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September 28, 2009

Welcome from Dean Testy

Dear Students:

As the 2009-10 academic year begins, I warmly welcome you – both our new and our returning students – to the University of Washington School of Law. On behalf of the faculty and staff, we all look forward to working with you in a variety of contexts this year to make your year a successful one.

This is an important time to be studying law and an excellent time to be here at UW. Our principled leadership as lawyers – society’s most able complex problem-solvers – is sorely needed as our world grapples with many pressing issues, including those related to globalization, health and human services, business and economic development, technology, and the environment. In short, we are the law school that the world needs us to be – meeting head-on the interdisciplinary challenges and opportunities of law and justice in a complex and connected global society. We are pleased that you are with us, and look forward to the many ways we will connect and with you during the coming year.

We already have events scheduled as we begin Autumn Quarter. We’re excited to have Harvard Professor Michael Sandel at our law school on Oct. 2nd followed by a retirement party for one of our most distinguished faculty members and former deans, Roland Hjorth. The Gates Public Service Law Speakers Series begins October 5th with The Honorable Judge Mark W. Bennett. Please be sure to engage in these opportunities and check in often for upcoming events.

Enjoy this first week back and getting to know one another, and please make sure to reach out and introduce yourself when you see a new face – in addition to our new 1Ls and graduate students, we are also welcoming several transfer and visiting students to Gates Hall this fall.

Please be in touch if we can assist you as you get started this fall. I am joined by a strong team of Associate and Assistant Deans who, along with their able staffs, are eager to be of service. We’ll be in touch with you regularly and please feel free to stop by to say hello. We’re here for you!

Best regards,

Kellye Testy
Dean