Northern Illinois University College of Law

09/07/2026

09/03/2026

We are proud to celebrate the distinguished recipients of the 2026 NIU Law Alumni Awards! Each of this year’s eight honorees reflects the professionalism, dedication, and pursuit of excellence that define the NIU Law community. Congratulations to all of our outstanding award recipients!

Alum of the Year – Rocio Becerril (’09)
Young Alum of the Year – Major Maureen Dowling (’16)
Distinguished Service Award – James W. Glasgow (’78)
Outstanding Service Award – Richard Larsen (’86)
Outstanding Service Award – Nick Valadez (’89), Posthumously
Honorary Law Alum – Asst. Dean Greg Anderson
Public Service Award – Rep. Lisa Davis (’07)
Mentor of the Year: Hon. Joseph Pedersen

09/01/2026

Ready to Take the Next Step? Apply now to the NIU College of Law! We have a path for you - including our new Part-Time J.D. program in Naperville. Same degree, different schedule. Class begin Fall 2027. Apply now at https://www.niu.edu/law/academics/part-time-jd/index.shtml.

09/01/2026

A new path and your future to a J.D. starts here! Applications are now open for our new part-time JD in Naperville. Take the next step toward your legal career and join a community committed to preparing the next generation of legal professionals. Classes begin Fall 2027. Apply now at https://www.niu.edu/law/academics/part-time-jd/index.shtml.

08/31/2026

We are proud to recognize four NIU Law 2L students who participated in the ACC Chicago Pathway Program this summer. Congratulations to Jinan Askar (KONE), Lavannya Deolalikar (ITW), J’Shawn Taylor (International Motors, LLC), and Gabriel Smallwood (UBS) on this valuable opportunity to gain firsthand experience of in-house legal practice, engage with corporate attorneys, and develop meaningful professional connections.

Through the Association of Corporate Counsel Chicago Chapter, law students gain insight into corporate legal careers and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

08/28/2026

Kicking off the semester with the SBA Dean’s Picnic! A great afternoon of community, connection, and fun. We were also happy to welcome our friends from the ISBA!

08/28/2026

Special thanks to ISBA President Perry Browder, 3rd Vice President Emily Masalski, and Asst. Executive Director Ernest Barrens for their visit to NIU College of Law. They shared valuable insights with our 1Ls on the importance of building strong professional networks and the many benefits of staying engaged in the legal profession.

08/27/2026

SBA President Danielle Gillon (3L) and her board hosted their annual Student Organization Fair, a bustling showcase of over 30 organizations offering community, academic, and career opportunities for new and returning students.

08/27/2026

We loved seeing so much Huskie spirit at the DeKalb County Bar Association’s Golf Outing! Kudos to President Chris Cosentino ('00), Treasurer/Secretary Neil Michling ('18), and the team for organizing such a great event. And congratulations to Presiding Judge Brad Waller ('88), the lucky winner of the NIU Law swag basket! Clearly, the best prize of the day!

08/26/2026

NIU Law First Generation Law Society partnered with the NIU Law Alumni Council for its first Swap Shop of the academic year, helping students refresh their professional wardrobes and prepare for employment opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, NIU Law students can enter the next chapter of their careers feeling confident, prepared, and career-ready!