Reunion 2026 Schedule
Duke Law Reunion 2026 Schedule
Class events noted in ~
Signature events noted ✶
Separate registration required noted in !
Included in Reunion registration noted in ✓
Friday, April 17th, 2026
~ Class of 1966 - 60th Reunion Welcome Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Location - Washington Duke Inn
Members of the Class of 1966 and their guests are invited for a welcome lunch at the Washington Duke Inn.
~ Class of 1976 - 50th Reunion Welcome Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Location - Washington Duke Inn
Members of the Class of 1976 and their guests are invited for a welcome lunch at the Washington Duke Inn.
~ Class of 1976 - Durham History Bus Tour
2:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Join local street historian John Schelp for a fast‑paced ride through Durham’s hidden stories—from Madonna’s dance lessons and Nixon’s stay to Bull Durham film spots, buried hospital secrets, and surprising neighborhood history. Departs after lunch on Friday, April 17 from the Washington Duke Inn.
✶ Duke Law Reunion ’26 Check-In and Alumni Reunion Gift Pick-Up at Duke Law School
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Duke Law School, 3rd Floor- Jaime Alemán Welcome Center
Alumni, stop by Duke Law Reunion Headquarters at the Jaime Alemán Welcome Center immediately inside the Science Drive entrance to Duke Law School from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17 to check in for the weekend and pick up your reunion gift.
~ Class of 1996 - 30th Reunion Class Gathering (Duke Chapel Climb) Group 1
2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Location - Duke Chapel entrance
Members of the Class of 1996 are invited to climb the 239 steps to the top of the tower for sweeping views of West Campus, Durham, and beyond. Please note the following: there is no elevator access and accessibility options are limited. All participants must review the liability terms prior to arrival and will be asked at the chapel to sign a form confirming that you have read and understand the terms. Climbers need to be 16 years old, and any minors that wish to participate must have a liability form signed by a parent.
~ Class of 1996 - 30th Reunion Class Gathering (Duke Chapel Climb) Group 2
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location - Duke Chapel entrance
Members of the Class of 1996 are invited to climb the 239 steps to the top of the tower for sweeping views of West Campus, Durham, and beyond. Please note the following: there is no elevator access and accessibility options are limited. All participants must review the liability terms prior to arrival and will be asked at the chapel to sign a form confirming that you have read and understand the terms. Climbers need to be 16 years old, and any minors that wish to participate must have a liability form signed by a parent.
✓ International Alumni Reception
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location - JB Duke Hotel, Club Room
Connect with fellow international alumni and current students at a casual reception. If you haven’t checked in to receive your Reunion Weekend name tag yet, you can pick up your badge and weekend materials at the Kick-Off Celebration which begins at 7:30 pm at the JB Duke Hotel. Alumni and guests age 18+ are welcome to join.
✶ ! Reception for Members of the Lanty L. Smith Society and Barrister Donor Society
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
President’s Terrace, Washington Duke Inn
(invitation only)
✶ Reunion’26 Kick-Off Celebration
7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
J.B. Duke Hotel Ballroom
Start your Reunion Weekend with a lively evening full of connection and celebration. This upbeat gathering is the perfect place to reunite with classmates, swap stories, and soak in the Duke Law spirit. Enjoy a strolling supper with heavy appetizers and drinks. If you haven’t checked in yet, you can pick up your badge and weekend materials here. Alumni and guests age 18+ are welcome to join the fun.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
! Golf at the Washington Duke Inn (various tee times)
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Duke Golf Course, Washington Duke Inn
The Law School has reserved tee times for alumni from 7:30–8:00 a.m. Tee times open Monday, March 16, 2026. Alumni may book by calling 919‑681‑2288.
~ Class of 1981- 45th Reunion Class Gathering - Honoring of Passed Classmates
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Duke Law School
We invite you to join us on Saturday morning for a time of reflection and remembrance as we share stories and honor the classmates from the great Class of 1981 who have passed. We look forward to gathering together, reconnecting, and reflecting on the memories and experiences that shaped our law school years and careers.
✶ Duke Law Reunion ’26 Check-In and Alumni Reunion Gift Pick-Up at Duke Law School
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Duke Law School, 3rd Floor- Jaime Alemán Welcome Center
Alumni, stop by Duke Law Reunion Headquarters at the Jaime Alemán Welcome Center immediately inside the Science Drive entrance to Duke Law School from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 to check in for the weekend and pick up your reunion gift. Continental breakfast and coffee will be available from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on the 3rd Floor Logia.
✶ Academic Freedom and Free Speech: The Bassett Affair (Case Study Conversation)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Duke Law School 3041
This interactive program explores academic freedom and the principles of free speech through the lens of the 1903 Bassett Affair, a defining controversy at Trinity College (now Duke University) that unfolded amid the charged landscape of race, law, and politics in early twentieth‑century North Carolina. Led by Professors Joseph Blocher, a leading scholar of constitutional law and the First Amendment, and H. Timothy Lovelace, Jr., an expert on race, democracy, and civil rights history, the session features a dynamic, classroom‑style case study designed to invite active participation. Together, attendees will examine how this century‑old debate—rooted in the racial politics and press battles of 1903—continues to shape contemporary conversations about free expression in higher education.
✓ Memory Lane with the Goodson Law Library
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
J. Michael Goodson Law Library entrance, Duke Law School
✶ Dean Kerry Abrams’ Address to the Duke Law Alumni Community
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Duke Law School 3041
✶ Alumni Family Picnic
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Marcy’s Garden and Noble Plaza, Duke Law School
Join us for an afternoon of family fun and live music.
✶ Half Century Club Luncheon
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
President’s Ballroom, Washington Duke Inn
The class of 1976 and all other Half-Century Club members gather for a private lunch. The luncheon will include a special recognition of the Class of 1976, commemorating their 50th reunion.
✓ Duke Law School Tour
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
3rd Floor Jaime Aleman Welcome Center, Duke Law School
Discover how Duke Law has changed since graduation on a tour of the school led by current students. Tours depart from the 3rd Floor Jaime Aleman Welcome Center at 1:30 p.m.
~ Class of 2001- 25th Reunion Class Gathering (Cameron Indoor Stadium Guided Tour)
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2001 are invited to meet at the 3rd floor entrance of the Law School at 1:45 pm. We will walk over to Cameron Indoor Stadium as a group. The class tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. If you choose to walk over on your own, please arrive at the main entrance of Cameron.
! DLJ Alumni Reception
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Duke Law School - TBD
Reconnect with fellow Duke Law Journal alumni and current members in a relaxed setting. Enjoy light refreshments, great conversation, and the chance to meet new faces. RSVP here https://forms.gle/XY8BMtiEB4n99rLT8.
! First Generation Professionals (1GP) x Alumni Golf Event
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Washington Duke Golf Course
This event is a relaxed opportunity for students and alumni to connect. Please share your golf experience when signing up so we can create balanced groups. The outing is especially meaningful for first-generation students, offering access to an activity they may not usually experience and a chance to meet Duke Law alumni. Alumni of all backgrounds are welcome, especially those comfortable playing with beginners. Refreshments provided! Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/CGPtWVeRPc3ZbmPP8
~ Class of 2021 - 5th Reunion Class Gathering (Bull McCabe’s)
2:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2021 are invited to gather at Bull McCabe’s in Downtown Durham. Transportation from the Law School will depart at 2:15 pm from the 3rd floor entrance of the Law School. If you plan to use the transportation provided, we recommend arriving at 2:00 pm to board the shuttle. A return shuttle will be provided and will leave Bull McCabe’s promptly at 4:15 pm.
~ Class of 1991- 35th Reunion Class Gathering (Walk the Al Buehler Trail)
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Members of the Class of 1991 are invited to embark on a walk around the Al Buehler Trail. The class will meet at the 3rd floor entrance of the Law School at 2:00 p.m. to walk over to the trail. This event is weather dependent.
~ Class of 2006 - 20th Reunion Class Gathering (Hi-Wire Brewing)
2:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2006 are invited to gather at Hi-Wire Brewing in Downtown Durham. Transportation from the Law School will depart at 2:30 pm from the 3rd floor entrance of the Law School. If you plan to use the transportation provided, we recommend arriving at 2:15 pm to board the shuttle. A return shuttle will be provided and will leave Hi-Wire Brewing promptly at 4:30 pm.
~ Class of 2011- 15th Reunion Class Gathering (Hi-Wire Brewing)
2:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2011 are invited to gather at Hi-Wire Brewing in Downtown Durham. Transportation from the Law School will depart at 2:30 pm from the 3rd floor entrance of the Law School. If you plan to use the transportation provided, we recommend arriving at 2:15 pm to board the shuttle. A return shuttle will be provided and will leave Hi-Wire Brewing promptly at 4:30 pm.
~ Class of 2016- 10th Reunion Class Gathering (Hi-Wire Brewing)
2:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2016 are invited to gather at Hi-Wire Brewing in Downtown Durham. Transportation from the Law School will depart at 2:30 pm from the 3rd floor entrance of the Law School. If you plan to use the transportation provided, we recommend arriving at 2:15 pm to board the shuttle. A return shuttle will be provided and will leave Hi-Wire Brewing promptly at 4:30 pm.
✶ Class Dinners & Cocktail Receptions
- 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Cocktail Receptions
- 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Class Dinners
Washington Duke Inn and J.B. Duke Hotel
Class of 2021 – 5th Reunion Dinner
Class of 2016 – 10th Reunion Dinner
Class of 2011 – 15th Reunion Dinner
Class of 2006 – 20th Reunion Dinner
Class of 2001 – 25th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1996 – 30th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1991 – 35th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1986 – 40th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1981 – 45th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1976 – 50th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1971 - 55th Reunion Dinner
Class of 1966 - 60th Reunion Dinner
Half Century Club Dinner (graduates from the class of 1976 and earlier)
Alumni and guests 18+ are invited to the receptions and class dinners.
Sunday, April 19th, 2026
! Black Law Student Association (BLSA) Spring Alumni Brunch
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Durham Hotel
Join BLSA for a spring brunch designed to strengthen ties and build community between Duke alumni and current students. To register, please contact Destiny Washington (dew41@duke.edu).
