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Alumni return to class for marriage proposal

February 9, 2017: New England Law | Boston is a welcoming, close-knit community where innumerable friendships, as well as everlasting loves, have blossomed over the years. Here’s the story of two students who were struck by Cupid’s arrow.

While previous generations of law students were told to look to their left and to their right because some might not make it to graduation, there was also the possibility of finding wedded bliss with that young man or woman seated next to you in Torts. So seat yourself at your peril, and open your heart to the possibilities!

Joseph Flynn '15 and Jaclyn Landers '14 first met in a large lecture hall and shared many challenges and triumphs there, so when Joe decided to pop the question he knew where he wanted to do it. Foregoing Boston’s many romantic settings including the Public Garden and the Museum of Fine Arts, Flynn opted instead for Room 304, where he and Jaclyn met as 1Ls. In true New England Law fashion, he had help from Dean John F. O'Brien and other members of the law school community.

"Room 304 is where we shared our first class, and we sat next to each other for an entire year," said Flynn. "That’s where we developed our unbreakable bond..."

Flynn approached the law school for access to the special classroom in order to propose to Landers, and Dean O’Brien quickly approved the request. Fellow alumni decorated the room beautifully with ribbons, roses, and LED candles.

"Due to the strong sense of community and open communication, I felt comfortable reaching out to the dean," said Flynn. "New England Law breeds camaraderie and strong relationships. We consider our law school friends a second family who will be in our lives forever."

Flynn is currently serving as a corporate associate at the Boston office of an international law firm that he clerked for as a student, and Landers has launched a solo practice.