Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law

09/01/2026

First week ✅ Here’s what our students are excited for in their law journey!

08/30/2026

Starting the semester on a sweet note! 🍪

08/24/2026

Before classes even began for the semester, our Mock Trial Team advocates were already hard at work taking part in ONU Law’s annual Boot Camp. Returning advocates welcomed incoming 2Ls for a week of intensive training in the Federal Rules of Evidence, objection practice and courtroom advocacy.

These students put in the work, challenged themselves and embraced every opportunity to sharpen their advocacy skills. “Mock Trial gives students the chance to become advocates before they ever step into a courtroom,” said Jasmeet Kang, Chief Justice of the ONU Mock Trial Team. “It teaches you to think on your feet, know the rules cold, and fight for your client—skills that carry into every part of legal practice. Watching our incoming 2Ls throw themselves into boot camp this week was a reminder of why this program means so much to our law school.”

“All you want is to see year over year improvement - and we’ve soared past that this year,” says Donald Anderson, Trial Advocacy Director.

A special congratulations to Giavanna Altmeyer and Gavin Fittro on earning Best Advocate honors!

08/20/2026

Today marks the first day of orientation for our newest class of law students!

We’re thrilled to welcome the Class of 2029 to ONU Law and kick off the journey toward becoming tomorrow’s attorneys. Today was all about making connections, building community, meeting mentors and getting their first glimpse of life as a law student.

New students heard from Interim Dean Bryan Ward, took their Oath of Professionalism and received their pins from Judge John Willamowski, JD ’85, Third District Court of Appeals, and received warm words of encouragement from ONU President Melissa Baumann, Ph.D.

The journey starts here—and we’re so glad you’re part of it. Welcome to ONU Law, Class of 2029!

08/13/2026

Join an incredible team making a real difference in rural Ohio communities. ONU Law’s Lawyers = Justice Coordinator and Supervising Attorney will mentor and support program Fellows as they build sustainable law practices, develop professionally, connect with local legal and community partners, and serve clients who need access to justice.

This full-time, year-round role also provides opportunities to work with law students, support our long-standing legal clinics, participate in trainings and community events, and help strengthen the next generation of community-focused attorneys.

If you’re an attorney who loves mentoring, collaborating, teaching, and expanding access to justice—we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re interested in joining our team apply here: https://onu.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ONU/details/Supervising-Attorney_JR100069

08/12/2026

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association (OPAA) once again brought its three-day Trial Advocacy Boot Camp to Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law - providing assistant prosecutors with hands-on training to strengthen the courtroom skills needed for felony jury trials.

Throughout the intensive program, experienced prosecutors guided participants through jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, and closing arguments. The program culminated in realistic mock trials presided over by sitting judges, most of whom are former OPAA members and graduates of ONU Law, giving participants an opportunity to put their skills into practice and receive meaningful feedback.

“The three-day event has been valuable. It's been good practice in a lower stake environment where you can try new things and apply the tips you learned throughout the week,” says Mackenzie Mueller, Assistant Prosecutor, Madison County.

“As young prosecutors we are looking for ways to get better and positively impact our communities. To have experienced judges and prosecutors teaching, coaching, and role playing is priceless,” says Ed Walsh, Assistant Prosecutor, Mahoning County.

08/04/2026

For Vallie Bowman-English, JD ’95, Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law came into her life at exactly the right time.

“ONU saved my life,” she says.

It’s a statement she doesn't make lightly. At a pivotal point in her life, Bowman-English was looking for more than a law school. She needed a place where she could focus on becoming a lawyer while remaining close enough to support her family.

“It was far enough from home and the distractions of family obligations, but close enough that I could be there when I needed to be,” she says. “ONU was everything I needed at the time.”

The experience gave her more than a legal education. It gave her the confidence, practical experience, and sense of purpose that would shape a career devoted to public service.

Today, Bowman-English serves as the Toledo Municipal Clerk of Courts and was recently named president-elect of the Ohio State Bar Association. In 2027, she will become president of the organization. She also received the OSBA’s prestigious Nettie Cronise-Lutes Award, recognizing her leadership and commitment to advancing women in the legal profession.

For Bowman-English, however, the recognition has never been about personal accolades.

“I feel others really deserve the recognition—those who are doing the job every single day,” she says. “It’s really for all of us doing the hard work to move the profession forward—and for those coming behind us.”

That philosophy has guided more than two decades of service. Since 2003, she has worked to make the Toledo Municipal Court more accessible and efficient, embracing technology and innovation while remaining focused on serving the public.

“It’s the work that matters,” she says.

Just as important to her is helping the next generation find its footing.

“Make your presence known,” she tells young attorneys. “If a door gets closed, ask why, figure out a way to open that door, and leave it open for those behind us.”

She also encourages future lawyers to seek out perspectives different from their own.

“Get to know people who are different from you,” she says. “We all have something to learn from each other.”

Looking back, Bowman-English sees a clear connection between the confidence she found at ONU and the leader she has become. The education she received prepared her for a successful legal career, but the community she found there inspired something even more lasting—a commitment to serve others and help them succeed.

For Bowman-English, Ohio Northern opened a life-changing door. She has spent her career making sure it stays open for the next generation.

07/29/2026

Do you enjoy boneless chicken wings? What would you do if it wasn’t truly boneless?
If you think there’s a case here, you belong in an Ohio Northern University College of Law classroom. There’s still time to join us this Fall! Apply today at law.onu.edu

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

ONU Law's International Law Journal is now accepting submissions for its 2027 publication.