Northeastern Law Welcomes All to Our Community
Social Justice and public interest are at the heart of Northeastern University School of Law’s mission and core values. We strive for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) while also focusing on belonging and justice. At Northeastern Law, we believe that the legal profession has a responsibility to promote justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity or experience.
We work to promote social justice and enhance understanding of the law’s impact on individuals, organizations and communities. We understand the crucial role that law plays in creating and combatting systems of oppression. Our mission is to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to navigate these complex issues and prepare our students to be leaders in this effort.
At Northeastern Law, we believe that by doing this work together, we can create a more just and equitable legal system and society.
Meet Dean James Hackney
James Hackney was appointed dean of Northeastern University School of Law on July 1, 2018; he joined the faculty in 1992. Diversity, equity and inclusion are among Dean Hackney’s top priorities. He is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse faculty as well as students. Dean Hackney fondly recalls his own days as a member of the Black Law Students Association during his law school years and continues to prioritize DEI issues as dean of Northeastern Law.
Meet Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kiana Pierre-Louis
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Kiana Pierre-Louis guides the diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism initiatives at Northeastern Law. A lawyer by training, she welcomes community members to reach out to her about DEI issues. She works closely with Dean James Hackney and the associate deans to set the strategic vision for the law school’s efforts in DEI and antiracism, and actively engages faculty, staff and students to ensure that all community members feel supported and have a sense of belonging at the School of Law. Assistant Dean Pierre-Louis facilitates DEI trainings and promotes activities that embrace diverse individuals and a wide range of beliefs, ideas and opinions.
Community Comes First
Alumni/ae of Color Network
The Alumni/ae of Color Committee is a subcommittee of the Alumni/ae Association Board of Directors. Occasionally, they plan joint networking and programmed events with related student organizations. The committee co-manages the Denise Carty-Bennia Memorial Bar Awards process each spring.
Denise Carty-Bennia Memorial Bar Awards
Each year, Northeastern Law provides a number of bar awards to selected third-year students of color through an application process. Reviewers of these applications always reflect on how inspiring it is to see that so many Northeastern law students have dedicated themselves to improving the social and political issues that affect our communities.
Black Law Students Association Spirit of Valerie Gordon Book Award
In conjunction with the annual Valerie Gordon Human Rights Lecture, the Black Law Students Association Spirit of Valerie Gordon Book Award is presented to the first-year BLSA member who wins this writing competition.
Student Organizations
Students at Northeastern Law participate in more 30 student organizations — more than a third of these are affinity groups. Student led, these groups provide opportunities for personal and professional connections, often holding social and networking events as well as providing service to the greater community.
Northeastern Law Puts Ideas into Action
Center for Law, Equity and Race (CLEAR)
CLEAR brings together our pioneering programs and faculty — long engaged in theoretical and translational research, innovative pedagogy and collaborations with external communities — to address today’s challenges and provide tomorrow’s solutions for the nation’s most complex social challenges.
Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project (CRRJ)
CRRJ seeks justice for civil rights crimes between 1930 and 1970. Most recently, it launched the Burnham-Nobles Digital Archive, one of the most comprehensive digital archives of racial homicides collected to date.
Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration
The Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration (CPIAC) takes the lead in infusing the law school’s public interest mission into all facets of the student experience.
Discover DEI at Northeastern
John D. O’Bryant African American Institute
Supporting students of African origin and engaging the broader university community in developing student leaders.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Find out about university-wide programs, affinity groups, resources, funding and more.
Name and Gender Marker
Students who wish to change their name or gender marker in Northeastern systems without having legally done so begin the process through the LGBTQA Resource Center.
Office for University Equity and Compliance
The Office for University Equity and Compliance leads efforts to maintain the university’s compliance with all federal, state and local laws pertaining to anti-discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX. The OUEC is responsible for investigating and resolving all complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at Northeastern.
Social Justice Resource Center
The Social Justice Resource Center is a hub of innovative, justice-minded thinking, collaboration and action on campus that aspires to contribute to the common good.
Policies and Procedures
Check out our policies, procedures and important documents.
Incoming Class Statistics - Fall 2023
3,775
Applications Received
235
Enrolled
66.9%
Women
31.8%
Students of Color
30.1%
LGBTQ+
Faculty
Full-time total (including specialists): 58
- Women
- 69%
- Men
- 31%
- Faculty of Color
- 33%
