Graduation 2020
Duke Law School's Class of 2020 faced unique challenges amid a nationwide quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Donovan Stone was selected as speaker to represent the JD Class of 2020.
Students completed the last two months of classes online, and they had to find unique ways to connect and to make meaningful use of their legal skills in the community. They also had to forego an in-person graduation ceremony and celebrations.
In our virtual celebration, speakers and others honored the Class of 2020 while also recognizing the unique circumstances under which they graduated. Many students were also honored for their public interest and pro bono work, or for their exceptional accomplishments during their time at the Law School.
The Class of 2020 included 206 JD graduates — 24 of whom also completed the requirements for the LLM in International and Comparative Law and another seven of whom also received the LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship. Ninety international students were awarded the LLM degree, and two received the LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship. Another 20 students — all sitting state, federal, and international judges — received the LLM in Judicial Studies from the Bolch Judicial Institute.
Learn more about awards honoring the Class of 2020 and watch the Marking the Moment celebration below.
In opening remarks at the Public Interest and Pro Bono Recognition Event held via Zoom on May 6, Kerry Abrams, the James B. Duke and Benjamin N. Duke Dean of the School of Law and professor of law, observed that the issues students handle on behalf of clients can be among the most important things in those clients’ lives. “I’m really proud of the tradition of service that’s integral to who we are at Duke Law,” Abrams said.
Dean Kerry Abrams: Opening Remarks
Dean Kerry Abrams offers some opening remarks in celebration of the Duke Law Class of 2020.
LLM Class Speaker: Karim M'ziani
Karim M'ziani was chosen as class speaker to represent the LLM Class of 2020. He talked about how students took different roads to lead to similar successes.
JD Class Speaker: Donovan Stone
Donovan Stone was selected as speaker to represent the JD Class of 2020. Stone talked about the challenges that the class faced, as well as how they all came together to succeed.
The Class of 2020
A complete list of the Duke Law School graduating Class of 2020 is presented.
Distinguished Class Speaker: Walter Dellinger
Walter E. Dellinger III, the Douglas B. Maggs Professor Emeritus of Law, was chosen as the Distinguished Class Speaker.
Class of 2020 Superlatives
Michael Wajda presents the Class of 2020 Superlatives.
Duke Law Slideshow: A Look Back at the Class of 2020
Students from Duke Law’s Class of 2020 share photos of some of their favorite moments together!