Northern Illinois University College of Law

06/02/2026

We extend our sincere gratitude to Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Neville for serving as our 2026 commencement speaker! His inspiring remarks, thoughtful reflections, and words of encouragement challenged our graduates to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and embrace the responsibilities of the legal profession. His presence helped make this milestone celebration even more meaningful for our graduates, their families, and our entire law school community!

06/02/2026

More Commencement highlights from the Class of 2026!

06/01/2026

Proud to celebrate the NIU Law Class of 2026 during their hard-earned Commencement!

06/01/2026

05/30/2026

Join us in celebrating the NIU Law Class of 2026 during their commencement ceremony today, Saturday, May 30! Starting at 2:00pm, the ceremony will be viewable via livestream: go.niu.edu/colwatch.

05/28/2026

Rising 3L Dean Cooney will join Hinshaw & Culbertson in Rockford, IL this summer as a Summer Associate. Hinshaw’s eight-week program offers hands-on experience across its practice areas, providing exposure to client matters in insurance, financial services, and other regulated industries. Dean looks forward to developing practical legal skills, collaborating with experienced professionals, and gaining insight into the firm’s diverse practice areas to further prepare for a career in law!

05/22/2026

On the last day of classes, Professor Kathryn Gwiazdon’s Climate Law and Policy Seminar welcomed former Hawai’i Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael D. Wilson (2014–2023). Justice Wilson, now an Honorary Adjunct Professor at Jindal Global University, spoke on domestic and international climate litigation. Students prepared by reading his 2023 concurring opinion in In re Hawai’i Electric Light Co., which highlights the constitutional right to a life-sustaining climate system. NIU Law celebrates the network of professors and invaluable opportunities provided to our students.

05/21/2026

Reminder! Register today to attend NIU Law's 21st Annual Golf Outing on June 5, 2026 at River Heights Golf Course in DeKalb! Alumni and friends are invited to join us to help raise money for student scholarships. Lunch, dinner, drinks, and gift are included. Register now and sign up to be a sponsor at go.niu.edu/lawgolf2026!

05/19/2026

Our Student Summer Series returns with rising 2L Naomi Kelly! Naomi will join Kirkland & Ellis for both her 1L and 2L summers in the firm’s General Corporate group, where she looks forward to developing practical legal skills while engaging with the firm’s collaborative culture. A participant in NIU Law’s 3+3 accelerated program, Naomi has excelled academically during her first year while strengthening her advocacy skills, earning co-champion honors in the NIU Space Law Society Closing Argument Competition.