By Bill Manny | bmanny@idahostatesman.com

More than 120 students are studying law this year at the Concordia University School of Law in Boise.

The school held an academic convocation August 9, and new students arrived August 14 for orientation. School officials said a quarter of the incoming class represents ethnic minorities, and the new students come from 14 states and countries.

The new class is the second largest class in the institution’s history, bringing the student body to over 120 law students—the largest it has ever been.

A group of Boise attorneys is forming a program to provide free legal help to low-income refugees.

Volunteer lawyers will supplement on-going efforts of local law-related organizations to serve the legal needs of the Treasure Valley refugee community. The pro bono lawyers will work closely with the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program, Idaho Legal Aid, Intermountain Fair Housing and Concordia Law School to provide hands-on legal services to refugees who meet established income guidelines.

Concordia University School of Law Founding Dean Cathy Silak will return to private practice with the Boise, Idaho-based law firm of Hawley Troxell.

"Concordia Law’s Founding Dean Cathy Silak is a torchbearer for education, justice and community service. Her tremendous contributions as founding dean of Concordia University School of Law brought educational excellence and economic vitality to the entire region," said Concordia University Portland President Charles Schlimpert.