The University of Akron School of Law

10/14/2026

“Reaching the 300th pardon is a remarkable milestone and we are especially proud that 156 of those pardons have been made possible through the extraordinary work of Professor Joann Sahl and Akron Law students. We could not be prouder of the compassion, dedication, and professionalism they bring to this work. This project allows Akron Law to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and in our communities." - Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen

Pictured here are Professor Joann Sahl, Clinic Coordinator Angie Smith, and current Expedited Pardon Project student participants.

Press release: https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/ohio-governors-expedited-pardon-project-exceeds-300-pardons

10/06/2026

We are proud and excited to share that more than 300 people have now received a pardon through the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project. 🥳

Those convicted of a criminal offense in Ohio often face lifelong obstacles to housing, jobs, and more. A pardon can help remove those barriers and create a path forward.

This milestone would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our service providers, who offer free pardon application assistance to eligible clients accepted into the program. Service providers include, Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, The University of Akron School of Law, The University of Dayton School of Law, CSU Law School, the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, Toledo Law, and
Toledo Legal Aid at the Public Defender’s Office.

🔗 Learn more about the project: https://www.ohioexpeditedpardon.org/

10/05/2026

Students & alumni of The University of Akron School of Law: Please join the Akron Law Alumni Association on Thursday, October 22nd from 5-7pm at our annual alumni/student social — this year, a Halloween party at Circle of Fifths in Downtown Akron!

We would love to see you there wearing your best (legally themed) costume!🎃

10/03/2026

Good luck to the Akron Law Trial Team as they compete in the All-Star National Mock Trial Competition this weekend.

Members include, Liana González '28, Tyler Schumacher '27, Analise Miranda '28, and Riley Rico '28.

This team is coached by Natalie Gottfried '24 and Audrey Saler '22.

10/02/2026

Today, Steven Farhat '28 , Avneet Badhesha '27, Assistant Dean of Career Services Alisa Benedict O'Brien, and Carley Mayes '28 attended the 2026 Student to Lawyer Symposium (The Whole Lawyer: Thriving as a Person and Practitioner) hosted by the Ohio Supreme Court. What a great day for such an important and timely conversation!

10/01/2026

Last week the Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS) hosted Fred Nance, partner at Squire Patton Boggs with notable clients such as LeBron James and Dave Chapelle. Attorney Nance is pictured here with the SELS executive board, Kaitlyn Van Winkle, Callie Staud, Elise Armile, Page Gross, Robert Jefferson, Brooke Scott.

10/01/2026

This evening we held a reception recognizing our Honors Students at Silver Lake Country Club. Thank you to all who were able to attend!

09/30/2026

09/26/2026

This morning, thousands of runners will pass by The University of Akron School of Law during the seventh mile of the Akron Marathon. Good luck to all of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who will be participating in the event today.

Pictured here: Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Andrew Costigan (running the half marathon), 2L Joseph Pfleger (running the full marathon), and Director of Career Services Alecia Bencze (running as part of a relay team).

09/24/2026

Thank you to Benjamin Childers '19 and Major Colin Beisel '15, for returning to Akron Law today to discuss their time as attorneys in the military.

Benjamin shared insights from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, while Major Beisel provided insights about being a full-time private sector attorney while also serving in the Army JAG Reserve Corps.

We appreciate you both taking the time to share about your career and to connect with current students!