University of Michigan Law School

08/26/2026

Why is it important for lawyers to brush up on their Shakespeare?

According to Professor Len Niehoff, Shakespeare and lawyers both think about everything.

He was recently on the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast to talk about his new book, Meeting Shakespeare at the Bar.

Listen:

Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Join us online, on the road, or in Washington, DC.

08/25/2026

The “clap-out” is a tradition at Michigan Law, usually reserved for faculty who are teaching their last class. Despite Dean Z not being a professor, we still felt a clap-out was the only fitting way to end to her 7-year-long video series, A2Z. 👏😭💙💛

Video description: one clip from early in the episode shows Dean Z and Dustin sitting in a Jeffries Hall classroom. The video then fast forwards to the end of the episode. While Dean Z is talking, faculty, staff, and students quietly begin walking in behind her, to surprise her with a clap-out.

08/22/2026

Professor Eve Brensike Primus is the founder and director of MDefenders and the Public Defender Training Institute — programs designed to educate and support aspiring public defenders.

In this clip she shares three of her favorite books related to her areas of interest in the law.

Her recs:

📘To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

📘 Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

📘 The Price of Mercy: Unfair Trials, a Violent System, and a Public Defender’s Search for Justice in America by Emily Galvin Almanza.

Video description: Professor Primus is standing in her office showing off physical copies of the books she’s talking about.

08/21/2026

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Professor Timothy Pinto, ’97, to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.

Read more:

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Professor Timothy Pinto, ’97, to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.

08/21/2026

Part 2 of our interviews with incoming 1Ls at orientation. 💙💛

Video description: 1Ls speak into a mini mic during the 1L BBQ in the Law Quad.

08/20/2026

We spoke with incoming 1Ls at the orientation BBQ and asked them a little about their background and what they’d like to ask their future self at graduation?

And mark your calendars because they will be answering these questions in 3 years!

Video description: students are in the Law Quad, speaking into a mini microphone.

08/19/2026

Orientation comes to a close with the Commitment to Integrity Ceremony. 

The Honorable Sara L. Ellis, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, outlined the professional obligations that require students to conduct themselves with the highest levels of honor and integrity. 

There are optional (recommended!) orientation sessions Thursday and an excursion to the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market on Saturday so please join if you are able!

Image descriptions:

1. Wide-angle view of Judge Ellis reciting the Commitment to Integrity to the 1Ls, LLMs, and SJDs.

2. Looking from behind Judge Ellis to the left side of the classroom, with students holding their hands in the air and reciting the Commitment.

3. Looking from behind Judge Ellis to the right side of the classroom, with students holding their hands in the air and reciting the Commitment.

4. Judge Ellis smiles as she talks about the importance of remembering who you are and doing the right thing.

5. A wide-angle view of the classroom showing the entire group of JDs, SJDs, and LLMs.

6. A final wide-angle view of the entire classroom during the ceremony.

08/18/2026

Margaret Hannon, ’05, will serve as the next assistant dean for admissions at the University of Michigan Law School. She joined the Michigan Law faculty in 2013; since 2019, she has been a clinical professor of law in the Legal Practice Program.

“I love teaching and wasn’t looking to leave the faculty; in fact, there’s really no job other than this that I would leave legal writing to do. And I wouldn’t want to be an admissions dean anywhere else. I love this institution, and the idea of being able to be that person who makes a difference for so many students is truly a unique opportunity.”

Hannon rose to the top of a highly competitive, nationwide search, said Neel Sukhatme, the David A. Breach Dean of Law and professor of law.

“Margaret has worked closely with students throughout their 1L experience, giving her a deep understanding of the transition into law school and the needs of prospective and incoming students. She is also a proud Michigan Law alum with a deep commitment to this institution and to student success. I am confident that she brings the judgment, leadership, and enthusiasm that will serve our admissions team and the Law School well.”

Hannon succeeds Sarah Zearfoss, ’92, who has led the Law School’s admissions efforts since 2001. In May, Zearfoss announced a phased retirement that will take full effect at the end of the 2026–2027 academic year.

Read more: https://michigan.law.umich.edu/news/margaret-hannon-05-appointed-michigan-laws-next-assistant-dean-admissions

08/18/2026

Say hello to the Michigan Law Class of 2029! 👋



Video description: The Class of 2029 yells “Go Blue” during a group photo in the Law Quad.