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PEER MENTOR PROGRAM 2021-2022 GUIDEBOOK
MEET THE MENTORS
MATTHEW BEHBOUD TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Jewish Growth Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
I would highly recommend Themis for the multiple-choice Quiz Builder. Also, your Dean’s Fellow is a great asset that can help guide you. Finally, I recommend utilizing your TAs’ and Professors’ office hours when possible.
FUN FACT
I’ve traveled to over 17 countries.
LEGAL INTERESTS
I am interested in transactional work and pre-litigation procedures. I am particularly interested in business law and contracts.
ADVICE
Be mindful of your time. Plan ahead. And most importantly, take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.
KATHERINE BREWER PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS Entertainment Law Society, Bisong, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Dean’s Fellows are a great resource.
FUN FACT
I can sing the alphabet backwards.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment Law, International Law
ADVICE
Start your class outlines early, and keep them updated.
A.B. BURNS-TUCKER PART-TIME EVENING, 3L PROGRAMS Peer Mentor Program, Student Bar Association, Cannabis Law Society, Black Law Student Association
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE FREE!!! Library Study Guides
FUN FACT
I am really shy, so this year, I started a YouTube Channel to help calm my nerves.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Criminal Law, Cannabis Law
ADVICE
Remember your ‘why’ and stick to your script.
BRIANA CABRERA PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS Women’s Law Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Attending office hours and TA sessions. Attending these meetings is worth the extra time because it helps create a better understanding of the course material and is a great space to talk about questions that you have.
FUN FACT
I’m obsessed with Harry Potter.
LEGAL INTERESTS Civil Litigation
ADVICE
Join a study group!
LAURA CARTER PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS Mass Incarceration Awareness Law Society, Evening Representative, Black Law Students Association, Latino Law Students Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
My Dean’s Fellow helped me navigate my first year of law school and empowered me to keep going.
FUN FACT
Spanish is my first language - I can read, write and speak Spanish.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Public Interest Law, Family Law, Civil Rights
ADVICE
Remember your why. Law school can be tough, but so are you.
THOMAS CHEN TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Networking Chair of Criminal Law Society, Treasurer of Delta Theta Phi, LexisNexis Student Representative, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
I strongly recommend seeing your Dean’s Fellow as much as you can for academic support. They will be able to help you transition your current skills and knowledge for success in law school! Also, the quiz builder on Themis offers great practice for multiple-choice questions.
FUN FACT
I actually come from a science background and only decided to pursue law school one year before I took my LSAT. My hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, and camping!
LEGAL INTERESTS
As I finished 1L, I narrowed down my legal interests to criminal law, tech/IP law, and medical malpractice law. If you have questions about these areas, please feel free to ask me.
ADVICE
For great perks, I recommend that you check out Delta Theta Phi during the SBA club fair and use Lexis Nexis for your research.
CHARLES DANSCUK TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Negotiation Honors Program, Intellectual Property Law Society, Sports Law Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Alumni Resource Network! It has been my go-to resource for connecting with attorneys who practice in my area of interest.
FUN FACT
I love taking my two dogs on weekend backpacking trips.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment & Sports Law, IP Licensing
ADVICE
Ask for a job, and you’ll get advice; ask for advice, and you’ll get a job.
JAQUELINE FLORES REYES TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Latino/a Law Students Association, Peer Mentor Program, Criminal Law Society, Women’s Law Association, Street Law Clinic, Christian Legal Society
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Writing Center and Quiz Builders!
FUN FACT
I have a Masters in History and love practicing calligraphy.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Housing Law/Tenant’s Rights, Criminal Law
ADVICE
Go to your professor’s office hours, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember to be kind to yourself! You got this!
DAMON FOURNIER TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Judge Harry Pregerson Public Service Fellow, Criminal Law Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Course Supplements (Glannon, Q & A), TA & Professor Office Hours, and Themis
FUN FACT
I taught high school English before law school.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Public Service/Interest, Education, Civil Rights Law, Family Law
ADVICE
Be ok with not understanding everything right away. It’s chess, not checkers.
AIMMY GALVAN TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Latino Lawyer Students Association, Women’s Law Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Dean’s Fellows are true hero’s, my Dean’s Fellow made my semester online less challenging by helping in various subjects.
FUN FACT
I watched the Disney musical Hamilton once a week, every week in the summer prior to starting law school.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Sports, Entertainment
ADVICE
The journey through law school your first year is a tough one, but surrounding yourself with a good support system and trusting your abilities will push you through to the end and make every difficult moment worth it.
ARTURO GARCIA TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Latino Law Students Association, Labor and Employment Law Association, Dean’s Fellow, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE Dean’s Fellows
FUN FACT
I have started the wave at Dodgers Stadium twice so far.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Labor law, employment law, education, municipal, regulatory compliance
ADVICE
Time management is extremely important. Establish a time management schedule and allow that to change throughout your first year until you find what works best for you.
KYLA GARCIA TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Peer Mentor Program, International Law Society, Tax Law Society, Women’s Law Association, Latino Law Students Association
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Your LAWS Professor, your doctrinal professors’ office hours, upperclassman students, Dr. Spino Psychotherapist, the Writing Center, and your Career Services Counselor are invaluable resources at SW that you should feel free to take advantage of.
FUN FACT
When I was 14, I ran into Criss Angel outside the dressing rooms at a BEBE store in Las Vegas. He was waiting for his girlfriend, and I didn’t know who he was until I told my family some guy waved at me by the dressing rooms.
LEGAL INTERESTS Criminal Law, Tax Law, Family Law, Civil Rights
ADVICE
If you figured out how to get to law school, you can figure out how to graduate law school. Trust yourself!
JONATHAN GUTIERREZ PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS The Southwestern Law School Golf Society, Intellectual Property Law Society, Delta Theta Phi, Latino Law Students Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE Your fellow peers!
FUN FACT
I love computer programming
LEGAL INTERESTS Patent Law
ADVICE
Find what works best for you and stick with it! Whether it’s with note-taking, preparing for class, writing a paper, or gearing up for finals, don’t be afraid to try new methods, but once you find your rhythm, stay with it.
BINTU JUNEJA PART-TIME EVENING, 3L PROGRAMS Asian Pacific American Law Studies, Environmental Law Studies, Southwestern Golf Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Themis Quiz Builders and Professor Office Hours. The Professors are welcoming, warm, and genuinely want us to succeed. When they see us putting forth the effort, they reward that with gems.
FUN FACT
I prefer living my life on a bike. Any bike. Mountain, bmx, beach cruiser, or motorcycle. And most recently, an assault bike.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Patent Law, Water Resources Law, Intellectual Property Law
ADVICE
Make friends with your classmates. Utilize them as a support group and a resource. There is a comfort in knowing we are all in this together, rooting for each other and picking each other up when it gets tough.
MEHEK KHAIRA TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Public Relations Chair of CLS, Community Lawyering Clinic, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Faculty - everyone is there to be a resource and asset in your law school experience/journey.
FUN FACT I am a car enthusiast
LEGAL INTERESTS Product’s Liability, Tort Law
ADVICE
Make use of all of the resources that SW Law offers you! Faculty/ events planned are all so useful to networking and to even figure out what peaks your interest.
ASZANEE LAWS TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant for LAWS, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE The Professors
FUN FACT
I have a twin sister
LEGAL INTERESTS
Criminal Defense, Sports Law, Entertainment law
ADVICE
Utilize your resources, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
VERONIQUE LINARES PART-TIME EVENING, 3L PROGRAMS Immigration Law Students Association, Latino Law Student Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The librarians are gold! Do not be shy to go to them. They will help guide you in your legal research and point you in the direction of all the hornbooks available for your doctrinal classes.
FUN FACT
I collect healing crystals and charge them under the full moon.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Civil litigation, Children’s law, Immigration law
ADVICE
For your writing courses, never assume a draft is a rough draft. You should strive to present a substantial draft to make it easier on yourself later for editing. Front-load the work to avoid getting swamped at the last minute because minor details will add up!
LESLIE LUIS-MENDEZ TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Peer Mentor Program, Latino Law Student Association, Community Lawyering Clinic, Women’s Law Association
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Library! Pre-pandemic, the Library became my second home. I highly encourage everyone to check it out! Whether you like to work with study groups in study rooms or work on your own, there is a spot for everyone!
FUN FACT
I am a huge Marvel fan, and I keep up with all things Dodgers!
LEGAL INTERESTS Immigration Law
ADVICE
Create a system that works for you! Though you will make adjustments as time goes on, having structure and practicing good time-management will go a long way.
JEFF MARTIN TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Public Interest Law Committee (Co-chair), Homelessness Prevention Law Project (President), National Lawyers Guild (Treasurer), Judge Harry Pregerson Fellowship (Fellow), Peer Mentor
Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Career Services/Student Services
FUN FACT
In my free time, I do archery for fun
LEGAL INTERESTS
Tenant’s rights, Housing Law, Criminal Defense, Civil Rights
ADVICE
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
FABIOLA MARTINEZ TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Negotiations Honors Program, National Lawyers Guild Student Association, Homelessness Prevention Law Project, Latino Law Students Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Definitely take advantage of the Themis Quiz builder! Such a great resource that Southwestern provides to students for free to help practice applying the rules and get ready for exams.
FUN FACT
I loveee going to concerts!! Cannot wait until things get back to “normal” and I can get back to seeing my fave artists.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Workers’ Rights, Family Law/Domestic Violence, Prisoners’ Rights
ADVICE
Law school is very challenging, especially in the first year when you’re learning how to read cases, and classes may seem far removed from what you want to practice. Always remind yourself why you went to law school in the first place! Try to find little ways to remind yourself so that you can stay motivated throughout because the motivation won’t always be there.
THELMA MBAEZUE-DANIEL PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS Mass Incarceration Awareness Society, Black Law Students Association (President), Criminal Law Society, Public Interest Law Committee, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International Law Society, National Lawyers Guild, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Dean’s Fellows and Themis Quiz builder. The Themis Quiz Builder is a great tool for exam preparation, and Dean’s Fellows can help with all aspects of law school success.
FUN FACT
I’m a painter.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Criminal Law & Civil Litigation.
ADVICE
Do not compare yourself to others, you’re only in competition with yourself.
CINDY MEDRANO TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Peer Mentor Program, Latino Law Students Association, Immigration Law Students Association, Mass Incarceration Awareness Law Society, Women’s Law Association, Public Interest Law Committee
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Career Services office. They WILL make sure you succeed in finding an externship, and the office is run by the sweetest and most helpful people you’ll ever meet!
FUN FACT
I can sing all the 50 states in alphabetical order
LEGAL INTERESTS Immigration Law
ADVICE
No matter how bad you do on your midterms or when it comes to studying, you absolutely BELONG here. Even if it seems like you’re not where you want to be, or your classmates are seemingly doing better. Shake it off and keep going strong. Don’t be afraid to ask professors and upperclassmen for help in studying. We’re here to help and guide you! (P.S. we were in your position 2-3 years ago. We know how it feels)
ANI NAZARYAN TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Negotiation Honors Program, President of Armenian Law Students Association, COO for Students for Technology Law and Entrepreneurship, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Check out the videos on Themis if you’re ever confused about a subject. They do a great job explaining concepts. I also practically lived at the Writing Center my 1L year, so don’t miss out on getting support from them!
FUN FACT
I love to play chess.
LEGAL INTERESTS
I am interested in practicing data privacy and cybersecurity law.
ADVICE
Have fun with it. The year will fly by, and before you know it, you’re a 3L. Don’t worry so much about what people are doing. Just stay focused on yourself and have fun with your experience. You’ll survive every bad day of 1L so just remember to smile and keep pushing forward. It’s not worth sacrificing your happiness over.
TATIANA OWENS TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Latino Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Judge Harry Pregerson Fellow, Mass Incarceration Awareness Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Foundations class gives you so much valuable information on time management, exam writing, and wellness that, if utilized appropriately, will reflect well in your academic achievement and overall work-life balance.
FUN FACT
I am a mom of a ten-year old and I write poetry.
LEGAL INTERESTS
I am interested in becoming a Deputy Public Defender and working in programs that help empower people in my community and others like it.
ADVICE
Center your goals around learning, not being the best. If your main objective is to learn and your only competition is the ‘you’ from yesterday, you’ll find you become the best at what you focus on anyway.
MANDONNA RAZI TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Vice President of the Persian Law Student Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Go to both Professor’s and TA’s office hours because they are they to help you understand the material. Another great resource is Themis MBE questions because they give detailed answers for each question, and it’s super helpful during midterm/finals prep.
FUN FACT
I have a food blog!
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment Law, Transactional Law, Civil Litigation
ADVICE
Some of the best advice I can give is not to be afraid of asking for help. The material can be confusing at times it’s always better to recognize that and ask for help because chances are MANY other students are feeling the same way as you. Another advice I have is to find what works for you and stick to it!
MARKISHA ROCHES TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Trial Advocacy Honors Program Honors Program, Vice President of Teen Court, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
There are old sample answers in the library from past exams that are very helpful!
FUN FACT
I love Crossfit!
LEGAL INTERESTS
To become a prosecutor or a family law lawyer.
ADVICE
Understand that there is no limit to what you can accomplish!
SHARIS ROSTAMLOU TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Treasurer for Consumer Law Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Southwestern writing center provides students with individualized assistance and helpful workshops.
FUN FACT
I have canaries!
LEGAL INTERESTS
Civil litigation, Environmental law, Products liability, Labor and employment
ADVICE
No one is motivated all the time; the key is to continue working when you’re not motivated.
JUAN FERNANDO SAMAYOA PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS Latino Law Students Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Dean’s Fellows and the Writing Center
FUN FACT
I like exploring new places
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment Law and Immigration Law
ADVICE
Always remember your why!
ARMANDO SANCHEZ TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Criminal Law Society, Mindfulness in Law Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Your TAs know what they are talking about and what to help you! Go to them as much as possible!
FUN FACT
I was in the movie Whiplash.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Criminal Law - Prosecutor
ADVICE
Tackle assignments, readings, and studying piece by piece. Write what you have to do for the day, week, and month and cross it off your list as you go. That list will shrink before you realize! When it is feeling like it is becoming a lot of work, think of this quote our property professor always tells us, “Thousands have done this before you, and thousands will do this after you.”
PHILIP SCHULER PART-TIME EVENING, 2L PROGRAMS Curriculum Committee Student Representative, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Dean’s Fellows and any opportunities to work with professors or TAs outside of class.
FUN FACT
I spent four years in the USC Trojan Marching Band and have been a Tuba and Trombone player for almost 30 years.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Public Education and the Law
ADVICE
Take the time to write out old exams (both segmenting topics and then under timed constraints). The application of the course material to your professor’s former finals will give you advantages over just passively engaging with the material.
LYLA STONE TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Bisong A Cappella, Dean’s Fellow, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE Dean’s Fellows
FUN FACT
I can roller-skate and juggle at the same time.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Environmental Law
ADVICE
Input all important dates and deadlines into your phone calendar as soon as you hear about them and set up alarms and reminders, so you do not waste brain space trying to remember when things are due.
YIDU SUN TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Music Law Society, Video Game Law Society, Entertainment Law Society, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Students for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Cannabis Law Society, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Your professors are great resources. They are there to help you, so ask them questions! Not just about your class, but about law school, careers, and life in general.
FUN FACT
Some people call me a music encyclopedia as I never run out of music recommendations! I’m also a musician, writer, and artist. I love having conversations with people. Also, huge Pokemon fan.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment Law, especially Music and Video Games. Business and Technology Law. Copyright and contracts.
ADVICE
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to people!
CRISTINA TERRAZAS TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Peer Mentor Program, Tax Law Society, Teen Court, Criminal Law Society, Womens Law Association
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Peer mentors, professors, and school staff. My peer mentor was instrumental in helping me transition into law school and has continued to be of help even after they’ve graduated. Professors and other school staff also give great advice and are always willing to help students when approached, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
FUN FACT
The Maine has been my favorite band since I was 12.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Criminal Law, Family Law, and Public Interest. The Family Violence unit in the District Attorney’s Office would be my version of tying all of my interests together.
ADVICE
Create your own definition of success, and don’t compare yourself according to other’s definitions. Whether your version of success includes becoming a Dean’s Fellow or maintaining a 3.0 GPA and being involved in extracurriculars, just focus on achieving what you consider success to be. Also, don’t be afraid to change that definition as time passes and more opportunities come your way. An integral part of your journey in law school is personal development!
MARTHA VASQUEZ HERNANDEZ TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Law Review Executive Board Member, Student Advocate for Southwestern’s Immigration Law Clinic, Supervising Student Editor for the Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law, Dean’s Fellow, Vice President of the Public Interest Law Committee, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The clinical programs available to students at Southwestern provide an invaluable practical learning experience while simultaneously offering legal services to underserved members of our community.
FUN FACT
I love animals! I have two cats, two dogs, and fish!
LEGAL INTERESTS
Public Interest, Immigration Law, Children’s Rights
ADVICE
Learning to adapt to changing circumstances and maintaining a growth mindset will help you succeed in law school and in life!
SERENA YAGHOUBI TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Consumer Law Society, Jewish Law Growth Society, Persian Law Student Association, Armenian Law Students Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Grammarly has been a noteworthy asset because it provides incredible features and catches small errors in anything you write, whether it’s a LAWS paper or a legal document.
FUN FACT
I can’t go a day without coffee!
LEGAL INTERESTS
Personal Injury and Employment Law
ADVICE
Approach law school as a marathon, as opposed to a sprint. Start at a moderate pace until you figure out what works best for youeveryone’s experience will be different.
ELLEN ZAKHARIAN TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Peer Mentor Program, International Law Society, Armenian Law Students Association, Video Game Law Society, Entertainment Law Society, Immigration Law Society, Teen Court
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Speaking to counselors regularly about coursework, job prospects, and career advice provided me with tools for success.
FUN FACT
I eat lemons like apples.
LEGAL INTERESTS
International Law, Business Law, Intellectual Property, and Immigration Law
ADVICE
Grades always come first but don’t forget to network. Attend speaker events, talk to attorneys, professors, counselors, teaching assistants, and students. You’ll gain valuable knowledge and will broaden your career perspective and opportunity. Don’t forget: attaining your goals isn’t linear. There are opportunities everywhere, so search for them!
CHELSEA ZARAGOZA TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Latino Law Students Association, Criminal Law Society, Women’s Law Association, Community Lawyering Clinic, Law Journal, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Teaching Assistants – not only will they help you understand the material, but they will teach you how to approach exams the way your Professor likes. Themis Quiz Builders is another great and FREE resource that will prepare you for multiple-choice questions on exams.
FUN FACT
I served in the U.S. Army Reserve in the medical field for six years before law school.
LEGAL INTERESTS
State or Federal Criminal Prosecution and Judicial Clerkships.
ADVICE
Be kind to yourself. Working hard is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Remember to not self-select yourself out of opportunities because you think you won’t be selected or you think you’re not good enough. Just go for it.
BRANDON ZENEVITCH TRADITIONAL DAY, 2L PROGRAMS Entertainment Law Society, Music Law Society, President of BISONG A Cappella, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Writing Center is going to be a big help when it comes to your LAWS papers. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to the school’s psychotherapist Dr. Spino! This is going to be quite a difficult year, it will be very important that you care for your mental health.
FUN FACT
I’ve been dancing Lindy Hop for five years now and will happily teach you if you ask me!
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment Law, particularly Video Game Law. Additionally, I’m also interested in Motion Picture and Television Law.
ADVICE
Remember this: Everyone is in the same boat. It’s going to be very tempting to compare your progress to others over the semester. Maybe someone had the highest honors in undergrad, always gives the right answer, or already had years of experience working in a firm. But at the end of the day, everyone in your class is starting at the very beginning in law school. Everyone has their own path. So talk to people, make friends, offer answers in class, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It will only benefit you.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
ANGEL AJALA TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS President of Student Bar Association, National Lawyers Guild, Public Interest Law Committee, CourtwatchersLA, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
Peer Mentor Program, Dean’s Fellows, and ALL niche groups that pique their interest! The more involved you are, the better your experience here.
FUN FACT
I used to be signed to an acting agency, and yes, I was terrible at it.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Public Interest Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Rights
ADVICE
Remember that when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it... It is your mission on this Earth and your meant to be.
ASHLEY CREWS TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Entertainment Law Society, BiSong, Delta Theta Phi, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
I would recommend the Career Services Office and Counselors, they are super helpful with career planning and resume building.
FUN FACT
I once took a road trip across most of the United States. I stopped at all the “World’s Blankiest Blank” attractions I saw along the way - including the World’s Largest Ball of Twine and the World’s Largest Bull. I attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans and spent a week camping in the Grand Canyon when the temperatures were below zero. I went shark diving in the Florida Keys and got to swim with a Hammerhead Shark. Also, in Florida I did a zipline obstacle course over an alligator farm. And in Colorado I got to participate in a ‘Ghost Hunt’ at the Stanley Hotel.
LEGAL INTERESTS Entertainment and Media Law
ADVICE
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. The resources are there, and I think a unique thing about Southwestern is that the faculty and staff genuinely want you to succeed, you just need to reach out for help if you need it.
KIRSTEN STOWE TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Black Law Students Association, Entertainment Law Society, Student Bar Association, Peer Mentor Program
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
The Finacial Aid Office is very helpful! They definitely take the stress away from worrying about finances, and they even help set up budgets. I would also recommend to do the Themis MBE Practice questions for your courses.
FUN FACT
I am a classically trained pianist and used to play competitively across the country for about eight years. I haven’t played since I stopped competing and not sure if I still even know how to read music lol.
LEGAL INTERESTS
Transactional and IP (Trademark and Copyright) work with an Entertainment focus. I would love to work in-house for a production company one day.
ADVICE
Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help! Everyone is still trying to figure it out, and you are never alone :)
EMILY TURI TRADITIONAL DAY, 3L PROGRAMS Law Review, Entertainment Clinic, Entertainment Law Society, Peer Mentor Program, Dean’s Fellow
NOTEWORTHY RESOURCE
I would take advantage of as many resources you can. Dean’s Fellows, TAs, Professor Office hours.
FUN FACT
During Covid, I became obsessed with Formula 1
LEGAL INTERESTS
Entertainment Law and Property Law
ADVICE
There will be days when you are exhausted, and days when you want to pull your hair out. Just remember that law school is definitely a roller coaster. There are ups and downs, sometimes daily. Try to stay focused on your journey, put the work in, and ignore as much of the background noise as you can. I constantly remind myself that everything feels impossible until it’s done. Law school will test you in so many ways, but if you persevere through to the end, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish :)