Maine Law welcomed its newest class to Portland last week, as members of the Class of 2029 came together for three days of orientation, introductions, and the beginning of their legal education.
The incoming class arrives with robust academic credentials, with a median LSAT score of 160 and median undergraduate GPA of 3.71. They were admitted during one of Maine Law’s most competitive application cycles in its history, where applications were up 167%.
At the start of the fall 2026 semester, Maine Law had 295 J.D. students enrolled, the largest enrollment in over a decade.
“The Class of 2029 brings impressive academic credentials, but just as importantly, they bring a remarkable range of experiences, perspectives, and ambitions. We look forward to seeing the ways they will learn from one another, contribute to our community, and ultimately use their legal education to serve Maine and communities across the country,” President and Dean Leigh Saufley said.
Members of the Class of 2029 come to Maine Law from across Maine and the nation. Fifty-nine percent are Maine residents, while 41% are from outside the state. In all, students represent 25 states, from across New England to Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nebraska, the Carolinas, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The class is 60% women with an average age of 27, and 19% percent of incoming students are first-generation college students.
Before classes began, students spent three days getting to know Maine Law and one another during orientation. The program began with tours and student introductions before moving into breakout sessions and an evening welcome reception. On the second day, students met Maine Law faculty and staff and gathered for lunch with their faculty advisors, an opportunity to discuss expectations, study strategies, life as a law student, and the importance of building connections with faculty.
Orientation concluded Friday with additional programming and a lunch connecting the incoming class with Maine Law alumni.
With orientation complete, the Class of 2029 now begins its first semester, taking its place as an integral part of the Maine Law community.
