Iowa Law News

David Axelrod and host Ben Keifer talk on the Hancher Auditorium stage.

Former Obama strategist David Axelrod headlines spring 2026 Levitt Lecture

Friday, May 8, 2026
During his talk in Iowa City, Axelrod addressed a wide range of topics, including the current political climate, the role of social media, and the future of American democracy, before a sold-out audience.
JoAnna Voss and Janette Voss smile for a professional photo against a white backdrop, arms around one another.

Alumni mother-daughter duo graduate three decades apart and will practice alongside each other

Thursday, May 7, 2026
JoAnna Voss (26JD) inherited a lot from her mother: blonde hair, blue eyes, and a passion for rural legal practice. This month, JoAnna will graduate and walk across the same stage her mother, Iowa Law graduate Janette Voss (92JD), did 34 years prior—and will continue to learn from her as she makes Janette’s practice a family firm.
Students sitting and walking outside Boyd Law Building BLB

Bram Elias named a UI 2026 Mental Health Champion

The fourth-annual Mental Health Champion Award celebrates outstanding members of the University of Iowa community who help create and support a positive culture of mental health and well-being. Their commitment to care motivates others to prioritize mental health in their own lives.

Upcoming events

Pathways to Citizenship

Monday, May 11, 2026 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Dream City

The University of Iowa College of Law’s Federal Impact Litigation Clinic will be hosting a panel to discuss how the travel bans are interfering with pathways to citizenship and will be providing resources for the community. The panel will be composed of immigration lawyers, community leaders, and law students. The event will take place on Monday, May 11th from 7-9pm at Dream City (611 Southgate Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240).

Senior Banquet

Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

Iowa Law graduates and their families are invited to the Senior Banquet to celebrate and recognize the Class of 2026's accomplishments.

Thursday, May 14

6:00 p.m. Social Hour, 7:00 p.m. Dinner

IMU Main Lounge

125 N Madison St

Iowa City, IA 52245

Awards will be announced following the meal. (Ticket sales have closed.)

Parking is offered in the North Campus Ramp, the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Ramp, Recreation Center Lot (Lot 11), or any other public University of Iowa ramp (see parking rates).

College of Law Commencement Ceremony promotional image

College of Law Commencement Ceremony

Friday, May 15, 2026 2:00pm
Hancher Auditorium

Doors open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. No tickets required.

President Barbara Wilson and Todd Pettys, College of Law dean and the H. Blair and Joan V. White chair in civil litigation, will confer degrees. Roni Miller, of Crete, Nebraska, will be the student speaker. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford will be the alumni speaker.

A livestream of the event is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlDQckYyUGw

Iowa Law Commencement Reception

Friday, May 15, 2026 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Boyd Law Building

College of Law graduates and their families are invited to a reception at Boyd Law Building immediately following commencement. Enjoy appetizers, desserts, and beverages. Parking is available at Myrtle, in Lot 48.

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Recurring events

Across the Aisle

Across the Aisle is a regular event series about learning to disagree while remaining friends, colleagues, classmates, and fellow citizens. At our events, small groups of participants with different views have curated discussions about pre-selected, hot button topics of social and political significance. 

Alumni Events

Learn more about annual events for College of Law alumni, including CLE opportunities, alumni reunions, the Alumni Awards Ceremony, and more.

Levitt Lecture Series

Levitt Lectures provide an annual opportunity for the College of Law to bring distinguished speakers from around the globe to present major lectures of interest.