The 156th Commencement of the George Washington University Law School was held on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Events took place throughout the weekend and included the Pro Bono Recognition Celebration, the Academic Awards Celebration, the Dean’s Reception, the University Commencement, and the GW Law Diploma Ceremony.
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Michael Abramowicz announced the commencement. Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew is the first woman to lead GW Law. In her address to the graduates, she said:
"Your class has overcome many obstacles and demonstrated extraordinary resilience to reach this day and I congratulate you all."
Dayna Bowen Matthew
GW Law Dean and Harold H. Greene Professor of Law
Nicole Karem, President of the GW Law Student Bar Association, addressed her fellow graduates and presented five awards to faculty and staff as voted on by the graduating class.
The Distinguished Staff Member Award was received by Bobby Walis. The Lerner Family Associate Dean for Public Interest and Public Service Law, Alan Morrison received the Distinguished Dean Award. The Michael D. Cooley Memorial Award was presented to graduate Cody Ingraham. The Distinguished Faculty Service Award was received by Professor Kate Weisburd. The SBA Distinguished Service Award was presented to graduate Leila Diallo. Dean Abramowicz presented the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Awards to Professorial Lecturer in Corporations and Corporate Finance Melinda Roth and Professorial Lecturer in International Human Rights Law Trent Buatte.
Laura Coates, CNN Host and Senior Legal Analyst, Constitutional Expert, Author, and former adjunct professor at GW Law gave the keynote address. In her address, Laura said:
"The degree was but an illustration of what you have earned. You've earned the right to practice, to try. To endeavor to do that which you are capable of..."
Laura Coates
GW Law's Class of 2023 Keynote Speaker
Watch the Law Diploma Ceremony.
