Dean's Message September 2026

Each academic year is filled with possibilities. After a busy summer, Mercer Law faculty and staff welcomed new and returning students to campus in August.

For the fourth year, first-year orientation began with service-learning projects. These projects resonate with Mercer law students because they are drawn to service. The Class of 2029 includes 157 students with a strong history of leadership and service. They have volunteered at food banks, animal rescues, libraries, elementary schools, and science fairs, to name just a few. They come from 50 different undergraduate institutions and bring 49 different majors, ranging from agribusiness to urban studies. The Class of 2029 also has the strongest academic credentials in the history of the Law School. The median LSAT increased by two points, marking the second consecutive year of growth.

Returning students are bringing their summer experiences with them. For some, those experiences have solidified their decisions about their practice areas. For others, they have revealed new areas of interest to explore. Those interests help students shape their course schedules and make the most of their time at Mercer. For 10 students, that means balancing courses in the Law School and the School of Business as they pursue the dual JD/MBA degree.

As September arrives, the newness of the academic year begins to give way to familiar routines. But the possibilities remain. Each class meeting brings an opportunity to gain knowledge and refine skills. Each student organization offers a chance to discover new areas of practice. Even a serendipitous meeting in the library might spark a lifelong friendship.

I hope you will plan to stay connected or reconnect with Mercer this year. Join us for the AWLS Lauren Giddings 5K or the Homecoming Tailgate this October, and mark your calendar for our Annual Alumni Dinner in February. These events are opportunities to reconnect with classmates and to build connections with today’s students, faculty, and staff.

I hope to see you at these fun events and hear how you are embracing the possibilities that this year—and Mercer—have to offer.