College of Law

Law Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Students and Faculty

By Lauren Smieszek | May 10, 2023

The University of Toledo College of Law held an in-person commencement celebration on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Nitschke Auditorium, where 83 law candidates and graduates were recognized. University of Toledo Trustee  Will Lucas conferred degrees. The livestream recording is available to watch on-demand.

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Keynote Speaker

Candice Kline '08 was the commencement speaker and delivered remarks. She is a partner at Saul Ewing LLP focusing on bankruptcy and restructuring situations and commercial litigation. Her practice includes loan and deal work, including M&A, workouts, and loan administration. She represents debtors, creditors, fiduciaries, and public interest stakeholders. Candice serves in leadership at various bar and trade associations and on boards and advisory boards for nonprofit organizations. She is a former officer and director of the TMA's Chicago/Midwest Chapter and an ex officio co-chair of its pro bono committee. She is also a board member and vice chair of the Bankruptcy Section Executive Council for the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA). Candice has an M.B.A. and began her legal career after many years in global commercial banking and business, including startups. She practices in Illinois and Ohio with a nationwide docket in complex commercial matters.

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Student Awards

Valedictorian Awards

Ziena Hatem received the Valedictorian Award and served as the student speaker.

Hatem earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy and an M.H.A. from Walden University prior to coming to Toledo Law. After graduation, she will join Simpson Thacher & Bartlett's New York City Office as an associate in the real estate practice group.

A first-generation law student, Hatem has a rich cultural background with family in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, and England. She served as vice president and executive fundraising chair for the International Law Association, was a class representative for the Student Bar Association, and participated in the Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association and Law Review.

"Completing a juris doctor degree is a challenging undertaking, but the Toledo Law community makes it more manageable through its unwavering support. The faculty members are not only highly knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects they teach, but they also provide exceptional mentorship to their students," said Hatem. "Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping me both personally and professionally, and I feel privileged to have been part of this community. The authentic connection that exists between the students and faculty members at Toledo Law is second to none, and it has made my legal education a truly rewarding experience."

Dean's Award

Hussien Kazwini received the Dean's Award, which honors the graduate who has made a significant contribution to the college while maintaining high academic performance. Before Toledo Law, Kazwini earned a B.B.A. in finance and a minor in sales from The University of Toledo.

"Hussien is a very strong student and a wonderful person," noted Dean D. Benjamin Barros. "He is always a positive presence, and it seems like he is involved with everything at Toledo Law."

Kazwini was involved in many organizations, including the Inns of Court, Law Review, and Toledo Bar Association. "As a first-generation law student, I did not have the connections in the legal community, so I made a goal for my 1L summer - meet one new lawyer a week. I achieved that goal and also experienced just how welcoming and kind the Toledo Legal community is," said Kazwini. 

"Toledo Law has helped me grow in so many ways. More than anything, my time at the law school pushed me to take risks and step out of my comfort zone. It taught me the importance of just showing up and controlling what was in my control while not worrying about the things out of my control. I will cherish all the relationships with faculty, professors, and fellow classmates. I owe this degree to my family. I could not have achieved my goal of graduating law school without my family's love and support."

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Faculty Awards