Gonzaga University School of Law Year in Review: Celebrating a Year of Achievement and Growth

As we bid farewell to another eventful year, the Gonzaga University School of Law is proud to reflect on the numerous milestones and accomplishments that have shaped our institution. From being named a top 100 ranked Law School to launching groundbreaking initiatives and witnessing significant enrollment growth, Gonzaga Law continues to flourish. Let's take a closer look at the highlights of our year.

1. Recognized as a Top 100 Ranked Law School

For the first time in our 112-year history, Gonzaga School of Law was recognized inside the Top 100 Law Schools by U.S. News and World Reports. This prestigious designation reinforces our commitment to academic excellence and underscores our dedication to providing our students with the best possible legal education.

2. Creating the Children and Parents Rights and Justice Initiative (CRJI)

In partnership with the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid and the Washington State Office of Public Defense, Gonzaga Law signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Children and Parents Rights and Justice Initiative (CRJI). This groundbreaking program addresses the critical need for specialized legal representation for children and parents involved in dependency proceedings. By focusing on this underserved area of law, Gonzaga Law is working towards securing equal access. Dean Jacob Rooksby highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, "Children's rights and parental justice is a critical issue facing our state and region." Through the CRJI, Gonzaga Law is actively addressing this crisis and equipping law students with the necessary skills to advocate for children and parents within the child welfare system.

3. Launching the Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic

Gonzaga School of Law proudly introduced its new Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic, specializing in patent and trademark services. The IP Clinic offers students the opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience while serving the community. Complementing Gonzaga Law's robust IP curriculum, the clinic equips students with the skills necessary for success in this increasingly vital area of law.

4. Welcoming Diverse and Accomplished 1L Class

In 2023, Gonzaga University School of Law welcomed an impressive cohort of 196 new 1L students. These students not only demonstrated their academic prowess with a median LSAT score of 154 and median undergraduate GPA of 3.48 but also brought with them unique and valuable life experiences that will enrich their time in law school. Hailing from 30 different states, this diverse group of students brings a breadth of perspectives that contribute to the inclusive learning environment we strive for at Gonzaga Law.

5. Most Diverse Faculty in Washington State

We are pleased to share that, according to the 2023 ABA Standard 509 Information Reports, Gonzaga University School of Law now has the most diverse full-time faculty of any law school in the state, at 33%. The work continues, and at the same time, these are important accomplishments of which we should all be proud. Dean Rooksby shared, "We are a richer academic community because of the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students, and I look forward to our continued shared work in the years ahead to make Gonzaga Law School even better, in all ways, than it has ever been before."

As we reflect on 2023, it is evident that Gonzaga University School of Law has strengthened its position as a top-ranked institution while also pushing boundaries to address critical legal issues and embrace growth. From the establishment of the Children and Parents Rights and Justice Initiative to the launch of the Intellectual Property Clinic and our sustained enrollment growth, Gonzaga Law continues to thrive and make significant impacts in legal education. We look forward to building upon these achievements and embracing new opportunities in the year ahead.