Since its founding, this law school has been mission driven. In a world filled with distractions, disputes and discord, Northeastern Law remains focused on educating lawyers for whom purpose provides meaning. Our commitment to social justice and innovation fuels our resilience in upholding the rule of law and our continuous pursuit of new paths to positively impact society and the communities we serve. In the pages of this magazine, you will explore how our graduates, faculty and students are making a difference.

In our cover story, you’ll read about how Professor Alexandra Roberts has conducted groundbreaking research cataloging multilevel marketing (MLM) companies’ use of deceptive practices and her proposals for holding them responsible. Many MLMs manipulate those who are simply in search of economic opportunities to improve their lives. While these companies have been around for more than a century, today’s architects too often harness the internet to do even more damage to the lives of those who get caught up in get-rich-quick schemes. I hope our story will open your eyes to this type of exploitation and make us all aware of the need for protection against the too-good-to-be-true traps at the heart of today’s pyramid ploys.

In this issue, you’ll also find stories about our students and graduates who are on the front lines defending immigrants. As you know, everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has the constitutional right to due process. Access to justice is being denied in this country for too many people, sparking a climate of fear and apprehension among communities. Our students and graduates at the border and across the nation are doing everything they can to uphold the Constitution and prevent wrongful deportations.

You’ll also read about our graduates who are leaders in the field of elder law. Protecting the rights, dignity, finances and well-being of older adults is something that should concern all of us — because that is our shared destination. Too many of us put off thinking and planning for our senior years, only to be caught off guard by sudden as well as gradual changes in our capacity to navigate the challenges of healthcare, housing and financial planning. I hope you will pay close attention to the guidance of our graduate experts, including M.T. Connolly, a 2011 recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship for her work in this field.

This issue of our magazine also provides plenty of good news. It was once again my great pleasure to preside over an inspiring commencement, our students continue to benefit from our unparalleled co-op program, our Centers of Excellence are thriving, our faculty are busy educating and mentoring our remarkable students, and our graduates are truly making the world a better place.

I hope that as we continue to embrace this law school’s social justice mission, you will also find comfort and meaning in the ideals that animate each of your professional and personal lives. Among her notes of advice, M.T. Connolly encourages elders to appreciate time, focus on what matters most and cultivate awe. This is good advice for all of us at any age.