From Michigan Law
When the University of Michigan Law School gathers to celebrate the Class of 2026, graduates will hear from someone who knows the institution from every angle: student, alumna, colleague, and leader.
Sarah C. Zearfoss will deliver the Law School’s 2026 Senior Day address, bringing with her decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and an enduring commitment to the Michigan Law community.
Dean Z, as she is widely known, has been a defining presence at the Law School for more than 27 years, always leading the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices, as well as at times overseeing the Office of Career Planning and Office of Student Life. Known for her judgment and leadership, she has played a central role in shaping the experiences of nearly 9,000 of Michigan Law’s 23,000 living alumni.
“Few people embody the spirit of Michigan Law more fully than Dean Z,” said Neel U. Sukhatme, the David A. Breach Dean of Law and professor of law. “Her dedication to this community—and to the success of our students—has left an indelible mark on the Law School. We are honored that she will share her perspective with this year’s graduating class.”
A graduate of Michigan Law, where she earned her JD magna cum laude, Zearfoss served as editor-in-chief of the Michigan Journal of International Law and received numerous honors, including the Henry M. Bates Memorial Scholarship, the Eric Stein Award, the Robert S. Feldman Labor Law Award, and election to the Order of the Coif. Following graduation, she clerked for the Hon. James L. Ryan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and practiced as a litigation associate in the Detroit office of Pepper Hamilton LLP before returning to the Law School to build a career defined by service to the institution and its people. Over the years, she has helped guide the Law School through periods of growth and change, always with a focus on strengthening community and advancing its mission.
Her selection as commencement speaker reflects both her professional accomplishments and the deep respect she has earned from colleagues, students, and alumni alike.
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A career of lasting impact
Throughout her tenure, Zearfoss has been instrumental in shaping a holistic admissions review process and building a strong, student-centered financial aid operation. She also played a key role in the Law School’s work during the Grutter v. Bollinger litigation and in guiding the transition to race-blind admissions in 2007. Beyond Michigan, Zearfoss has helped democratize access to information about applying to law school through her widely recognized A2Z podcast, reaching prospective students across the country. Her leadership has helped ensure that Michigan Law remains a place where students can thrive academically and personally.
Colleagues often point to her ability to navigate complex challenges and deep institutional knowledge, making her a trusted adviser and a valued partner across the Law School.
“Sarah never tires of reminding me how well she did in my Civil Procedure and Evidence classes; I think her performance has gotten better, in memory, with each of the many years that has passed since then,” said Richard D. Friedman, the Alene and Allan F. Smith Professor of Law. “But I’ll tell you what else was terrific at the start and has only gotten better over the years: Sarah has been a spectacular admissions dean. She spots candidates who help make us the special place we are, and she does a fantastic job of bringing them here. Over and over again, I’ve heard how distinctive and personalized her recruiting touch is; it’s a large part of the Law School’s Michigan Difference.”
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Looking ahead
Following Senior Day, Dean Z will begin a planned, phased transition toward retirement, with the intention of concluding her service to the Law School after the 2026–2027 academic year. This approach will allow for continuity and a thoughtful transition of her responsibilities.
“Like so many alumni, I benefited from Sarah’s deep commitment to students both during and after my time at Michigan Law,” said Alexandra L. Mertens, ’06. “She has profoundly shaped the culture of the law school, both by determining who Michigan Law admits, and by mentoring students upon arrival in the Law Quad and beyond graduation. I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor her than by supporting future law students in her name.” In tribute to her extraordinary service, Mertens is establishing a need-based scholarship fund that will invest in the next generation of students Zearfoss has long championed.
The Law School will share additional details about transition planning and the Sarah C. Zearfoss Fund in the months ahead.
—————
A full-circle moment
For Zearfoss, returning to the Senior Day stage to deliver the alumni address represents a meaningful full-circle moment, and an opportunity to reflect on her own journey and to offer guidance to the next generation of Michigan Law graduates. Her remarks will mark not only a celebration of the Class of 2026, but also a tribute to a career devoted to the Law School and its enduring values. Senior Day will take place on Monday, May 11, at Hill Auditorium.
When the University of Michigan Law School gathers to celebrate the Class of 2026, graduates will hear from someone who knows the institution from every angle: student, alumna, colleague, and leader.
Sarah C. Zearfoss will deliver the Law School’s 2026 Senior Day address, bringing with her decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and an enduring commitment to the Michigan Law community.
Dean Z, as she is widely known, has been a defining presence at the Law School for more than 27 years, always leading the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices, as well as at times overseeing the Office of Career Planning and Office of Student Life. Known for her judgment and leadership, she has played a central role in shaping the experiences of nearly 9,000 of Michigan Law’s 23,000 living alumni.
“Few people embody the spirit of Michigan Law more fully than Dean Z,” said Neel U. Sukhatme, the David A. Breach Dean of Law and professor of law. “Her dedication to this community—and to the success of our students—has left an indelible mark on the Law School. We are honored that she will share her perspective with this year’s graduating class.”
A graduate of Michigan Law, where she earned her JD magna cum laude, Zearfoss served as editor-in-chief of the Michigan Journal of International Law and received numerous honors, including the Henry M. Bates Memorial Scholarship, the Eric Stein Award, the Robert S. Feldman Labor Law Award, and election to the Order of the Coif. Following graduation, she clerked for the Hon. James L. Ryan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and practiced as a litigation associate in the Detroit office of Pepper Hamilton LLP before returning to the Law School to build a career defined by service to the institution and its people. Over the years, she has helped guide the Law School through periods of growth and change, always with a focus on strengthening community and advancing its mission.
Her selection as commencement speaker reflects both her professional accomplishments and the deep respect she has earned from colleagues, students, and alumni alike.
—————
A career of lasting impact
Throughout her tenure, Zearfoss has been instrumental in shaping a holistic admissions review process and building a strong, student-centered financial aid operation. She also played a key role in the Law School’s work during the Grutter v. Bollinger litigation and in guiding the transition to race-blind admissions in 2007. Beyond Michigan, Zearfoss has helped democratize access to information about applying to law school through her widely recognized A2Z podcast, reaching prospective students across the country. Her leadership has helped ensure that Michigan Law remains a place where students can thrive academically and personally.
Colleagues often point to her ability to navigate complex challenges and deep institutional knowledge, making her a trusted adviser and a valued partner across the Law School.
“Sarah never tires of reminding me how well she did in my Civil Procedure and Evidence classes; I think her performance has gotten better, in memory, with each of the many years that has passed since then,” said Richard D. Friedman, the Alene and Allan F. Smith Professor of Law. “But I’ll tell you what else was terrific at the start and has only gotten better over the years: Sarah has been a spectacular admissions dean. She spots candidates who help make us the special place we are, and she does a fantastic job of bringing them here. Over and over again, I’ve heard how distinctive and personalized her recruiting touch is; it’s a large part of the Law School’s Michigan Difference.”
—————
Looking ahead
Following Senior Day, Dean Z will begin a planned, phased transition toward retirement, with the intention of concluding her service to the Law School after the 2026–2027 academic year. This approach will allow for continuity and a thoughtful transition of her responsibilities.
“Like so many alumni, I benefited from Sarah’s deep commitment to students both during and after my time at Michigan Law,” said Alexandra L. Mertens, ’06. “She has profoundly shaped the culture of the law school, both by determining who Michigan Law admits, and by mentoring students upon arrival in the Law Quad and beyond graduation. I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor her than by supporting future law students in her name.” In tribute to her extraordinary service, Mertens is establishing a need-based scholarship fund that will invest in the next generation of students Zearfoss has long championed.
The Law School will share additional details about transition planning and the Sarah C. Zearfoss Fund in the months ahead.
—————
A full-circle moment
For Zearfoss, returning to the Senior Day stage to deliver the alumni address represents a meaningful full-circle moment, and an opportunity to reflect on her own journey and to offer guidance to the next generation of Michigan Law graduates. Her remarks will mark not only a celebration of the Class of 2026, but also a tribute to a career devoted to the Law School and its enduring values. Senior Day will take place on Monday, May 11, at Hill Auditorium.
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