Lawyer University of St. Thomas School of Law SUMMER 2026 ST. THOMAS
SilverIubilee GAVEL & GOWN GALA:
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The law school held the 2026 Gavel and Gown Gala on February 21. The night was a celebration of the law school’s 25th anniversary and the reunion classes of 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Alumni, current and former faculty and staff members, and guests enjoyed a live band, casino games and a champagne toast to the law school’s bold past and bright future!
PHOTOS BY LIAM JAMES DOYLE
VIDEO: Congratulations on 25 Years, St. Thomas Law!
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ST. THOMAS Lawyer Spring 2026 – Volume 19, Issue 1
Published by the University of St. Thomas School of Law 1000 LaSalle Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (651) 962-4892 lawschool@stthomas.edu law.stthomas.edu Marketing and Communications Director and Editor Carrie Hilger Designer
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A Message From the President 5
Michelle Wright Photographer Mark Brown Contributors Amy Carlson Gustafson Carrie Hilger Gloria Sonnen Myre Robert Vischer Front cover University of St. Thomas School of Law 25th Anniversary
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School of Law News
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Faculty Highlights
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St. Thomas Law: 25 Years Forward
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Alumni Profile: Lara Marion
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Snapshots
2001-2026 Back cover
New Professor: Morgan Gray 22
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Photo by Texas Young Lawyers Association
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Class Notes
The University of St. Thomas is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and equal educational opportunity. St. Thomas does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. stthomas.edu/eostatement
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FROM PRESIDENT ROBERT VISCHER ...
We were all surprised to learn of Dean Kelly’s decision to leave St. Thomas for George Mason Law School; we’re grateful for his service and wish him well. Leadership transitions always bring uncertainty, but my confidence
in the brightness of the law school’s future remains unshakeable. Over our first 25 years, our law school community has achieved remarkable success. Here are just a few dimensions of our progress: • Catholic identity: What does it mean to be a meaningfully Catholic law school in the 21st century? Unlike previous eras, when Catholic law schools could define themselves demographically – i.e., they were where Catholics and other immigrants were given a chance to become lawyers – we’ve shown how the Catholic intellectual tradition can provide a foundation on which to build a conversation that invites every community member to explore what professional vocation means through the lens of their own faith tradition. • Professional formation: We are indisputably the national (and increasingly, global) leaders in exploring what whole-person, intentional formation looks like in the context of legal education, and we are demonstrating that it is possible to help students develop professional identities grounded in service to others. • Jobs: Fifteen years ago, I sometimes felt sheepish about trying to persuade a student to choose St. Thomas over more “elite” law schools. Our mission was powerful and distinctive, but our job numbers did not measure up. Through a sustained years-long effort, we can now put our return-on-investment case up against anyone’s. • Scholarship: We do not (yet) have the peer reputation of a top-50 law school, but we have a stronger scholarly impact than more than half of the schools in the top 50. We are showing how a mission- driven school can take both student well-being and faculty research seriously. • Community: Many of the faculty and staff who have invested in the success of St. Thomas Law have been motivated, in part, by our own experiences as law students, when a strong sense of community was not (to say the least) an institutional priority at our own alma maters. How many examples from the past 25 years could we cite as evidence that our commitment to building a culture that prioritizes meaningful relationship is bearing fruit? I remain convinced that this will be the most powerful legacy that each generation of our students carries forward from their time with us. When the university decided to open a law school, Fr. Dennis Dease and the trustees were taking a leap of faith that this bold venture would find traction in an already competitive market. Their faith was not misplaced – the animating vision of what could be has become reality. I plan to stay at St. Thomas for the long haul, and I look forward to working with you to help write the next chapter of St. Thomas Law’s remarkable story. If we keep our mission front and center no matter the circumstances, we will thrive. With deep gratitude,
Robert K. Vischer President University of St. Thomas
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SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
THANK YOU, DEAN KELLY
Join us in thanking Dan Kelly for his leadership as dean of St. Thomas Law. Kelly has been named dean of the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School in Virginia. His last day at St. Thomas was June 24.
PROFESSOR MORAN VISITS KAZAKHSTAN AS FULBRIGHT SPECIALIST Professor Rachel Moran was invited to Kazakhstan this spring to serve as a Fulbright Specialist for Kunaev University in Almaty, class focused on experiential learning and criminal law. “I was excited when I learned I had been selected for the program because I have never traveled to Central Asia or had a chance to teach in an international setting," Moran said. "My first Fulbright award was a research-based award, so I didn’t end up teaching any classes." In 2024, Moran spent four months as a Fulbright Scholar in Santiago, Chile researching protests and policing at the Universidad de los Andes. “In Kazakhstan, I will introduce students to trial skills in the context of a hypothetical criminal case and then help students develop those skills by putting on a mock trial,” she said. “This is a fairly standard experience for U.S. law students but innovative for Kazakhstan."
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SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
CLINICAL PROFESSOR CARL WARREN RETIRES
Professor Carl Warren, a fervent defender of human and civil rights, will retire at the end of the 2025–26 academic year after a distinctive career as an impactful lawyer and educator. For the past decade, Warren has led the University of St. Thomas School of Law’s Community Justice Project (CJP) clinic, where he has guided students in using legal advocacy to address social justice issues. Under his leadership, students have worked on initiatives ranging from police practices and reforms to disparities in education and the criminal justice system. Warren emphasized experiential learning, encouraging students to see their ability to effect change even before graduating. Colleagues describe Warren as a thoughtful and deeply committed teacher and mentor. His influence extends beyond the classroom through his leadership within various legal organizations, and his personal service to his community. Before joining St. Thomas, Warren spent more than two decades as a clinical faculty member at the University of Minnesota Law School and served as a trial attorney in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, focusing on human rights. Warren’s legacy lives on through the many students he has inspired to pursue careers dedicated to justice and community impact.
Best wishes for your retirement, Professor Warren!
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SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
Current St. Thomas President and former School of Law Dean Rob Vischer was named the 2025 Business Person of the Year by Twin Cities Business. The magazine selected Vischer for his impact on higher education, the Twin Cities community and the Minnesota economy. The honor included a feature story in the December TCB 100 issue of the magazine, which shared how President Vischer is elevating the university’s national profile, leading ambitious growth in programs and facilities, and fostering a “culture of encounter” on campus. The article also highlight's his journey to St. Thomas, which began at the School of Law: “They were doing law school in a totally different way. Traditionally, law school can be a very isolating experience [for students]. They were putting relationships at the center of it.” Vischer says that his wife wanted to avoid moving every few years and wanted to find a community where they could raise their daughters. “The more I learned [about St. Thomas], the more I thought it’s a place you can put down roots and make a difference,” he says. Vischer joined the law school faculty in 2005. What does it mean to teach in a law school at a Catholic university as opposed to a secular law school? “It’s expanding the conversation in ways that connect with students, whatever [faith] background the students are coming from...”
ROB VISCHER NAMED TWIN CITIES BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
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SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
FATHER DANIEL GRIFFITH NAMED VP FOR MISSION
Father Daniel Griffith, a School of Law faculty member and current pastor and rector of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, has been named the new Vice President for Mission at the University of St. Thomas. As VP for Mission, Griffith will lead the Office for Mission and help advance the university's Catholic identity across its campuses.
Griffith has a deep and longstanding connection to St. Thomas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Thomas. Griffith also holds a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. He joined the School of Law faculty in 2011 and currently serves as the Wenger Family Faculty Fellow of Law. He is also the founding director of the law school's Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing, which he will continue to lead as a joint initiative of the School of Law and Office for Mission. Griffith will begin his new role July 1.
CONGRATULATIONS, JESSICA NELSON ‘05!
At the 15th annual Alumnae Brunch, St. Thomas Law honored Jessica Nelson '05 J.D. with an Alumna Achievement Award. Nelson is the chief legal officer and general counsel for Mesabi Metallics, where she oversees litigation and corporate legal matters. She also leads the legal strategy for a multi-billion-dollar mining project poised to transform northern Minnesota’s economy. “Jessica Nelson represents everything we hope our graduates will become—professionally excellent, deeply ethical and committed to service,” said Dean Daniel Kelly. “Her leadership and impact within a complex, high-stakes industry reflect the kind of principled professionalism that defines the St. Thomas Law community. We are proud to celebrate her achievements.” Nelson was also recognized nationally in 2025 by The American Lawyer as Solo General Counsel of the Year at its annual Industry Awards. Nelson is pictured (center) with alumnae who were part of a panel discussion at the brunch titled, "Bold Moves: Courageous Leadership in a Changing Legal Landscape."
Pictured L to R: Jenna Peterson ‘13 J.D., Amanda Harrington ‘19 J.D., Nelson, Heidi Bassett ‘05 J.D. and Associate Dean Lisa Brabbit (panel moderator).
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SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
CLASS OF 2025 ACHIEVES 91.3% GOLD-STANDARD EMPLOYMENT St. Thomas Law’s Class of 2025 achieved a “gold standard” employment rate of 91.3%. Over the past four years, on average, St. Thomas has seen more than 90% of graduates employed in gold-standard jobs within 10 months of graduation. These are full-time jobs for which bar passage is required or where having a J.D. is a significant advantage. The Class of 2025 employment rate places St. Thomas Law among the top law schools in the country for career outcomes. • Harvard - 96% • Boston College - 95.8% • University of Minnesota - 95% • Notre Dame - 93.3% • St. Thomas Law - 91.3% • Loyola Chicago - 91.2% • Nebraska - 90.9% • Fordham - 90% • Drake - 88.6% • DePaul - 86.5%
#2 FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING St. Thomas Law has been ranked among the top three law schools in this category since 2014.
The National Jurist , 2026
SCHOOL OF LAW CONVENES DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AI AND LEGAL EDUCATION
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping nearly every profession, including law. As part of the law school's ongoing commitment to innovation and to explore AI's impact, this academic year faculty members hosted panel discussions that featured local judges, attorneys and technologists who discussed AI's effect on the development of new lawyers just out of law school and how legal education must evolve. View a recording of the April event "Educating Tomorrow’s Lawyers: Legal Knowledge, Technical Skills and Professional Identity in the AI Era" at link.stthomas.edu/LawYouTube. Panelists included (L to R): Megan Bowman '15 J.D., Fredrikson & Byron; Wesley Oliver, Kline School of Law of Duquesne University; Morgan Gray, University of St. Thomas School of Law; Erika Pont, George Washington University Law School; and April Dawson, North Carolina Central University School of Law
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SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
LAW SCHOOL ADDS CONCENTRATIONS IN IMMIGRATION AND LAW, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES
In response to emerging and in-demand practice areas, the School of Law this fall introduced degree concentrations in Immigration Law and Law, Artificial Intelligence and Evolving Technologies . Both concentrations offer students an opportunity to add a focused area of study to their J.D. and develop expertise that signals to future employers their commitment to a career in these fields. The Immigration Law concentration combines an established strength of the School of Law's program, experiential learning in a clinic or externship, with coursework in immigration policy, advocacy and representation--equipping students to navigate one of the most complex and consequential areas of legal practice.
Courses in the Law, Artificial Intelligence and Evolving Technologies concentration examine both the legal and technical dimensions of emerging innovations—including AI, blockchain, biotechnology, cybersecurity, intellectual property and data privacy— preparing students to advise future employers and clients on the complex legal, ethical and regulatory challenges they present. "By adding these concentrations, the School of Law is responding to strong student interest and the changing needs of the legal profession," said Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Ben Carpenter. "The programs offer students the opportunity to build specialized knowledge and practical skills in fields that are shaping the future."
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Professor David Grenardo (second from right) was a featured speaker at The University of Toledo College of Law's symposium, “Civility & Professionalism in a Changing Legal World."
Professor Michael Paulsen debated Yale Law Professor Bruce Ackerman on the topic of executive branch authority at an event coordinated by Yale University's Buckley Institute.
Professor Teresa Collett (center) spoke at the Vita Research Center Annual Meeting & Conference at the Universidad del Istmo in Guatemala. The conference focused on "The Path to Human Flourishing: Parental Authority in Children's Healthcare."
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faculty highlights
Professor Virgil Wiebe presented his upcoming paper, "Naturalization is the New Asylum," at the University of Baltimore Law Review's spring symposium, The Great Regression: Immigration Law in Crisis.
Professor Rachel Moran spoke at the "Juvenile Justice and..." symposium at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. She gave a presentation entitled "Getting Kids Out of Prison (When They're No Longer Kids)."
Professor Mark Osler was invited to speak at Akron Law Review's symposium, "Beyond the Sentence: Expanding Pathways to Post-Conviction Relief." He presented his latest paper, "American Mercy: The Case for Clemency."
PHOTO CREDIT: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON SCHOOL OF LAW
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ST. THOMAS LAW: 25 Years Forward
By Amy Carlson Gustafson
When the University of St. Thomas School of Law opened its doors in 2001, the founders had “high aspirations and a deep mission.” What they didn’t have was any idea what would happen, not even knowing how many students would show up for the first day of class. Turns out 120 students came, and the mission resonated. Those high aspirations? They weren’t unfounded. Fast forward 25 years, and St. Thomas Law now has more than 3,000 graduates. Faculty ranked 23rd nationally for scholarly impact. A top school nationally for practical training. Recent rankings in the U.S. News top 100 law schools. And a mission that has kept the school grounded in its faith. "The law school’s market position has never been stronger," former law school dean and current University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer said. "Our entering class has never been better and stellar new faculty members and staff professionals with many career options are embracing our mission and choosing to join our community." A lot has happened in the world since the opening—9/11, the financial crisis of the late 2000s, COVID, George Floyd’s murder and the racial reckoning that followed, concerns about the rule of law, and the law school is currently in search of its next dean. However, now is the time to “think big,” Vischer said. This means expanding St. Thomas Law’s national reach in recruiting students, faculty and scholarship recipients while standing firm in its mission. "The law school passed each of these challenges with flying colors," he said. "With each new obstacle, we emerged as a stronger law school on the other side. If we keep the school's mission front and center no matter the circumstances, St. Thomas Law will thrive."
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“ If we keep the
A Foundation Built to Last St. Thomas was steadfast in its mission from the beginning. As one of the law school’s first associate deans Patrick Schiltz, who is now the chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, wrote in 2004, the vision was “to graduate lawyers who would integrate their religious and moral values into their professional identities and who would have a passion for using their legal training to serve God and their fellow human beings.”
school's mission front and center no matter the circumstances, St.Thomas Law will thrive. ” Rob Vischer, President, University of St. Thomas
But the mission never meant compromising on quality. “Our distinctive mission can never be an excuse for anything short of excellence,” said Vischer in 2022. “If we want to have a meaningful impact on our world, a St. Thomas legal education has to be as good as, or better than, the education offered by every other law school.” While some schools chose between prestige and purpose, St. Thomas proved you could do both by pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship that matters and the formation of the whole person. The faculty landed in the top 25 for scholarly impact. The school earned national recognition for its mentor externship, professional formation and work in criminal justice reform and religious liberty. Alumni moved into positions of influence. The strategy worked. Results of the 2022 Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) showed that 93 percent of that year’s first-year students said they would still attend St. Thomas for law school if they had to choose again. “St. Thomas gave me not just the tools, but the moral and intellectual inheritance that shows up years later,” said Iowa Court of Appeals Judge John Sandy ’07, ’10 J.D. , past president of St Thomas Law’s alumni board. “Most law schools teach you what the law is. St. Thomas teaches you why the law matters.”
Why Now Matters Legal education continues to face challenges, with traditional law schools struggling with questions about cost and value, bar exam changes, employment concerns and threats to the rule of law. “That’s one of the things that St. Thomas is doing to shape its students—respect for the rule of law and the courage to stand up for the rule of law,” said former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chutich , who chaired the St. Thomas Law Board of Governors. “It’s going to take courage from these law students to go out into the world and practice their convictions.” The mission that seemed “niche” in 2001 has become what students want. Chutich, a former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice whose mentor was Judge Diana Murphy, who was involved in the creation of St. Thomas Law, said this moment needs what St. Thomas offers. “There is an unease about our institutions,” said Chutich. “We need principled leadership. St. Thomas is talking about these laws, talking about morality. That is essential to our democracy.” Sandy said employers notice the difference in St. Thomas graduates. “St. Thomas graduates feel ready and confident earlier than their peers,” said Sandy, who has hired alumni in the past. “They have a strong internal compass; confidence rooted in preparation and purpose. Success comes not just from knowing the law but from being trusted. Trust comes from understanding the big picture, from a commitment to the why.”
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The Proof is in the People Sandy’s story shows what a St. Thomas education produces. He worked as a public defender, did civil rights litigation and now sits on the bench in Iowa. “When I was counseling defendants facing life imprisonment, they needed to know I knew the law,” he said. “But just as important was that I was there to hear what they had to say, even when it had nothing to do with their case and everything to do with how they were feeling. St. Thomas prepared me precisely for that daily work of what justice entails.”
“St. Thomas taught me more HOW to think than WHAT to think," she said. “It taught me to find information and perspective in dialogue, in community and in reflection.” That distinction shows up in how employers view St. Thomas graduates. Drewiske, who has hired lawyers from many schools, sees it clearly. “They bring experience and a 'can do' attitude,” she said. “They also bring an underlying foundation of values, which I find so important—especially in my profession." St. Thomas lawyers also support one another and invest in the alumni network. Sandy’s classmate Matt Wilcox ’10 J.D., ’17 LL.M. recently became a Hennepin County judge. Sandy drove up to swear him in. “There is this camaraderie, this common experience that unites us,” Sandy said. “It is grounded in stewardship, not just nostalgia.” It is not uncommon to hear about stories of alumni, across graduation years, who make special efforts to support a fellow alum’s job search or refer a client. Around half of the law school’s current mentors are graduates like Drewiske who stay engaged. “The Tommie Network is real," she said. “I’ve met some of the coolest, most influential people as a result of staying plugged in.” Looking Ahead The law school looks toward the 50th anniversary with a clear vision — a school that has not changed its mission of integrating faith and reason, pursuing justice and forming the whole person. But the impact expands, methods evolve and influence grows. Graduates continue to prove that excellence and mission go hand in hand. Added Sandy: “Real progress isn’t about changing your vision to fit the moment. It’s about changing the world to fit the vision. That’s at St. Thomas’ core, its ethos.” Chutich says the question is no longer “can a faith- based law school succeed?” “It is now ‘how will the St. Thomas model shape legal education?’” she said.
“ The Tommie Network is real. I've met some of the coolest, most influential people as a result of staying plugged in. ” Iowa Court of Appeals Judge John Sandy ’07, ’10 J.D., past president of St. Thomas Law’s alumni board
The breadth of careers proves the models’ flexibility. Jessica Drewiske ’15 J.D./MBA built a career in compliance at major tech companies and now works at Google. Her path is one she says she couldn’t have imagined as a 1L. She credits her St. Thomas education for getting her to where she is today.
Now comes the opportunity, innovation and responsibility of the next 25 years.
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ALUMNI PROFILE
A Career Connected by Purpose
By Carrie Hilger
Through what has so far been an incredibly diverse career, Lara Marion ’07 J.D. seems to always find herself “at the intersection of something.”
allows her to do what she loves doing best: being a connector of people. It was a skill she helped hone through learning how to make a case at the St. Thomas School of Law. “I'm always right in the center, not really in any of the full bubbles,” she said. “It's really cool. You get to learn a lot of interesting things.”
That ability to connect people and ideas has shaped a purpose-driven career that has taken Marion from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. and now North Carolina, and through roles working as an advocate within the legislature, government agencies, public interest organizations and nonprofits that aim to further the
Just where she likes to be.
That’s because being right in the center of things like industry and policy, or industry and academia,
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interests of aging adults or the telecommunications, public safety and technology industries. The roots of that journey stretch back to her childhood. Growing up in a suburb of Minneapolis, Marion watched her mother, M. Jacqueline Regis, build a career first as a prosecutor and later as a judge in Hennepin County. While the law itself interested her, she found herself more intrigued by the circumstances surrounding the cases and human behavior.
service, servant leadership and social justice you can see and pull from,” Marion said. “I learned at St. Thomas that social justice takes on different forms, classes, colors, races, political parties, religions. It’s really about finding ways to work within different systems and pull out that social justice element to get to the heart of, let’s do the right thing here for everybody. That’s something I’ve tried to do throughout my career.” While she briefly considered becoming a prosecutor, Marion found herself increasingly drawn to public policy and advocacy work. After graduating in 2007, Marion moved to Washington, D.C., where she joined the staff of Congressman Keith Ellison. She later worked for Congressman G.K. Butterfield, gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process and learning how policy can influence communities and systems on a broad scale. Those roles also introduced her to a variety of issue areas and perspectives. More importantly, they helped her discover
with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, AARP and Amazon Leo, among other organizations. While the subject matter changed, the core of the work remained remarkably consistent: helping diverse groups understand one another, build consensus and solve problems. “I’ve always loved building coalitions,” she said. “For instance, partnering with different types of people and organizations to pull together literature to send to policymakers to help them understand a consumer issue or a specific technical point.” Coalition-building requires more than expertise. It requires empathy, communication and the ability to understand how different audiences see the world. Marion credits her legal education with helping her develop those skills. “In talking to different groups, you have to put yourself in their shoes and think about how they’re going
“I wanted to know, why is this person going to jail?” Marion
said. “And it was specific. Why this person? What is it about their lives? And then, what are the patterns overall that we see that sort of send people down these paths that they get in trouble with the criminal justice system?” At Spelman College in Georgia, Marion studied political science and took several sociology courses that deepened her interest in how society, culture and institutions shape people’s choices and opportunities. Influences such as then-Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page helped add a social justice lens and sharpened her interest in inequities and inequalities within public and private systems. They also helped her confirm her next step of going to law school. Marion says the University of St. Thomas School of Law was the right fit because of its focus on social justice and its emphasis on developing lawyers as servant leaders. “My professors had different styles, but there’s this thread of
“ I learned at St. Thomas that social justice takes
where her strengths lay—not necessarily as the person writing policy, but as someone who could bring people together around it. “I love to connect. I love patterns and I love
on different forms, classes, colors, races, political parties, religions.”
systems, and I like to see things in that way,” she said. “And I love connecting people, too. It's just cool to see how everything is interconnected.” Over the next two decades, Marion held leadership and advocacy roles
to receive what you’re saying,” she said. “The way that I talk to a think tank is not the way that I’m going to talk to a chamber of commerce about the same issue. St. Thomas really taught me how to make
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Marion (right) with her mom, former Hennepin County Judge M. Jacqueline Regis (center) and her sister, Allison Cole '21 J.D. (left), who is also a St. Thomas Law graduate. Judge Regis was a mentor in the law school's Mentor Externship for 10 years.
a case, and that’s what you’re doing. You’re making a case to all these different folks. They’re not your jury, but you want them to advocate with you. You have to pull them into the story and explain why they should care.” For Marion, meaningful work has never been defined by a title or organization. Instead, it has been about finding opportunities to contribute to causes that matter and helping people work together toward solutions. “If it doesn’t mean something more than the paycheck, then it’s
not really worth doing,” she said. “There’s a lot of things you can do out there to pay the bills. But I think your body of work really has to be meaningful.” That philosophy extends beyond her professional roles. Marion serves on the board of the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference, helping foster collaboration among academics, policymakers and industry leaders. She also serves on the board of Davidson Day School, investing time in a community she deeply values.
Looking back, Marion describes her professional journey as a “windy” one. Yet despite the many turns, there are consistent themes: a drive to understand and improve systems, a commitment to service and a talent for connecting people around ideas that matter. “I still love systems and problem solving,” she said. “I love connections and connecting people, but there is also a through line of servant leadership. And that has really driven me through my whole career.”
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Most Reverend Archbishop Bernard Hebda , who was once a practicing attorney, celebrated Mass and spoke to students, faculty and staff at an Easter luncheon on April 28.
The School of Law celebrated the United States’ 250th anniversary in March with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Faculty members took turns reading portions of the document, and some even dressed the part!
On April 29, the law school held its annual reception to honor the more than 500 lawyers and judges who mentored law students in the Mentor Externship
throughout the year. Thank you, mentors!
PHOTO CREDIT: LIAM DOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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snapshots
The St. Thomas Fightin’ Apostles beat the Mitchell Hamline Eelpouts 4-3 to win the 2026 Golden Gavel trophy.
At this year’s Mission Awards ceremony, several alumni were honored.
Trial Advocacy Team Coaches Merry Snyder '23 J.D., Kaitlyn Cannon '20 J.D., and Alex Wilkie '23 J.D. (along with fellow coach Ahmad Samaha) received the award for Excellence in Professional Preparation.
Shauna Kieffer '08 was presented with the alumni Living the Mission award.
Adjunct Professor Megan Bowman '15 J.D. was given a Dean's Award for Outstanding Teaching.
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NEW PROFESSOR MORGAN GRAY BRINGS EXPERTISE IN AI TO ST. THOMAS LAW
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is expanding its leadership in technology and legal education with the addition of Morgan Gray , a scholar at the forefront of artificial intelligence and the law. Gray, who joins the faculty this year, brings expertise in AI, specifically natural language processing and machine learning, case-based reasoning and computational models of legal argument—and a passion for preparing law students for careers in a legal field being reshaped by technology. Artificial intelligence is already transforming key areas of legal practice, from research to evidence analysis—and its impact is only expected to grow. “It is imperative that law schools add courses that promote at a minimum competency, but should extend to excellence in AI,” Gray said. “Law schools should be ground zero for not only educating students, but legal communities on the merits of implementing and using AI and how to do so effectively, ethically and safely. The deepest risk is failing to engage with AI at all.”
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LAW SCHOOL DEAN, MORGAN GRAY
This spring, Gray has introduced a new course to the law school, Natural Language Lawyering. The class introduces students to Natural Language Processing (NLP), the branch of AI that uses computing to understand and interpret human language—skills vital in areas like legal writing and document analysis. While many law schools now offer courses on AI and the law, it is believed that St. Thomas is unique with students engaging directly the underlying architecture of large language models. In Gray’s course, students examine how systems represent, process and generate legal text—including the embedding structures, transformer architectures, and generation techniques that shape model behavior. Rather than treating AI as a black box, the course prepares future lawyers to understand, integrate, evaluate, and supervise the systems increasingly influencing legal practice. “The main idea of the course is to develop a substantial understanding of NLP methods and how they’ve been and will be applied in law,” Gray said. “This enables students to engage with techniques and problems in practice.” Next fall, Gray is teaching Coding for Lawyers, a class that was first taught by Professor Wulf Kaal in 2018. The class teaches law students the Python programming language, which in turn helps them approach legal problems as data challenges.
Gray's academic research and
scholarship will concentrate on artificial intelligence in law, with a
particular focus on case-based reasoning and its applications to argument generation, analysis, and evaluation; outcome prediction; and legal text analytics.
Professor Morgan Gray
pursuit of research in AI and law also felt welcomed by the St. Thomas community." He also believes strongly in mentorship, which is a distinctive aspect of a St. Thomas legal education. “I have been very fortunate to have stellar mentors,” Gray said. “My experiences in law school, clerking for a judge and in the sciences have shown me the value of a good mentor and how much one person who takes an interest in what you’re doing can completely change the trajectory of your career by a significant degree. I enthusiastically look forward to passing that on.” Though his professional passions are focused on technology, outside of the classroom Gray makes it a point to pursue non-technology- based activities like woodworking and fly fishing. "I’ve been told about the lakes, but I look forward to focusing on what I’m dubbing the ‘better water’ in Minnesota, and finding the best streams," Gray said jokingly.
Gray is completing his Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems through the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his J.D. at the Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, also in Pittsburgh, where he has taught as an adjunct professor since 2022. “I have always felt a vocation to teaching and thoroughly enjoy it,” Gray said. “I think, my favorite moment in teaching is when a student who has grappled with a question, topic or assignment for some time finally comprehends what they’ve been struggling with. Possibly even more enjoyable is when a student dives deep into a topic that they do not understand, embracing difficult learning. I never tire of encouraging learning and watching it happen.” He says he was interested in teaching at St. Thomas Law for numerous reasons. "I was attracted to St. Thomas’ commitment to excellence in scholarship and its mission for the common good,” Gray said. "My
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Notes from Our Alumni CLASS ACTION
2004 Send your 2004 class notes and photos to lawalumni@ stthomas.edu. ______________________________ Victoria Brenner co-chaired Divorce Camp 2025, Minnesota’s retreat-style family law conference. The event is hosted by the American Academy of Minnesota Lawyers, of which Victoria is a Fellow. Victoria practices family law at Taft.
2005 Send your 2005 class notes and photos to Kerry McAndrew (kerry@kmcandrewlaw.com). ______________________________ Heidi Bassett, partner at Spencer Fane, is a seasoned trial and appellate attorney handling complex business and real estate litigation. Licensed in Minnesota and Florida, she recently secured a major liability win for Mall of America and served as a panelist at the 2025 Alumnae Brunch.
Stacy Hedner celebrated 14 years with the FDIC and enjoyed a memorable year that included her first trip to Hawaii, celebrating her 50th birthday, lake days on the pontoon, weddings, and four visits to the Minnesota State Fair.
Lucas Swanepoel was promoted to Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy at the Catholic Health Association. Since 1736, Catholic hospitals and health care providers have played a critical role in providing coverage and care to communities in the United States.
Monica Gould, former Senior Director of Career & Professional Development, concluded her service to St. Thomas Law on January 30 to join Taft as Director of Associate Advancement and Recruitment. During her time in CPD, Monica’s relational leadership transformed employment outcomes and profoundly shaped the law school community.
Jessica Nelson, General Counsel and Chief Legal
Natasha Merz founded Merz Solutions, which provides expertise in long-term services and supports policy and programming, including program design, evaluation, organizational assessments, community engagement, and implementation management.
Officer at Mesabi Metallics, received the 2025 Alumna Achievement Award. Her leadership on a multi-billion- dollar mining project in northern Minnesota reflects the bold, visionary impact of St. Thomas Law alumni.
2006 Send your 2006 class notes and photos to Ian Dobson (imdobson@live.com). ______________________________
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Ryan Bies was appointed as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. Formerly a shareholder at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A., he brings broad family, criminal, and civil law experience to the bench. Classmate Michael Harralson, (pictured left), attended Judge Bies’s investiture ceremony.
Teddy Michel and his wife Cindy welcomed Charles “Charlie” Walter Michel in May 2026. Charlie joins siblings Nicholas and Sage, and is officially the most loved baby ever. Teddy continues as Director of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeastern Pennsylvania and has the good fortune to be on a ZOOM meeting weekly with Chuck Berendes, who consults virtually with IVC immigration caseworkers.
Angie Hoppe Schuda J.D. ’07, LL.M. ’20 launched Ross + Schuda LLC, a risk management consulting firm serving companies across industries. With 20+ years of experience in law, compliance, ethics, and risk management, Angie helps organizations operate with integrity and confidence— basically, sunscreen for corporate liability.
2007 Send your 2007 class notes and photos to Chuck Berendes (chuckberendes@gmail.com). ______________________________ I remember years ago being encouraged to make my updates a bit more serious so they better reflected the academic rigor of the institution. I’m glad St. Thomas Law’s reputation is now strong enough that these updates can simply be enjoyed for the entertainment value they may occasionally provide—without risking a drop in the rankings. Adam Cox co-founded Prairie View Wealth Partners, an independent wealth management firm in Sioux Falls serving individuals and families building careers, businesses, and legacies. Adam and his partners bring decades of experience in investment management, tax strategy, and family office advising to the firm’s relationship-driven approach. David Hanson has served as Beltrami County Attorney in Bemidji since 2018 while also expanding into real estate investment. In 2025, he purchased the SouthShore Hotel on Lake Bemidji, the DoubleTree by Hilton, and the Green Mill Bar & Restaurant— covering prosecutions, lodging, tiny bars of soap, and French fries alike.
Bill Josten joined Honigman as Director of Client Value and Commercial Strategy. Bill focuses on client needs, aligning the firm’s legal services with evolving client business objectives. Bill leverages deep market and commercial expertise to partner with firm leaders in developing client-focused, competitive service strategies.
After seven years as St. Thomas Law’s Director of Alumni Relations and Student Life, Gloria Myre moved into a new role as Senior Director for Career and Professional Development. Chris Nelson is now President of the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota, which stewards charitable resources for Catholic individuals, families, parishes, and institutions. After more than seven years with the Foundation, Chris now leads its mission of helping Catholics express faith through giving.
Meriel Lester became a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. Former Assistant Chief of the Stearns County Criminal Division, she led intimate partner violence prosecutions and helped develop the county’s Domestic Violence Court. Meanwhile, I’m trying to remember to post on social media three times a week.
Jenny Bouta Mojica was named a Shareholder at Fredrikson. A member of the firm’s Immigration Group, she advises
employers and employees on complex employment- based immigration matters, developing creative strategies and guiding clients through an evolving immigration landscape.
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2011 Send your 2011 class notes and photos to Amanda Crain or Pamela Steinle at (ust2011classnotes@gmail.com). ______________________________ Hello Class of 2011, it’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since we walked across the stage at Orchestra Hall! Sarah Demers joined the California law firm of La Follette Johnson Dehaas Fesler & Ames, where she focuses on medical malpractice defense. Peter Glessing and his wife Pari are blessed to announce the birth of their first child, George Philip Glessing. George was born on January 10, weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces. Susan Grassel is now General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer for Cofense Inc., where she manages a global legal team and specializes in business law, compliance, and global privacy matters. After reviewing a handful of disparaging and mildly inappropriate emails from Dan Mikkelson regarding David Gorski and vice versa, your class notes editors decided to simply congratulate the pair on an enduring 17-year bromance. We celebrate with you! Lily Monfort joined Boston labor and employment law firm Morgan, Brown & Joy. Lily provides practical guidance to employers as they navigate workplace dynamics and assists companies in maintaining smooth daily operations while managing complex employer- employee relationships. Luke Vetter joined Fredrikson’s Real Estate & Construction Group in the Minneapolis office. Luke helps clients navigate real estate transactions by supporting leasing, acquisitions and development matters from due diligence to closing.
Anna Petosky rejoined Maslon LLP in Minneapolis as a partner in its litigation group. Anna focuses on tort & product liability, high-stakes civil litigation, complex business disputes, and investigations. Somewhere, a reality show producer should pair Anna with Alex Honnold and see who survives the day. Chuck Berendes continues practicing immigration law in La Crosse, representing clients across the Midwest. A recent case in Des Moines included a stop at Iowa State University to visit daughter, Charlotte—born during our final semester at St. Thomas Law. (We are getting old.) 2008 Send your 2008 class notes and photos to Andrea Hoversten (ahoversten@goklawfirm.com). ______________________________ Nicole Frank was promoted to Partner at BANC, where she practices complex commercial and financial litigation, appellate advocacy, investigations, and professional responsibility. She was previously a senior litigator with the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility and brings extensive experience from both private practice and public service. Laura Hammargren and her family crossed the river, moving from St. Paul to Edina, Minnesota in January 2026. Robert McKenna completed his time as the acting Commander and Executive Officer (XO) of the 349th PSYOP unit in the Army Reserve. He is a candidate for the Colorado State Senate in Aurora, Colorado.
Tom Murphy reports that in Spring 2024 his 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer. She spent 9 months fighting hard, and she passed her one-year mark post-treatment being cancer free and is doing great in first grade! Go #PaigeyPower!!
Mark Severson welcomed Ashley (Huber) Martineau ‘25 J.D. to Severson Porter Law in Brainerd. Ashley practices family law, real estate, and business law, continuing the firm’s strong Tommie presence serving the Brainerd Lakes community. 2009 Send your 2009 class notes and photos to Lisa Thimjon (lmthimjon@gmail.com). ______________________________ Abby Donohoo joined the Litigation & Practice Technology team at Kirkland & Ellis as a Discovery Advisor.
2010 Send your 2010 class notes and photos to Meghann Kantke or Garin Strobl (ustlaw2010@ gmail.com). ______________________________ m boulette launched boulette PLLC. The firm handles strategic divorce and custody cases, impact appeals on family and juvenile issues, and all forms of LGBTQ+ community legal care. Heidi Hovis is now a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. Previously an assistant public defender, Judge Hovis also served with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. 2010 classmates in attendance at her investiture ceremony included (L to R) Kate Noebels, Garin Strobl, Judge Hovis, Dan Morris, and Becky (Fritz) Owen.
Mike Giefer continues to love his work in the wealth management and financial planning industry. He is Managing Director for Creative Planning’s Twin Cities office and lives in St. Paul with his wife and three children. Tom Harrison retired from the corporate legal department at Federated Insurance in 2021 and has returned to flying as a Denver-based Airbus captain with United Airlines. He and his wife Lorri are enjoying life as “empty nesters” at their home in Florida.
Page 26 St. Thomas Lawyer
2014 Send your 2014 class notes and photos to Austin Bowyer (austin.bowyer@gmail.com) or Anthony Truong (ants. conglomerate@gmail.com). ______________________________ John (Jack) Austin joined Maslon LLP in Minneapolis as estate planning counsel.
John Wolf went to Ukraine in September and October 2025 to volunteer at the Lviv animal shelter. During his stay, the city was attacked in the worst bombing in Lviv of the entire war. He blogged about his experience on Above the Law on October 8, 2025.
Mike Grimm joined Cokinos | Young in July 2024 as part of the firm’s construction litigation group. Mike and his wife, Rachele, live in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex with their three children. Randy Kins continues practicing criminal defense and recently founded Kins Law Firm. Nika Kins was named a 2025 Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer for prosecuting a child torture case. Most importantly, together they earned a five-star Uber rating from their kids. Leah Kempel made a career pivot and is now a Senior Regulatory Compliance Analyst at Examination Resources, LLC, a midsize consulting firm. Leah and her family reside in the greater Madison, Wisconsin, area. William Mahrt and his wife, Christy, welcomed their third child, MaryAda, in June 2025. MaryAda joins siblings Naomi and Ezra. Professionally, William recently joined Brewer Science, a chemical manufacturing firm in Rolla, Missouri.
Hannah (Gross) Motz and Chris Motz welcomed their sixth child, Peter, on Thanksgiving 2025. Hannah also serves on the board of a new Chesterton Academy opening this fall in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while keeping busy with family life. Amy O’Neill is now Office Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability at Princeton University. She and her husband live in New Jersey with their two-year-old twins. This spring, Amy will earn her LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from the University of Missouri School of Law.
2012 Send your 2012 class notes and photos to Salena Koster (salena. koster@gmail.com) or JR Wise (jwise1985@gmail.com). 2013 Send your 2013 class notes and photos to Carolyn (Latimer) Frazer (cglfrazer@ gmail.com) or Grant Gherity (ggherity@gmail.com). ______________________________ Lindsay Case lives in Minnetonka with her husband, Shawn, and the bestest dogs ever, Gus and Fern. In 2024, she joined Fox Rothschild as part of the firm’s real estate practice, focusing on real estate finance. Carolyn (Latimer) Frazer celebrated six years with Safran USA in 2025 and was recently promoted to Senior Legal Counsel. She and her husband, Jeremy, live in Dallas, Texas, with their two boys, ages three and two.
Holli Mayer was appointed as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District, chambered in Albert Lea, Freeborn County. She previously served as senior counsel at Hormel Foods and as an assistant county attorney in both Mower and Freeborn counties.
Neal Pearson celebrated 11 years with U.S. Bank and enjoys life in Utah with his wife and four children. These days, family life is filled with music, volleyball, bike rides, hikes, church activities, and plenty of basketball.
Kate Norris Roos shares, “Our crew welcomed another daughter, Reese - and we are overjoyed! Professionally, I recently left my General Counsel position at The Emily Program (thankful for 10yrs!) and joined The Grawe Group.”
Jenna (Haler) Peterson joined Smith & Johnson as a partner in January 2025 after a decade serving as Redwood County Attorney. The firm addresses rural attorney shortages through community-focused municipal representation. Jenna, her husband, and their two children live in Marshall, Minnesota. Jill Sauber’s law firm, Sauber Legal Services LLC, moved to new digs in Eden Prairie in early 2026!
Chris Motz is now senior counsel in the military affairs practice group at First Liberty Institute, a national religious freedom law firm. Chris transitioned from the Minnesota Air Guard to North Dakota in 2024 and continues serving as a part- time judge advocate.
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