Celebrating an Extraordinary Class

From excelling in the classroom to advancing access to justice through pro bono service to fostering a more inclusive community, the Richmond Law Class of 2026 has left an indelible mark on the law school. We were delighted to celebrate this year’s graduates through a series of events leading up to this year’s Commencement.

Graduating students who have distinguished themselves in the classroom, in the community, and among their peers were recognized at our Annual Awards Ceremony. This year saw a record 320 nominations submitted to the Faculty Graduation Awards Committee.

“This was such an outpouring of warmth, respect, and gratitude for the achievements of our talented students,” said Prof. Joel Eisen, who chairs the committee. “We are proud to recognize those who are truly exceptional and deserving of these awards for their contributions to academic life, to the life of the law school, and to the legal profession.”

See more photos from the Awards Ceremony
See the full list of award recipients

Collectively, the Class of 2026 contributed more than 3,700 hours of pro bono service. At this year’s Carrico Center Pro Bono Certificate Ceremony and Recognition Program students heard from keynote speaker Ryan Frei, L’05, partner at McGuireWoods, who reflected on how humanity reveals itself through pro bono service.

“You see humanity in yourself in helping someone who might otherwise feel defeated, powerless, or without a voice,” he said. “You see humanity in your clients, who often express their appreciation in the most heartfelt, authentic ways. You see humanity in colleagues—both within and outside your firm — who selflessly volunteer their time to mentor or help as part of a pro bono team. You also see humanity in judges and opposing counsel when kindness prevails and fair outcomes are reached. It’s all a good reminder that pro bono work is the purest way to fulfill the ideals of our profession.”

The second annual Affinity Group Honor Cord and Stole Ceremony honored graduating students who have played a transformative role in fostering a more inclusive, open-minded, and diverse community through their work with affinity-based student organizations.

“At a time when diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts have faced growing challenges at the highest levels, your presence and your work over these past three years has carried particular weight,” Sara Tandy, assistant dean for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging told graduates. “Despite the odds, or maybe because of them, you did not step back — you stepped forward. You built community. You created spaces of support and belonging. You made sure that others were seen, heard, and valued. And that is no small thing. It is, in fact, extraordinary.”