Congratulations, Class of 2025!

A group of UC Davis Law Class of 2025 graduates smiling at the Mondavi Center.
A group of Class of 2025 graduates at commencement
A UC Davis Law graduate waving to the crowd while crossing the stage at Commencement.
A UC Davis Law graduate waves to the crowd while crossing the stage. 

UC Davis School of Law’s annual commencement, held May 16 at the Mondavi Center, celebrated the Class of 2025’s achievements. 

It also marked a full-circle moment for California Supreme Court Associate Justice Kelli Evans ’94, who gave the keynote address 31 years after serving as student speaker at her own UC Davis Law graduation. 

Addressing a new generation of students, Evans emphasized the enduring power of a law degree, even in challenging times. 

“Your education at King Hall has given you precious skills and tools that few possess,” Evans told the Class of 2025. “You now understand how laws are made, how they can be bent or broken—and critically, critically, how they can be mended and improved. 

“Use that knowledge. Use it with humility and with courage.” 

The ceremony also marked a series of firsts. Dean Jessica Berg, who arrived at King Hall in fall 2024, presided over her first UC Davis Law commencement. Berg also highlighted the impact the Class of 2025 could have on the world. 

“Lawyers serve a crucial role in our society – they are guardians of justice, protectors of the vulnerable, and sage counselors,” Berg said. “Class of 2025, you leave King Hall distinctly qualified to create change in your city, state, nation and world—whether you help uphold rights, help make new policies, or help clients navigate the legal system.” 

Left to right: Andrew Timothy LL.M. ’25, Jordan Porterfield J.D. ’25, Professor Nila Bala, Dean Jessica Berg and California Supreme Court Associate Justice Kelli M. Evans ’94.
Left to right: Andrew Timothy LL.M. ’25, Jordan Porterfield J.D. ’25, Professor Nila Bala, Dean Jessica Berg and California Supreme Court Associate Justice Kelli M. Evans ’94

In one of the ceremony’s more touching moments, Berg asked the Class of 2025 to “acknowledge the incredible efforts of your loved ones who sustain you in all you do” by giving a round of applause to family and friends in the Mondavi audience. 

The ceremony included the first-ever commencement speech by a UC Davis Law Master of Laws graduate. Andrew Timothy ’25, an LL.M. student from Indonesia, was selected to offer remarks along with J.D. student speaker Jordan Porterfield ’25. Another first: LL.M. student Jun “Byron” Li ’25 received a law school medal for highest academic achievement along with J.D. medalist Natalie Palmberg ’25. 

Thank you to Chancellor Gary S. May for conferring degrees and offering words of inspiration to our graduates. Thanks as well to faculty speaker Professor Nila Bala and faculty marshals Professors Karrigan Börk and Clay Tanaka.