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Dean Cassandra L. Hill

NIU’s decision to incorporate a law school is undoubtedly a key moment in its 125-year history.  Over the past four decades, the College of Law has produced approximately 4,400 alumni and continued its rich history of distinction in legal education rooted in access, diversity and excellence in teaching. Our highly skilled faculty, educated at some of the nation’s most prestigious law schools, bring a broad range of professional experience to the classroom. In addition, we are pleased to announce that Dean Cassandra L. Hill took the helm in July 2020.

Even as a relatively young law school, NIU Law has always embraced its important role in the legal community and its significant impact on public service, access to justice, and commitment to ensuring a fair and just society. One of the law school’s most recent strategic initiatives is its “Race and Law Conversations,” which provides a platform with expert panelists engaging in much-needed conversations on a wide range of racial and social justice issues including, but limited to, racial inequality, police brutality and voter suppression.

The College of Law has received numerous accolades for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by being named a top law school nationally for diversity, best value, and careers in public interest/government service. Most recently, NIU Law was ranked No. 2 in the country for outperforming all expectations when it comes to placing graduates in legal jobs.

Our accomplished alumni serve their communities as lawyers in the private and public sectors. They also hold top leadership positions in law firms, bar associations, government, private companies, and community organizations. Mary Milano, ’78, executive director of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, is co-chair for the Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA) newly created Steering Committee on Racial Inequality. The Honorable Vincent F. Cornelius, ’89, who in 2016 served as the first African-American ISBA president, was appointed to serve on the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission’s newly formed Equal Justice Rules Committee. Sonni Choi Williams, ’99, City of Lockport attorney, was elected to the Asian American and Korean American Bar Associations Boards of Directors. Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan, ’05, a partner at Benesch Law, was named a “40 Under 40” attorney by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. These are just a few of the incredible alumni who embody our mission.

NIU Law also provides unique experiential learning opportunities for students to serve their communities. As a result of the current pandemic, NIU Law launched a COVID-19 Legal Response Clinic on May 18, 2020. The quick response of law school administrators and the clinical faculty for the Civil Justice, Criminal Defense, and Health Advocacy Clinics to create the COVID-19 Clinic filled the growing need for legal advice in Illinois. The COVID-19 Clinic continues to help those in need with a number of issues, including public benefits, unemployment, orders of protection, and evictions.