Making progress toward becoming better is an important part of thriving, and we’ve come a long way at Richmond Law.
One hundred years ago this fall, Jane Brown Ranson became the first woman to graduate from Richmond Law. By contrast, 60% of this year’s entering class of 2025 were women. We’re excited to tell the story of Ranson, a trailblazer who created a path for many women to follow and progress toward their goals.
As with Ranson, sometimes progress looks like breaking through barriers and blazing a trail. Other times, it shows up in the form of providing help to those in need. In the Spring 2023 issue, you’ll hear from four of our alumni who are doing just that — using pro bono service to walk alongside members of their communities who need their help to make progress.
And progress is never without its challenges. Professor Hank Chambers discusses the “independent state legislature doctrine,” the legal theory at issue in the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Moore v. Harper. Depending on the court’s ruling, state legislatures could be given unfettered authority to control congressional elections and potentially dilute the power of voters, reversing a two-century trend.
Richmond Law is committed to providing students with the tools they need to continue making progress — whether it’s creating a pathway for others by forming a new student organization, helping within the community through a Carrico Center for Pro Bono Service project, or pursuing a career in public service thanks to a Bridge to Practice fellowship.
Legal education is about more than teaching students the law. It’s important to also give them the tools needed to make society better. We’re doing that here. And I’m excited about the progress we’ve made.
