Incoming Class Continues Tradition of Excellence at Northwestern Pritzker Law

The newest class of Northwestern Pritzker Law JD students have already distinguished themselves as an extraordinary, diverse group of people with an impressive range of accomplishments. These students are already making a positive impact in the Law School’s vibrant intellectual community of scholars, advocates, and future legal leaders.

Selected from over 6,300 applicants, the Law School’s new JD class has the highest combination of LSAT and GPA medians – 172 LSAT and 3.95 GPA – in the Law School’s history. The class also has its highest percentage ever of first-generation college students and of students of color. Fifty-four percent of the class identifies as students of color, 23% are first-generation, and 53% identify as women. This year’s class hails from 37 U.S. states and 10 international jurisdictions, with students speaking a wide range of languages and representing a variety of cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds. Eighty-five percent of the class had time between college and law school.

The Law School also welcomed 155 LLM students from 26 countries and locations and 6 LLM IHR students from 6 international jurisdictions. The new Master of Science in Law cohort includes 64 students (41 full-time and 23 online) from 25 states and 9 international jurisdictions, and the law school also welcome 42 new full-time Tax LLM students. 

“We have been thrilled to welcome our extraordinary new students to Northwestern Pritzker Law this fall,” said Dean Hari Osofsky. “They are already enriching our community in so many ways and I am excited for the difference that their leadership will make in the legal profession and society.”

The breadth of life experiences and interests of the class includes those with expertise in restoring antique toys, surfing instruction, axe throwing, and advocating important causes such as restorative justice and housing insecurity.  These Northwestern Pritzker Law students are entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, Division 1 athletes, patent examiners, analysts, accountants, engineers, data scientists, consultants, journalists, congressional interns, and paralegals. The class also includes students who have served their countries in the military, representing the Korean Air Force and United States Air Force, and students who have been involved in politics and the legal system in their home countries – including several legislative interns, congressional interns, and interns for government ministries.

“We are excited with this class. Statistically, they are our best on many fronts; however, their individual qualities and accomplishments most excite me,” said Johann H. Lee, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. “One of my greatest joys is to watch the positive impact our new students each year have on our community and then in their careers after law school. It will be fascinating to follow the extraordinary things these new entrants will achieve.”

Northwestern Pritzker Law School students have a crucial opportunity as lawyers to help bridge the justice gap and find innovative pathways for law to move forward. Whether through the public or private sectors, these future leaders share a common passion for making a positive impact on society. The diversity of experience, thought, and perspective within the incoming class will contribute to the Law School’s collaborative learning environment, enriching discussions inside and outside the classroom.

These law students enter Northwestern Pritzker Law School knowing they will flourish after their time there and be supported in their future endeavors. An impressive 97.8% of Northwestern Pritzker Law Class of 2023 graduates secured full-time, long-term jobs where bar passage is required or where the JD degree provides an advantage–the 6^th highest percentage among top law schools. Additionally, the judicial clerkship program continues to be tremendously successful. The current 2023-24 term is the Law School’s best year to date, with an impressive 83 graduates clerking in 25 states and D.C. Among the JD class of 2023, 10% went directly into a judicial clerkship. In total, 2023 graduates have secured 44 clerkships for the 2023 term and beyond.

“Through our unique admissions process, this class continues our longstanding tradition of enrolling students who, in addition to their exceptional intellectual abilities, have strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated leadership abilities, and significant work and life experiences,” said Don Rebstock, Associate Dean for Admissions and Career Services. “Ninety-seven percent of our entrants completed an interview and 85% enrolled after at least a year of experience after completing their undergraduate degree.”

This wonderful community will learn from each other and the Law School’s world-renowned faculty before launching into exciting careers.