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Greetings!
Spring is a season of momentum — a time when ideas take shape, conversations expand, and new possibilities come into focus. Across our Online LL.M. community, we’re seeing that energy everywhere: alumni advancing in their careers, students stepping confidently into new opportunities, and our global network continuing to grow in reach and impact.
In this issue, we’re excited to share the conversations shaping the future of law and technology, innovations enhancing the online learning experience, and milestones worth celebrating — all as we look ahead to the Summer term just around the corner.
Wherever you're reading from, thank you for being part of this community. We’re proud of the work unfolding across our program and energized by what’s ahead.
| | CONVERSATIONS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF LAW | | |
This March, the Online LL.M. program is co-hosting Building Careers at the Intersection of Law & Technology: Three Essential Conversations, alongside the Career Services Office, UDSL’s Program in Law & Technology (PILT), and Taft.
This three-part series explores where law and technology intersect and where the field is heading next. Practitioners will share insight into evolving legal careers across privacy, intellectual property, fintech, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurial innovation.
Each session offers a distinct perspective on how legal professionals are navigating innovation-driven industries.
| | Tech Law: International LL.M. Graduates in Technology Practice | | March 12th 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET | FREE, Virtual, & Open to the Public | |
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We begin with a global conversation featuring Online LL.M. alumni currently working in technology-focused roles in the legal field. Moderated by alumna Monica Hayes, a dual-qualified attorney licensed in Brazil and the United States (D.C.), this discussion will explore:
- What “Law & Technology” really includes
- Realistic entry points for internationally educated lawyers
- How panelists transitioned into tech-focused roles
- Whether a technical background is necessary or if adaptability and legal reasoning matter more
We encourage you to invite colleagues and peers who may benefit from the discussion!
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Dive Deeper Before the Discussion
Ahead of the March 12 discussion, we’ve published a feature highlighting the professional journeys of several of our Online LL.M. alumni panelists, exploring their experience entering the field and how their legal training impacted their journey.
→ Explore Their Journeys
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| Hard IP, Soft IP: Diverse Paths in Intellectual Property Law | | March 19th 6:30 p.m. ET | Free & Open to UDSL Students | | Sean Owens (Wood Herron & Evans LLP) and John Cheek (Tenneco) share experience spanning trademark and copyright law, global IP strategy, and corporate intellectual property leadership. Registration for the event can be found in the Online LL.M. Law Library and Student Hub site in Canvas. For any questions, contact Heather Creed or Dan Schoeni. | | Lunch and Learn with Tech Law Attorney Nova Levante | | March 25th 12:00 p.m. ET | Free & Open to UDSL Students | | Nova Levante, Founder of Lex Law, LPA and adjunct professor at UDSL, brings experience advising on cybersecurity and digital systems while integrating technology into modern legal practice. Registration for the event can be found in the Online LL.M. Law Library and Student Hub site in Canvas. For any questions, contact Heather Creed or Dan Schoeni. | | ENHANCING YOUR ONLINE EXPERIENCE | | |
At UD’s recent AI Demo Day, Hannah Jackson, Senior Instructional Design Specialist at the Center for Online Learning, demonstrated how thoughtfully designed, human-centered AI is being integrated into the Online LL.M. program.
From incorporating Gemini into study guide notebooks to expanding the Legal Essay Coach tutor, these tools are designed to support learning in practical, accessible ways — particularly for international students navigating new legal systems and academic expectations.
Our approach is not about replacing instruction, but enhancing it by pairing innovative tools with meaningful faculty engagement.
| | Expanding Bar Preparation with Kaplan | | |
We are excited to announce that the University of Dayton School of Law will launch a new institutional partnership with Kaplan, expanding bar-readiness resources available to students across its J.D. and LL.M. programs starting Fall term 2026!
Through Kaplan, our Online LL.M. students will benefit from integrated academic and bar-aligned tools such as diagnostics, targeted practice tools, and bar-aligned learning resources designed to strengthen both doctrinal understanding and applied legal skills throughout the program.
This partnership reflects UDSL’s continued focus on making bar preparation more structured, accessible, and integrated into the academic experience to help students prepare for the bar exam and their next step in their legal careers.
→ Read more about the Kaplan partnership
| The NextGen Bar Exam: A Shift Toward Skills | | |
Beginning in July 2026, the NextGen Bar Exam will move away from memorization-heavy testing and toward applied legal skills, analytical reasoning, and practical problem-solving. For international LL.M. students, this shift raises important questions and new opportunities.
In addition to our new institutional partnership with Kaplan, our Online LL.M. curriculum already emphasizes the integrated skills the new exam is designed to assess. Courses such as Introduction to U.S. Law (LAW 4000) include client interviewing and counseling simulations, while Legal Analysis (LAW 4004) incorporates live verbal assessments and oral argument exercises grounded in complex fact patterns. In Business Associations (LAW 4012), students engage in client counseling and receive individualized feedback.
By blending objective and persuasive writing, negotiation strategy, and practical application, our program prepares students not only for bar success, but for the realities of modern legal practice.
→ Read more about the NextGen Bar transition
| | EXPANDING CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION | |
Beginning in 2026, the Online LL.M. program plans to expand its offerings with new continuing legal education (CLE) programs designed for practicing attorneys and legal professionals.
The first two programs will include:
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Immigration Law CLE, led by Professor Ericka Curran, drawing on her extensive experience in immigration practice and education.
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Law & Technology CLE, focused on the intersection of law, innovation, and emerging technologies.
These online trainings will deliver timely insight, practical tools, and flexible access, continuing our commitment to lifelong legal education.
In addition, our Immigration Law elective course (offered for grade and credit) is back this summer for Online LL.M. students interested in exploring this important and growing area of practice!
📌 Follow along on LinkedIn for the latest updates!
| | Our Online LL.M. Flyers continue to soar higher! Our alumni are putting their education into practice across the globe, and we’re proud to recognize the meaningful work they’re doing. | |
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JANE DIXON
We are proud to celebrate Janette Mae Dillomes-Dixon (Jane) on the launch of her firm, Allied Law Services, PLLC, in Dothan, Alabama. Guided by her passion for immigration and family law, Jane’s practice is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate complex and deeply personal legal matters. We are proud to see her leadership and vision come to life — congratulations, Jane!
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VICKY DATSOVA
Congratulations to Vicky Datsova on beginning her new role as a Legal Associate at Aetna! We are excited to see her continue advancing in her legal career and know she will bring great insight to her new position. Learn more about Vicky in our upcoming Law & Technology event, where she will be participating as a panelist.
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ANDREA D’ANNA
We are proud to recognize Andrea d’Anna, Group Legal Manager at Finomnia, who was featured ahead of the Le Grand Legal Summit – London Edition. His work in fintech and emerging technologies reflects leadership at the intersection of innovation and regulation. Congratulations, Andrea!
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HERNÁN SIMÓ
Hernán Simó, Senior Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Matthew C. Mullhofer was recently recognized as Leading Lawyer of the Year 2025 by LexTalk World — a testament to his excellence and lasting impact in the field. Congratulations, Hernán!
| | WELCOMING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI | | We are proud to celebrate our January 2026 Online LL.M. graduates — 39 accomplished students who reached this milestone together. This cohort earned their first law degrees in 14 different countries. They reflect the depth and diversity that define our program. Congratulations to our newest alumni, we look forward to all you will accomplish! | | EXCELLENCE IN GLOBAL LEARNING | | |
We’re thrilled to congratulate Online LL.M. Dean Margaret Ioannides and Online LL.M. Professor Tommy Sangchompuphen (Director of LL.M. Faculty Development and Bar Readiness & Director of Bar Preparation) on being recognized as Global Learning Champions at UD’s Global Excellence Reception.
Professor Tommy was honored for his dedicated support of global students, including those in the Online LL.M. program, while Dean Margaret was recognized for her leadership in advancing global learning across the University. Their recognition reflects the strength of our program’s faculty and their ongoing commitment to excellence in global legal education.
Thank you both for all you do and to all of our wonderful Online LL.M. professors and faculty who go above and beyond for your students.
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| YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE | | |
After a season of innovation, global recognition, and alumni achievement, there’s never been a more exciting time to become a UD Flyer! We invite you to take the next step in your own journey:
Spring Priority Scholarship Deadline: March 13th
Apply by March 13th to receive a guaranteed 30% tuition scholarship.
Standard Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligible applicants may receive up to 35% in scholarship support.
Summer Term Begins: May 11th
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“Completing the LL.M. program enhanced my credentials and directly increased my earning potential with my employer.”
— Michelle Avis
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Join a global community of students and alumni from more than 55 countries preparing for the next era of legal practice. | | Social Practice of Human Rights Conference | |
Registration is still open for the 2026 Social Practice of Human Rights Conference (SPHR 26), hosted by the University of Dayton Human Rights Center.
This year’s event will explore the intersection of human rights, law, technology, and creative resistance — themes closely aligned with our Online LL.M. community.
→ Register Now
| | 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.
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Share With Your Network
Know someone who could benefit from our Online LL.M. program? Share the program with them and help them explore the advantages of studying with us at the University of Dayton School of Law! Copy and paste this link into an email and send it to a colleague - https://bit.ly/43pa8dc - or share through social media.
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