With the first day of classes approaching, we thought you'd be happy to know that the new construction in the core of the school is nearly finished. Here's a preview of the inside.

Jan's Desk and the entrrance to the library

The new court room on the first floor

The new bookstore next to the jury box is open for business

Dean John Hutson is in Denver this week, and spoke from the podium Wednesday, addressing the Democratic National Convention following speeches from Bill Clinton and John Kerry. The convention web site includes a video of the Dean's endorsement speech, and there is also a version on YouTube.

His remarks, as prepared, were released to the press Monday afternoon.

The Dean's appearance at the convention has been picked up in a variety of media, including:

"Hutson speech moved to prime time," PolitickerNH.com

"NH Delegation catches Obama fever," Portsmouth Herald News

"Law School Dean to Speak Tonight at Democratic Convention," TaxProf Blog (Paul Caron, Associate Dean of Faculty, Univ. of Cincinnati College of Law)

"Franklin Pierce dean to address Democrats tonight," Concord Monitor

A celebration in honor of the first week of the new academic year continues Pierce Law's annual tradition. Thursday between 12:30 and 2:00 p.m., come to the Ice Cream Social on the front lawn (corner of Washington and White Streets) and enjoy homemade, delicious, creamy ice cream -- provided by Arnie's of Concord Heights. The entire Pierce Law community is invited!

Anyone interested in playing football and frisbee should meet at White Park on Friday.

Football begins at 2:30 and frisbee begins at 3. All weekly pick-up games are open to anyone and everyone who is interested in having fun, meeting new friends and enjoying the beautiful late summer weather. Contact the Sports Club if you have any questions.