During a virtual orientation program on August 12, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law Dean Matt Parlow welcomed the 158 students who make up the school’s newest class by sharing tremendous news—that this class has the strongest credentials and is the most diverse of any in the history of the law school.

“The class of 2023 exemplifies the dynamism and upward momentum of the law school,” Parlow said. “We have an even brighter future ahead of us, and I’m thrilled that these new students will be a part of our continued rise and success.”

The increase in median LSAT score to 159 and median GPA to 3.52 for the incoming class builds on the trajectory established over the previous three years, during which time Fowler School of Law saw the sharpest gains in class credentials of any U.S. law school—with the median LSAT increasing four points and median GPA rising 0.28 since 2016.

This year also marks the first time in the law school’s history that the first-year class is majority minority (52%) and includes the greatest number of first-generation college students (36%). These new students come to Chapman from 71 different undergraduate institutions in 14 states and five foreign countries, and they speak nine different languages.

Although they will be starting the 2020-2021 academic year online, the newest students at the Fowler School of Law will enjoy the same rigorous, personalized legal education all its classes have enjoyed During orientation, students met in small groups with faculty and administrators to foster relationship building, and the law school has numerous virtual events and activities planned throughout the fall semester to provide opportunities for the new class to make deeper connections with the Chapman Family.

“We remain committed to providing a legal foundation for our students to make an impact in their community and achieve their professional goals,” said Parlow. “And even though we’re starting this year remotely, they will continue to experience the close-knit feeling of being part of the Chapman Family.”