Greetings!

As summer begins, so does another exciting chapter for our Online LL.M. community.



Last month, we celebrated 76 graduates representing 21 countries of first legal study — a reflection of the global perspectives, experiences, and ambitions that continue to shape our program and learning environment.

As we move into summer, we’re excited to share the momentum continuing across our global network: alumni achievements, conversations surrounding the future of law and technology, innovations supporting online learning, and new opportunities for students preparing to take the next step in their legal careers.

We’re incredibly proud of what our students and graduates continue to accomplish and look forward to all that lies ahead for this growing global community!

Warmly,

Margaret Ioannides, J.D., M.S.F.S.

Assistant Dean for Online LL.M. Programs

University of Dayton School of Law

This spring, we proudly celebrated 76 Online LL.M. graduates representing 21 countries of first legal study — a class that reflects the truly global nature of our program and the future of legal education itself.

Whether celebrating in person or virtually, each graduate reached this milestone through extraordinary dedication, resilience, and commitment to mastering American law while contributing their own perspectives, experiences, and legal traditions to our community.

During commencement, Dean Christopher Roederer reminded graduates in a profound speech that the study of law carries both professional and human responsibility. Reflecting on the words of Pope Francis, he shared:

“An authentic rule of law is verified precisely in the dignified treatment that all people deserve, especially the poorest and most marginalized.”

As our graduates begin their next chapter, we hope they continue to lead not only with legal skill, but with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to justice.

To the Class of 2026: We are honored to welcome you into our growing global alumni network and excited to see where your journeys lead next.



You arrived from 21 nations, but now, you fly as one. Congratulations, graduates. 🎓

→ Watch the full ceremony here.

→ For our new alumni: don’t forget to join the UD alumni association. 

Want to help us celebrate our graduates? Give them a shout out on LinkedIn! 

As many of our newest graduates and current students know, every Online LL.M. journey looks a little different. Some pursue the degree to strengthen an existing legal career, some to prepare for U.S. bar eligibility, and others to expand their global legal perspective while balancing full-time work and family responsibilities.

For alumna Ivy (Qiuyue) Mao, the program became an opportunity to do all three.

While continuing her full-time legal career in Shanghai, Ivy completed the Online LL.M. program in 2024 before going on to pass the Washington State Bar Exam — an achievement she credits to disciplined preparation and the strong academic and bar support available throughout the program.

Reflecting on her experience, Ivy shared that the program helped bridge the gap between domestic legal knowledge and international legal practice while giving her a stronger foundation in U.S. law and legal writing.

“The program at Dayton perfectly addressed my goal: to study U.S. law in a structured manner without significantly disrupting my current work and life.”

Today, Ivy continues sharing her experiences with other internationally trained lawyers exploring U.S. legal education and bar eligibility pathways.



📌 We’ll be sharing more of Ivy’s journey soon — follow along on LinkedIn to read her full story and hear her advice for internationally trained lawyers considering an LL.M. degree.

Across our Online LL.M. community, students and alumni continue to advance legal scholarship, launch new ventures, earn industry recognition, and expand their impact across the globe. From bar exam success to published research and leadership within evolving areas of legal practice, we are proud to celebrate just a few of the many accomplishments shaping our community this season.

BINDIYA KRISHNAN


We’re pleased to congratulate Online LL.M. student Bindiya Krishnan on the publication of her article on SSRN, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and judicial decision-making across legal systems. Her research contributes to a growing global conversation surrounding the constitutional and ethical implications of AI in the legal profession. 


Huge thanks to Professor Mike VanderHeijden and Professor Natalie Tuttle for their mentorship and support of Bindiya throughout the publication process.

Conversations at the Intersection of Law & Technology

This spring, the Online LL.M. program partnered with the Career Services Office, UDSL’s Program in Law & Technology (PILT), and Taft to host Building Careers at the Intersection of Law & Technology: Three Essential Conversations — a series exploring how innovation continues to reshape modern legal careers.

Across the three discussions, students and attendees engaged with practitioners working in areas including privacy, intellectual property, cybersecurity, digital systems, fintech, and emerging technologies. These practitioners included industry professionals as well as our very own Online LL.M. alumni sharing their experiences breaking into the field (many through the Online LL.M. degree program). 

If you missed the alumni panel discussion first event (or would like to revisit the conversation) the recording is now available to watch online. You can also explore Building Careers at the Intersection of Law and Technology: Insights from University of Dayton Online LL.M. Alumni, featuring reflections and career insights from alumni working across the evolving law and technology space.

→ Watch the Alumni Panel Discussion

Innovating the Online Classroom

This Thursday, June 4th, Online LL.M. students are invited to join an interactive workshop hosted by the Online LL.M. program and UD’s Center for Online Learning highlighting custom AI tools designed to support legal writing, studying, and academic success.



During the session, students will explore resources including the Custom Legal Essay Coach, which helps strengthen legal writing and IRAC structure, along with Study Guide Notebooks that allow students to engage with course content and generate study materials in multiple languages.

The workshop will also feature a live Q&A with Senior Instructional Designer Hannah Jackson, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and learn how these tools can best support their learning experience.

Welcome Dean Christopher Roederer

This spring, the University of Dayton School of Law officially announced Christopher Roederer as its new Dean.

Dean Roederer brings extensive experience in constitutional law, comparative law, and global legal education. From serving as a Fulbright Fellow in South Africa to teaching across four continents, his academic and professional background reflects a deep understanding of law within an interconnected global context.

For our Online LL.M. community, his leadership further reinforces the program’s commitment to supporting internationally trained lawyers and fostering a truly global learning environment.

Congratulations, Dean Roederer!

• June 4^th: Custom AI Tools Workshop
• June 26^th: Priority Scholarship Deadline for Fall Term
• July 24^th: Standard Application Deadline for Fall Term
• August 24^th: Fall Term Begins / Classes Start

Let's Celebrate Your Success!

We love celebrating the achievements of our Online LL.M. community ... and that means you too!

Our prospective students, current students, alumni, and faculty have all expressed interest in knowing more about our community's successes and accomplishments. 

If you have a new position, accolade, or professional achievement you'd like to share, please let us know by emailing us directly.