Dear Friends,

Each year, I am drawn to the stillness at the heart of the holiday season. 

While I cherish the vibrant traditions, the soaring music, and the laughter of loved ones gathered near—within this quiet space, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude. I’m grateful for the time and space for deeper reflection, the blessed memories of the loved ones no longer at our tables, and the sense of hope, love, and service that is reawakened. 

As we reflect together on this year of struggle and loss for so many in our law school community, I am thankful that our Santa Clara Law family has always lifted each other up in an enduring spirit of loving kindness. We are never alone in times of joy or sorrow. In turning toward one another, we can vanquish even the deepest darkness.  

Our mission calls us to rise together whenever and wherever human dignity is violated or threatened, fully engaged in the peaceful struggle for reconciliation and justice. As a Jesuit institution, we are blessed to be part of a global community united by our Ignatian heritage and values. Let us draw strength from one another, empowering us to engage meaningfully in our increasingly complex and interdependent world. On January 8, 2025, in connection with the Association of American Law Schools Conference (AALS) in San Francisco, we are hosting a joint reception from 6-8pm at Hotel Nikko in the Monterey Ballroom with all of our fellow Jesuit law schools to celebrate our strong connections, distinctive strengths, and shared values, including academic rigor, inclusive excellence, innovation for the greater good, global engagement, educational access, economic opportunity, and belonging. 

Please join us for this special gathering as we honor the past five hundred years of inclusive excellence in Jesuit education and toast to Santa Clara Law’s next five hundred years of continuing to build a bright, hope-filled future for all. 

Fittingly, this year's AALS theme, "Courage in Action,” resonates deeply with our Jesuit values and characterizes the work of Santa Clara Law’s own impactful scholars, renowned educators, and public servants. As AALS President Melanie D. Wilson eloquently stated, "Lawyers are, and have always been, courageous advocates...we pursue positive social change." This courage, born from our commitment to justice and service, is at the core of who we are. 

In loving one another courageously—without fear or reservation—we give ourselves the season’s truest and most abiding gifts: joy, interconnectedness, and spiritual renewal. While we can’t know what trials and triumphs the new year will bring, let’s welcome it in the spirit of "magis," that uniquely Ignatian drive to live fully and serve selflessly, for both ourselves and our common home.  

With abiding love and gratitude, 

Michael J. Kaufman (He/Him/His)
Dean and Professor of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law
mjkaufman@scu.edu