Mitchell Hamline School of Law

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Alumni

Losing a legend: Former Justice Esther M. Tomljanovich ’55 dies at age 94

Posted: July 29, 2026
Esther Tomljanovich
Mitchell Hamline mourns the loss of the trailblazer and inspirational leader, former Justice Esther M. Tomljanovich ’55, who passed away on July 26 at the age of 94. Tomljanovich—or “Justice T” as she was lovingly known by the Mitchell Hamline community—spent her life serving in the law, advancing the cause of women’s rights, and inspiring …

Losing a legend: Former Justice Esther M. Tomljanovich ’55 dies at age 94

Buck to Batzli: Board of Trustees recognizes influential leadership

Posted: July 1, 2026
From left, President and Dean Camille M. Davidson, Trustee Emeritus Frank Harris '75, Board Chair Brian Batzli '85, and Gregory L. Buck '87, outgoing chair
Mitchell Hamline School of Law is privileged to welcome new leadership and recognize the impact of alumni leaders on our Board of Trustees, which serves as the governing body of our independent law school. On July 1, 2026, Brian Batzli ’85 took over as chair of the board, replacing Gregory L. Buck ’87, who has …

Buck to Batzli: Board of Trustees recognizes influential leadership

Rich Ruohonen ’96 to deliver Mitchell Hamline commencement address

Posted: May 27, 2026
Rich Ruohonen ’96, partner at TSR Injury Law and an internationally recognized curler, will give the keynote address at Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s annual commencement ceremony on May 30, where more than 300 graduates will receive their J.D. or LL.M. degree. Ruohonen has competed at the highest levels of the sport of curling, having …

Rich Ruohonen ’96 to deliver Mitchell Hamline commencement address

Judge Reynaldo Aligada, Jr. appointed to Minnesota Supreme Court, becoming first Asian Pacific American justice in state history

Posted: May 19, 2026
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Judge Reynaldo “Reggie” Aligada, Jr. ’02 to serve as associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Aligada will join the bench as the first Asian Pacific American justice in Minnesota history, wrote the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA). “I am humbled and honored to …

Judge Reynaldo Aligada, Jr. appointed to Minnesota Supreme Court, becoming first Asian Pacific American justice in state history

Mitchell Hamline hosts critical conversation on voting rights at 26th annual Justice Esther Tomljanovich Celebration of Women in Law Tea

Posted: April 21, 2026
Mitchell Hamline will be hosting the 26th annual Justice Esther Tomljanovich Celebration of Women in Law Tea with a special CLE program, “State of the Vote: Legal Challenges Shaping the Midterm Election,” on Tuesday, May 5, at 5 pm. Registration for the event is currently open. Inspired by former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Esther M. …

Mitchell Hamline hosts critical conversation on voting rights at 26th annual Justice Esther Tomljanovich Celebration of Women in Law Tea