On the evening of August 15, Mayer Theater bore witness to a gathering of profound significance. The Santa Clara Law community—comprising esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, and the ambitious new cohort of students—convened to inaugurate the academic journey of the Class of 2027. The occasion, imbued with solemnity and celebration, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the storied history of Santa Clara Law.
The proceedings commenced with an address by Nicole Maxwell, senior assistant dean for student services, whose words resonated deeply as she acknowledged the land on which they stood—a gesture of respect and remembrance. Her gratitude extended to the tireless efforts of the Santa Clara Law administrative team, whose unseen labor laid the foundation for this momentous occasion and extraordinary time of celebration.
Dean Michael Kaufman, the 16th Dean in Santa Clara Law’s 113-year history, approached the podium, commanding the attention of all present. His introduction to the incoming students was a formality and a passage into legal scholarship.
Dean Kaufman began, his warm and proud timbre sharing his message of gratitude and belonging:
“Thank you to each of our incoming students. Congratulations and great thanks for your decision to pursue a legal education and to become a member of a learned and impactful profession, to do well and to do good. To serve your clients and your communities, and to safeguard the rule of law and our democracy… You have experienced great success in your life, in the classroom and beyond, but your decision to join us also means that you have a strength of character which calls you to overcome obstacles and to use your incredible talents and your legal education to serve your clients and your communities with competence, conscience, and compassion. You belong here, and you are not alone! We are all with you every step of the way to help you achieve great success and well-being along your lifelong journey.”
As the Dean’s words flowed, they were more than just an introduction; they were an invocation of the ethos that defines Santa Clara Law. He spoke of the “5 Habits of Mind and Heart” that are cultivated within every Santa Clara student from the moment they enter until they emerge as graduates—habits that encompass a disciplined mind, a discerning mind, a creative mind, an ethical mind, and a respectful mind.
“These habits,” he intoned, “are not mere byproducts of your education; they are the pillars upon which your legal career will be built. You will not develop them passively but as active, engaged co-constructors of your own knowledge, forging relationships that will endure beyond these walls.” His voice, steeped in wisdom, conveyed the transformative nature of the legal education they were about to undertake. “This journey will challenge you,” he continued, “and in that challenge, your mind will grow—not just figuratively, but literally. The very architecture of your brain will be reshaped by the rigors of the law.”
Throughout the evening, the future stewards of justice—Santa Clara Law’s incoming students—were addressed by voices of experience and distinction. Among them were our Jesuit leaders and dear friends, Fr. John McGarry, S.J., Fr. Matt Carnes, S.J., Executive Vice President and Provost of Santa Clara University, Jim Glaser; Margarita Chavez Tatro B.S. ’94, J.D. ’97, alum and Law Advisory Board member; and Judge Shelyna Brown J.D. ’96.
Also in attendance was Howard S. Charney J.D. MBA ’73, J.D. ’77, our distinguished innovator in residence for whom our stunning law school building is named, who spoke during orientation events, encouraging our students to look beyond law school and find the thing that makes their hearts sing and to think outside the box.
Provost Glaser welcomed our students so eloquently, engaging each person in the room. As the University’s chief academic officer, Provost Glaser models the five habits of mind and heart through his servant leadership, his commitment to fostering our core values, strengthening our academic programs, and promoting innovation and collaboration across campus.
Following Provost Glaser, the Honorable Judge Shelyna Brown took the podium, sharing her insights and wisdom with our students. Judge Brown is a true exemplar of servant leadership and professionalism. Judge Brown has been honored with several awards and accolades, including two Congressional Commendations for her commitment and service to her community and the Mary Jo Levinger, 2024 Woman Jurist of the Year award. She was a former public defender and Superior Court judge in the county of Santa Clara, as well as a noted expert in social justice advocacy, public policy development, process improvement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) development. Judge Brown then led our students through the Oath of Professionalism, marking their first step in their professional identity formation.
Margarita Chavez Tatro B.S. ‘94, J.D. ‘97, gave the keynote of the evening. A current member of Santa Clara’s Law Advisory Board, whose words echoed the gravity of the occasion. A “Double-Bronco,” Margarita practiced corporate and securities law at one of the world’s largest law firms, then grew to become one of the world’s leading executives and innovators in the biotech industry. She became the founding and managing director at AbbVie Ventures in Chicago, a Fortune 100 biopharma company. Margarita also gives her time and talent to serve our university and law school communities as a member of the Santa Clara University Board of Regents and the Law Advisory Board of Santa Clara Law.
Simone Wolberg and Ajit Bhullar, the 3L Co-Presidents of the Student Bar Association, also welcomed the students. They shared their insights and encouraged new 1Ls to explore the unknown and to take heart; this feeling of unfamiliarity won’t last long. Their wise words and encouragement to find support and community rang true for all alumni present.
This convocation was particularly poignant as it marked the third year of the Breaking Bread tradition, a ritual that embodies the spirit of community at Santa Clara Law. As students, faculty, staff, and alumni shared fellowship and refreshments, they also shared their hopes, fears, and aspirations. Conversations flowed easily and freely, binding the community together in a tapestry of mutual support and shared purpose.
In the dimming light of the afternoon, and as the evening drew to a close, there was a palpable sense that this night would be etched in memory—not just as the beginning of an academic year but as the forging of a new generation of legal minds, ready to take their place as the future of the legal profession.