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New year at Cincinnati Law: Meet the Class of 2026

headshot of Sherry English By Sherry English
3 minute read September 19, 2023

The University of Cincinnati College of Law recently welcomed its newest cohorts—127 new first-year JD students, four transfer JD students (including two LLM to JD transfers), and 18 participants in the foreign trained lawyer program—to the Bearcat family. These law students will spend the next one to three years immersing themselves in the nuances of law and learning the importance of professionalism while training to become attorneys.

A snapshot of the Class of 2026

University of Cincinnati College of Law students shown here during becoming a complete professional at the College of Law building Monday August 14, 2023. Photos by Joseph Fuqua II

Once again, women outpace men in terms of representation. The class is comprised of 55% women, 42% men, and three percent non-binary individuals. They range in age from 20-50, with an average age of 24. Twenty-three percent identify as members of a racial or ethnic minority and 24% identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Thirteen percent are first generation college students.  

There are 69 undergraduate institutions represented in the Class of 2026. Fifty-two percent of the students are from in-state; a significant number, however, join the College from out of state. In fact, 24 states are represented including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Additionally, eight countries are represented: Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, and Thailand, along with the territory of Puerto Rico.

The class has a median LSAT of 158 and GPA of 3.8. They represent 37 majors including unique ones such as art/design, biology, environmental sciences, film production, marine studies and mechanical engineering. Several students are recipients of post-graduate degrees, including a Master of Arts, Master of Education, Master of Science and a PhD. And five class members served in branches of the military.

Prior to attending law school, many worked in other fields. Their roles were diverse, such as ombudsperson, neuroscience ambassador, real estate agent, labor organizer, local mission center coordinator, financial analyst, immigration counselor, and political party employee.

Celebrating the LLM Program

In addition to JD students, the College of Law welcomed 17 foreign trained attorneys to its LLM program and one foreign trained attorney to its graduate certificate program. Students hail from Russia, Italy, Colombia, Ghana, Canada, India, Nigeria, France, Ecuador, and new participating countries of Kazakhstan and Bolivia.  This year’s class includes a Fulbright Scholar and several students from partner universities, a testament to the strength of those growing relationships. Cincinnati Law’s LLM program is celebrating its 10th anniversary, as the program continues to expand its global footprint around the world.

Did you know?

Members of the Class of 2026 have an eclectic background. Did you know someone

  • is trained in martial arts (Judo);
  • plays Women’s Ultimate Frisbee;
  • was a gymnastics instructor; and
  • is a gameboard club founder?

Photos taken by Joseph Fuqua II.  

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