New Beginnings at Carolina Law: Class of 2027 Orientation

Van Hecke-Wettach Hall buzzed with excitement on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, as the Class of 2027 embarked on their legal journey at the University of North Carolina School of Law. The day began with warm greetings from Dean’s Fellows, faculty and staff, setting a tone of support that would echo throughout the day.

After a light breakfast and a tour of their new academic home, the 191 incoming students made their way to the Carolina Club. There, they were treated to a series of inspiring speeches from law school leaders and alumni, each offering a unique perspective on the path ahead.

Bianca Mack, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, orchestrated the event, warmly introducing each speaker.

Dean Martin H. Brinkley ’92 set the stage with a poignant address that resonated through the room. “Your Carolina Law degree will provide endless opportunities to make the world a much, much better place,” he said, his words carrying the weight of personal experience. Dean Brinkley encouraged students to think critically and pursue their passions, reminding them, “You’ve already made it when you were admitted to this law school.”

Joshua Jacobs 3L and Student Bar Association(SBA) president, spoke next, his enthusiasm palpable. “The leaders of SBA are responsible for advocating for student needs, building community and acting as a liaison between stakeholders within the law school,” Jacobs said, urging the new class to engage actively with the SBA throughout their law school journey.

As Jacobs painted a picture of the immediate support network available to students, the focus shifted to the enduring connections that await beyond graduation. Brian Meecham ’03, president of the Law Alumni Association, then took the podium to illuminate the path that stretches far beyond the classroom walls.

Meecham’s personal anecdotes painted a vivid picture of the Carolina Law network’s strength and longevity. He emphasized the active role alumni play in students’ education, saying, “Carolina law alums are with you throughout your law school careers. We’ll be handing out backpacks at orientation, speaking on panels, serving meals, conducting mock interviews, and judging moot courts.” He added, “We do this because we believe in this law school and the good it does.”

The day’s highlight came when Judge Richard Myers ’98, a Carolina Law alumnus and former faculty member, presided over the professional oath ceremony. Judge Myers’ journey from law student to Chief United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina served as a powerful example of the diverse paths available to Carolina Law graduates. His words carried the gravity of his position as he told the aspiring lawyers, “You’re going to be the most important person on earth to somebody having the worst problem in their life.”

As the event drew to a close, Senior Associate Dean Kelly Podger Smith ’02 offered final words of encouragement and practical advice. Her remarks, touching on the supportive nature of the Carolina Law community, served as a fitting bookend to a day that began with warm welcomes and ended with a sense of belonging.

With name tags distributed and a class photo taken, the Class of 2027 left the orientation with a clear sense of the journey ahead. They departed not just as individual students, but as members of a supportive, distinguished legal community, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that await them at Carolina Law.