A program set to “produce lawyers capable of exploring social and political issues through fiction and creative nonfiction writing,” is the first of its kind in the nation. Hamline University School of Law Dean Jon Garon elaborated, “To be successful, lawyers and other leaders must be able to think creatively and use disciplined imagination to solve problems. For students who can meet the rigorous admission requirements of both schools, the combined JD/MFA will encourage creativity and personal expression as part of the analytical rigor of law. Our graduates will be well positioned to serve as global leaders, thinkers, writers, and, of course, members of the bench and bar.” Minnesota’s first university, Hamline University also established the first MFA program in the state, and currently offers many joint degree programs.