Dean's Message May 2026
The conclusion of the academic year marks endings and heralds beginnings.
For the members of the Class of 2026, May brings commencement, which is the culmination of years of effort, and the start of the next stage in professional journeys. On May 8, 2026, 143 students completed their program of legal education at Mercer Law. Of those 143 graduates, four earned a JD/MBA, 19 earned a Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing, Research, & Drafting, and 15 earned the Certificate in Public Service. Two of the graduates received special recognition at the commencement celebration. Caroline Hager received the 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, and Lane Hammond received the 2026 George Waldo Woodruff Award of Excellence. You can learn more about them and their accomplishments in the May newsletter.
The Class of 2026 has now turned its attention to focused bar-exam studying over the summer as they look forward to post-graduation opportunities. Many have already decided their next steps, which include post-graduation clerkships, positions in public defenders offices and prosecutors’ offices, and associate positions at private law firms of all sizes.
For the second-year law students and the first-year law students, May also brings endings and beginnings. The year has brought them new experiences as they move closer to their ultimate goals. This newsletter features the journeys of two brothers who are finishing their second year and first year respectively. The summer is a pivotal moment of the now rising second-year law students and now rising third-year law students as they extend their experiences beyond the classroom.
For members of the faculty, May brings grading of exams & final projects, evaluation of courses taught, conducting of research, and planning for the upcoming academic year. Similarly, for members of staff, May brings assessments with end-of-the-year reports and launches of summer planning sessions.
The moments that occur before, during, and after law school are part of Mercer Law stories. Each individual is called to study the law for unique reasons. During their time at Mercer Law, each individual crafts their own journey to prepare for future successes. Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Maggie Reimer is often on hand to document these journeys on film and in videos. You’ll read her story in the newsletter, about how she plays a role in building community both in and outside of the building by sharing their stories.
As another academic year comes to a close, we celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and resilience of the Mercer Law community. Whether graduating into the profession, advancing to the next stage of legal education, or preparing for the year ahead, our students, faculty, and staff continue to shape the enduring story of Mercer Law through their dedication, service, and commitment to excellence.
