South SFV Today

Stanford Law School celebrated its 2024 graduates on June 20, 2024, with over 2,000 attendees gathering under a large tent in front of the law school’s Canfield Courtyard. The graduating class included 193 JD students, 71 LLM students, nine JSMs, three JSDs, and one MLS.

Interim Dean Paul Brest welcomed the students and guests, emphasizing the support the graduates received from parents, friends, faculty members, and staff. “Graduates, you know you did not get here alone,” he said to enthusiastic applause.

The ceremony began with an acknowledgment by Madi Burson, JD ’24 and co-president of the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA), recognizing that Stanford University sits on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.

In his address to the class, Brest highlighted the critical thinking skills developed during their time at Stanford Law School. He noted that despite challenges such as COVID restrictions and debates over protest boundaries and free speech, these experiences fostered a commitment to open discourse. Quoting Derek Bok, former Harvard Law School Dean and Harvard University President, Brest said: “The ability to think critically...is the means of making effective use of information and knowledge.”

Brest added that these skills are essential not only for legal practice but also for roles as citizens and leaders in various communities.

Two graduating students provided remarks: LLM student Rosy El Kefraoui from Lebanon and JD student Sara Alisa Hoban. El Kefraoui addressed her cohort of LLM students from around the world: “This LLM year felt like a handful of sand...The tighter we tried to grasp it, the faster it ran through our fingers.” Hoban urged her classmates to be “tenacious, tenderhearted, and committed to hope,” stressing that courage is developed through practice.

Annual awards were presented during commencement. Assistant Professor Evelyn Douek received the John Bingham Hurlbut Award for Excellence in Teaching. Kavya Reddy Muduganti praised Douek's passion for teaching and humor: “She engages with her students and is interested in knowing their thoughts and opinions.”

John Dalton was awarded the 2024 Staff Appreciation Award for his role as associate dean of Student Affairs. Muduganti described Dalton as a pillar of support who genuinely cares about his students’ success.

Shafeen Pittal received the 2024 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service to Stanford Law School for contributions to legal education and student life. Stefan Luis Suazo highlighted Pittal’s efforts in human rights education and public service.

George Triantis closed the ceremony with a call for graduates to remain engaged with their alma mater: “You are part of the law school’s DNA...We look forward to watching the rise of your bright and shining stars.”