said Metzler.

First-year student Alahaniss Lopez-Zea said she selected Quinnipiac because she found the perfect law school for her in her home state of Connecticut.

“Quinnipiac has great clinics, and the staff here is so supportive. When I visited the school, I really fell in love with the way they care about students. It just felt like the right place to be,” said Lopez-Zea.

Bryan Reed said Quinnipiac School of Law is a great fit for him.

“I chose Quinnipiac because it’s a smaller law school, and I came from a smaller undergraduate school, so I felt like it would be good transition,” said Reed. “This is my first experience at Quinnipiac, and I think it’s gorgeous. I also like the fact that there are multiple graduate programs all in the same building.”

Shaun Hillis said Quinnipiac School of Law came highly recommended by family and others who are Quinnipiac Law alumni.

“My dad, who’s a state criminal defense attorney, and some of his colleagues and people I’ve met through his work are all Quinnipiac Law alumni, and they all swear by it. My cousin also went here and loved it. They’re all great lawyers and great people,” said Hillis.

During orientation activities, the first-year students met with peer mentors and also heard from Student Bar Association President Catherine Bailey, ’25.

“It’s an exciting time for all of you and I can imagine it’s filled with mixed emotions. We’ve all been there. But I’m here to tell you you’re in the right place,” said Bailey. “The people you meet here, your classmates, your professors, will become your support system, your network and your friends. At Quinnipiac, we pride ourselves on having a strong, supportive community. We are all here to help each other succeed, and we are so excited to welcome you into this community with open arms.”