Northwestern Pritzker Law Celebrates Class of 2026 at Convocation Ceremony

On Friday, May 15, 2026, 518 graduates from 34 places around the world joined faculty, family, and friends for the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s 2026 convocation ceremony at the Chicago Theatre.

Presiding over the ceremony, Dean Zachary D. Clopton welcomed the graduates to the Northwestern Pritzker Law alumni community. “The Class of 2026 has an opportunity and a responsibility to take their degrees and make a difference in the world,” Clopton said. “The Class of 2026 faces a rapidly changing world, as legal professionals and legal systems grapple with the role of emerging technologies. You will be successful because you can embrace these changes, and because you have the skills to succeed in any environment.”

Following graduation, Northwestern Pritzker Law graduates will make their impact in the United States and around the world at major law firms and businesses, governmental positions, and public interest positions that advance social justice and human rights.

Ernest Greer (JD ’91), Co-President of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, delivered the keynote address. A highly respected business attorney and national leader, Greer has played a central role in guiding the firm’s strategic direction while reinforcing a culture rooted in excellence, collaboration, and service. Greer’s leadership journey began at Harvard University, where he attended as a work study student. He went on to earn his law degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where he received a full scholarship, was an NU fellow, and was a member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). Widely admired within the legal profession, Greer is equally known for his deep commitment to community and civic life. He has long used his platform to advance education, healthcare, civil rights, and the arts.   

“It doesn’t matter if the firm has five thousand lawyers or five lawyers. Doesn’t matter if it is non-profit or legal aid or a government agency. What matters is whether you are somewhere that sees you—challenges you, respects and appreciates you, believes in you, and gives you room to become,” Greer said.

In addition to Greer, student speakers Sarah Ellen Dean (MSL ’26), Adam Reuben Brody (JD ’26), and Philipp A. Ruchti-Baltensperger (LML ’26) addressed their fellow graduates. Dean Clopton concluded the ceremony with the presentation of the Class of 2026 and a request. “Please stay in touch,” Clopton said. “I want you to know – I mean it. We mean it. As you take your next steps forward, please know that we are all so proud of you.”

Last Lecture

On Wednesday, May 13, the Law School hosted the Class of 2026 Awards Ceremony and Last Lecture. During the ceremony, faculty and student awards were presented. Stephen Reed, Clinical Professor of Law, delivered the last lecture of the school year. Members of the Graduation Committee presented the following teaching awards to:

Outstanding Adjunct Professor

Amy St. Eve, Adjunct Professor of Law

Outstanding First-Year Course Professor

Bruce Markell, Professor of Bankruptcy Law and Practice

Outstanding Professor of a Small Class

Lenoard Rubinowitz, Professor of Law

Robert R. Wootton award for teaching Excellence in the LLM Tax Program 

Genevieve Tokic, Professor of Instruction of Law

MSL Outstanding Residential Professor

Timothy Fry, Adjunct Professor of Law

MSL Outstanding Online Professor

Daniel Rodriguez, Professor of Law

Robert Childres Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence

Deborah Tuerkheimer, Professor of Law

The student awards were presented to:

Courage Award

John Kenneth Holgreve

Global Legal Profession Award

Habi Dioop

Leadership Award

Stephanie Mao

Legal Profession Award

Kenneth Jacob Cavanaugh

Leigh B. Bienen Prize

Abigail Marie English

Lowden-Wigmore Prizes

• Jackson Scot, Northwestern University Law Review 
• Mark Aaron Elinski, Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property
• Elizabeth James, Journal of Law and Social Policy
• Gianna Flammini, Journal of International Law and Business
• Olivia Kalei Babin, Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (*second-place contribution to JCLC)
• Abhishek Chakrabarti, Journal of Human Rights
• Máire Kathryn Sullivan, Northwestern Law Journal des Refusés 

MSL Residential Student Award

Florence Qiuhua Chen

MSL Online Student Award

Rebecca Lorain Erickson

Pike Prize Residential

Katie Milos

Pike Prize Online

Edward C. Atsinger

Service Award

Jordan Michel Plunkett

Victor Rosenblum Award

Philipp A. Ruchti-Baltensperger

Wigmore Key

Andrew Hagop Devedjian