School of Law News

Western New England University School of Law is renowned for its focus on real-world lawyering, a commitment to social justice, and an ethos of student-centered learning. Since 1919, the School of Law has been synonymous with practical lawyering, innovative programming, and entrepreneurial thinking and is committed to contributing to a fair and just society through an impactful, practically-focused 21st Century legal education.

Photo of student at desks in a classroom

WNE School of Law and Hampden District Attorney’s Office Welcome New “Future Lawyers of Springfield” Class
November 07, 2025

The School of Law and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office have welcomed 50 inductees to the 2025–2026 class of the Future Lawyers of Springfield program, a collaborative initiative designed to inspire and mentor students interested in careers in law, criminal justice, and public service. WNE Law Student and Newly Elected City Councilor Gerry Martin embodies the program’s spirit of civic leadership.

Night photo of Blake School of Law exterior

WNE School of Law Launches JD Access: A Flexible, Part-Time Evening Online JD Program Expanding Access to Legal Education
November 04, 2025

WNE Law announces the launch of JD Access, a part-time evening online Juris Doctor program designed to expand access to legal education for working professionals, non-traditional students, and others whose life circumstances make traditional, on-campus attendance challenging.

US Supreme Court Justice Katengi Brown Jackson stands next to WNE School of Law Dean Zelda B. Harris

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Inspires WNE Law Community  
October 28, 2025

Fifty students from the WNE School of Law joined law alumni, faculty, and members of the WNE Board of Trustees October 27 to hear Ketanji Brown Jackson address a sold-out crowd as part of the Springfield Public Forum’s Justice Talk: A Conversation on Democracy & the Courts. 

Man cheers as he becomes a U.S. citizen

51 New Citizens. 31 Countries. 20 New Voters. One Unforgettable Day at the School of Law
September 17, 2025

In a ceremony held at the WNE School of Law, 51 individuals from 31 different countries officially became U.S. citizens, taking the Oath of Allegiance before family, friends, and members of the campus community.

Award recipient standing to the right of a photo of the award's namesake.

Htut Naing Named First Recipient of Dunn Law Library Award
September 08, 2025

The School of Law is proud to announce Htut Naing, J.D. Candidate 2026, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Donald Dunn Law Library Award, which recognizes students who have developed a strong connection to the Law Library throughout their legal education.

Head shot of Dean Zelda Harris in front of book stacks in the law library.

U.S. News: School of Law Dean Zelda B. Harris Champions Judicial Career Preparation
July 02, 2025

Dean Zelda B. Harris spoke to U.S. News about how law students should prepare themselves if they have an eye towards a judicial career.

Head shot of Jordana Harper in front of law books.

Law Student Jordana Harper Receives National Externship Award for Outstanding Performance
May 22, 2025

WNE School of Law announces Jordana Harper has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Externship Student Award by the Clinical Legal Education Association. This prestigious national award recognizes the outstanding contributions of law students participating in Externship programs across the country. 

Headshot of WNE law professor Bridgette Baldwin

WNE Law Professor Bridgette Baldwin Provides Insight in High-Profile Criminal Case 
March 31, 2025

WNE School of Law Professor Bridgette Baldwin recently shared her expertise to the national discourse on criminal justice and forensic evidence. Baldwin was featured in a recent Boston Globe article analyzing the complexities of expert testimony in the high-profile case surrounding the death of Sandra Birchmore. 

Graphic featuring headshots of Rachel Lang and Kelsey Oleksak above the ABA logo.

Law Students Win American Bar Association Law Student National Tax Competition
March 11, 2025

WNE School of Law is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of third-year students Rachel Lang and Kelsey Oleksak, who secured first place in the J.D. division of the prestigious 2024-2025 Law Student Tax Challenge.

Headshot of Nicole Belbin in the school of law

Law Professor Nicole Belbin Honored with 2024 AALS Pro Bono & Access to Justice Award 
January 16, 2025

WNE School of Law announces that Assistant Professor Nicole Belbin has been awarded the prestigious AALS Pro Bono & Access to Justice Section Emerging Leader Award.

Two men in suits stand in front of the American flag

WNE School of Law Sees Significant Gains in First-time Bar Exam Pass Rates 
January 09, 2025

The WNE School of Law has experienced remarkable improvement in first-time bar exam pass rates, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Head shot of Professor Stacey Lantagne

Law Professor Stacey Lantagne Awarded Prestigious IPIL Intellectual Property Scholarship Grant
November 25, 2024

Law Professor Stacey Lantagne selected as the recipient of the 2024 Sponsored Scholarship Grant for the Legal Academy for Intellectual Property & Information Law

Head shot of College of Law Dean Zelda Harris

School of Law Dean Zelda Harris to Receive AAFPA “Inspirations Award” 
October 24, 2024

Zelda B. Harris, Dean of Western New England University School of Law, awarded the "Inspirations Award" by the African American Female Professors Award Association (AAFPA).

Professor at podium addresses court room

WNE School of Law's Participatory Democracy Campaign Aims to Boost Voter Engagement
October 22, 2024

WNE School of Law Participatory Democracy campaign focused on educating and empowering locals to exercise their voting rights.

Dennis Donovan stands in the middle of a group of professionally dressed WNE students.

Business Leader Dennis Donovan Shares Insights with WNE College of Business Students 
October 07, 2024

In an inspiring session designed to connect academic learning with real-world expertise, Dennis Donovan, L’79, President and CEO of Beacon Advisors International, LLC, visited Western New England University's College of Business to engage with student leaders and faculty.

Broad photograph of the School of Law Moot Court with a federal judge presiding to deliver the Oath of Allegiance to 48 citizens.

Western New England School of Law Launches Initiative to Promote Participatory Democracy
September 18, 2024

WNE School of Law launches Participatory Democracy campaign to provide education around citizenship, voting rights, and civic engagement.

Law students consult notes in WNE School of Law moot courtroom

Mass AGO Awards Grant to Western New England University School of Law's Center for Social Justice
August 14, 2024

$163,000 grant helps consumers defend against credit card collection lawsuits.

Students assisting with Small Business Legal Clinic

Free Small Business Legal Clinic Now Accepting Applications

June 24, 2024

Seeking legal help for your small business? Apply for free assistance at Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic, where law students address various legal issues under faculty supervision.

WNE's Judge Dina Fein, sits with Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Loretta Ross in the Western New England University School of Law.

Western New England University Hosts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s Reproductive Justice Unit Convening
June 19, 2024

WNE hosted AG Campbell’s Reproductive Justice Unit Convening, uniting experts to discuss strategies for protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care amid national legal challenges.

Guest Speaker Dr. Deepu Thomas, MD

Western New England University and Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition Co-hosts the Brain Health Conference
April 11, 2024

On April 26, 2024, Western New England University hosts the Brain Health Conference, offering valuable insights into dementia and Alzheimer's disease management, led by keynote speaker Dr. Deepu Thomas, MD.

WNE School of Law

WNE School of Law Offers Unique Three-Week Mini-Law Program for the Community
March 15, 2024

Western New England University's Mini-Law School demystifies the law in a three-week program, covering constitutional law, digital literacy, and labor rights for the community.

Side by side photos of Dr. Jaiswal and Dr. Murray.

Western New England University Explores Entrepreneurial Minded Learning and DEI in Higher Education at Lunch and Learn Event
March 14, 2024

Join Western New England University's Lunch and Learn event on March 27 for insights into Entrepreneurial Minded Learning and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) in higher education. Facilitators Dr. Devina Jaiswal and Dr. Lisa Murray will explore the connection, fostering an environment where DEI is integral to academic excellence.

Nadine Vogel

Western New England University Presents Wellen Davison Seminar: "Disability 101" Featuring Keynote Speaker Nadine O. Vogel
March 01, 2024

Join Western New England University for the Wellen Davison Seminar, "Disability 101," featuring keynote speaker Nadine O. Vogel, a global leader in disability inclusion, on March 14th.

From Left to right: Joel Wesonga (Treasurer), Nichola Tracey (President) and Stephen Donkor (Vice President).

Western New England University School of Law's Black Law Student Association Recognized as NEBLSA Medium Chapter of the Year 2023-2024
February 29, 2024

Western New England University School of Law's Black Law Student Association (BLSA) earns the NEBLSA Chapter of the Year 2023-2024 award, recognizing its commitment to diversity, excellence, and community impact.

Associate Justice Arose Watson Nielsen

Color of Law Roundtable Discussion Series Explores Career Path with Associate Justice Arose Watson Nielsen
February 28, 2024

Join WNE's Color of Law Roundtable with Justice Arose Watson Nielsen, as she shares her career path from Springfield native to the Hampden County Juvenile Court.