Direct from the Dean
MSU Law Granted Chapter of Order of the Coif

May 1, 2025

Dear COL Faculty & Staff,

I am thrilled to report that the College of Law has been granted a Chapter of the Order of the Coif. This marks a significant milestone for the College of Law, placing us among a selective group of institutions recognized for exceptional academic rigor and scholarly achievement. Only 87 out of more than 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the United States have Order of the Coif chapters. This honor affirms the quality of our faculty's research, the strength of our curriculum, and the academic achievement of our students.

In addition to a recognition of the strength of our scholarship and academic program, the Coif Chapter has tangible benefits for our students. Students graduating in the top 10% of their class are now eligible for membership in the Order of the Coif—a prestigious national distinction that is highly valued by employers, judges, and academic institutions. A Coif chapter will enhance the value of a degree from our law school, help us recruit top students, open doors for our graduates, and further strengthen our reputation as a leader in legal education.

This achievement is the result of a decade-long effort by our entire community to raise the profile of MSU Law. This includes the thousands of hours spent by our faculty producing and placing scholarship in top national journals, which formed the critical foundation for our successful application. I would also like to thank particularly those who contributed to our Order of the Coif Application, including Jane Meland, Kathy Fox, Abijah Taylor, Sonya Hernandez, and Kelly Melle. Finaly, we owe special gratitude to Associate Dean David Blankfein-Tabachnick for taking the lead on our application and for his tireless commitment to the scholarly profile and reputation of MSU College of Law.

We will share more details as we establish the new Chapter and roll out the honors for our graduates.

Go Green!

Michael