From the Dean
One of the things I’ve learned since becoming Dean is that some of the most important work happens when no one is watching. July is a perfect example.
Our students are enjoying a well-earned summer break, while Lincoln is anything but quiet. In fact, if you visited the school this month, you probably wouldn’t recognize it. Every hallway is wrapped in plastic, fresh paint is everywhere, and our staff has temporarily moved home while the work gets done.
Our painters have been remarkably patient with us, especially after hearing, “I think that cabinet needs to move one more time.”
The truth is that July is one of the busiest months of the year.
While the classrooms are empty, we’re preparing for everything that comes next. We’re welcoming prospective students, refreshing our campus, planning for a new academic year, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession, and investing in improvements that will benefit Lincoln students for years to come.
I’ve always believed that preparation is an act of optimism.
Every coat of paint, every admissions conversation, every professional program, every security improvement, and every hour spent planning for the future reflects our confidence in the students who will soon walk through our doors.
As you read this month’s issue, I hope you’ll see that theme woven throughout. Preparation may not always be the most visible work we do, but it is often the work that matters most.
Thank you for believing in Lincoln and for helping us prepare the next generation of lawyers.
Warm regards,
Mary Fuller
President and Dean
You Had to See It to Believe It: AI in Action
Our June MCLE program on AI Tools and AI Governance for Lawyers filled the room with lawyers who wanted to better understand one of the fastest-changing technologies affecting the profession.
And then Arthur Rothrock did something that got everyone’s attention.
Using only a few prompts, Arthur created a convincing website for an audience member in real time, demonstrating just how quickly generative AI can produce sophisticated content. It was equal parts fascinating and unsettling, reminding all of us why lawyers need to understand both the extraordinary capabilities of AI and the risks that accompany them.
Linsey Krolik then shifted the conversation from what AI can do to what organizations should do. Her discussion of AI governance highlighted the importance of responsible implementation, thoughtful policies, and human oversight as these tools become part of everyday business.
Professor Patrick Hammon guided the evening with his insight and humor, helping connect the demonstrations to the practical questions lawyers are facing today.
Of course, one of my favorite parts of every Lincoln event comes after the formal program ends. The networking reception was buzzing with conversation as old friends reconnected, new relationships were formed, and everyone compared notes on just how quickly this technology is changing our profession.
Thank you to Arthur, Linsey, Patrick, Legion Technologies for sponsoring the wine reception, and everyone who joined us for an evening that was as thought-provoking as it was enjoyable.
Wear Lincoln with Pride!
One of my favorite things about our new Lincoln brand is seeing it out in the community.
I’m excited to share that Lincoln now has an online Lands’ End storefront where you can order high-quality apparel and accessories embroidered with our new Lincoln Law School of San Jose logo.
The storefront is available here: Lincoln Lands’ End Storefront or using the button below.
One quick tip: when you first visit the page, it looks pretty generic. Don’t worry! Click into the categories and you’ll find a variety of Lands’ End clothing and accessories that can be customized with the new Lincoln logo which is there for you to select and place on your new gear.
Whether you’re attending a Lincoln event, representing the school in your community, or just running errands around town, it’s a great way to show your Lincoln pride.
I hope to start spotting Lincoln jackets, polos, backpacks, and hats everywhere I go. If I do, don’t be surprised if I stop to say hello!
A Fresh Look for a New School Year
If you’ve visited Lincoln recently, you may have noticed a few changes underway.
This summer, we’re refreshing the interior of the school with new paint and other improvements to create an even more welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors.
For us, these updates are more than cosmetic. They reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a learning environment that supports the hard work and dedication of every Lincoln student.
We are excited to welcome everyone back this fall to classrooms that feel brighter and refreshed!
Who Will Be Next?
One of my favorite questions to ask new students is, “How did you hear about Lincoln?”
More often than not, the answer isn’t an advertisement or an internet search. It’s a person.
A coworker. A judge. A friend. A family member.
Someone simply said, “You should take a look at Lincoln.”
Those conversations have changed lives, and they continue to shape every entering class.
As I look at the photo below, I’m reminded that there is no such thing as a “typical” Lincoln student. Every person in this picture came to Lincoln from a different place in life. They have different careers, different stories, different reasons for pursuing a law degree, and now they share something extraordinary: they are Lincoln graduates.
What they all had in common was the courage to take the first step.
As we prepare to welcome our newest students on August 10, I’d like to ask one favor of our Lincoln community. If someone comes to mind while you’re reading this, someone with integrity, determination, grit, and a desire to make a difference, encourage them to take a closer look at Lincoln.
You don’t have to convince them to become a lawyer. Just encourage them to have a conversation with us. We’ll take it from there.
And one final thought. If you’ve ever recommended Lincoln to someone before, thank you. If you haven’t yet…consider this your gentle nudge.
Fair warning: recommending Lincoln may result in someone becoming a lawyer.
The Lincoln Law School Class of 2026. Different backgrounds. Different journeys. One shared accomplishment.
Investing in a Safer Lincoln
One of the things I love most about Lincoln is our home in downtown San Jose.
Every evening, our students walk through these doors after a full day of work. They come here to learn, to challenge themselves, and to build a better future. This building has become the place where those dreams begin.
As stewards of Lincoln, we have a responsibility to make sure our campus remains a place where students feel welcome, supported, and safe.
This summer, we’re launching a campaign to raise $20,000 for important safety and security improvements, including keycard-controlled building access, upgraded perimeter fencing and gate access, and modern security cameras. If we’re fortunate enough to exceed our goal, we’ll also add a front-door intercom system and enhanced exterior lighting.
These aren’t glamorous projects, but they’re important ones. They will help ensure that students and faculty can safely access the building, even during evening hours when Lincoln is at its busiest.
If Lincoln has touched your life, or if you believe in our mission of expanding access to legal education, I hope you’ll consider supporting this effort.
Every gift, no matter the size, is an investment in the students who walk through these doors every day.
Learn more or make a gift: Lincoln Safety & Security Campaign
Thank you for believing in Lincoln and in the students who walk through our doors every evening with the hope of changing their lives.
Thank you for reading The Fuller View!
