Highest-Ever GPA Marks Distinction In Incoming Law Class

The University of Cincinnati College of Law officially welcomed one of the strongest classes of new students in its history with the beginning of first-year classes on Monday, August 16. Upper-level student classes commence on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Al Watson, the college's assistant dean for admissions and financial aid, considers this one of the best- qualified classes in recent memory. The Class of 2007 includes 129 students. Its median and 75th percentile grade point averages of 3.62 and 3.8, respectively, are the highest for any entering class on record. The median LSAT test score of 160 (out of a possible 180) is the same as a year ago, which was the highest since 1997.

"We are very pleased with the quality and diversity of the Class of 2007," says Watson. "This class is as well-credentialed as any entering law school class in Ohio or Kentucky, so the school has much to be proud of this fall."

Diversity is evident with over 16 percent of the new students being students of color, 48 percent women and almost one-third from states other than Ohio (19 different states are represented in the class, as well as the District of Columbia and one foreign country, Botswana).

The college also welcomes a new full-time faculty member this fall in Adam N. Steinman. Steinman joins the faculty from the Seattle-based law firm of Perkins Coie, where he practiced for three years as an associate in complex civil litigation (principally product liability and commercial and international disputes) and appellate matters. His areas of academic interest include civil procedure and international business transactions.

This is the 172nd year for the UC College of Law, the fourth-oldest continually operated law school in the United States. The school year continues through the college's Hooding Ceremony May 21, 2005.