USC Law Welcomes Class of 2011

—By Maria Iacobo

The 109th class of students at the USC Gould School of Law was welcomed last Friday with a day-long orientation introducing them to the USC campus, the law school community and their fellow classmates.

Dean Robert K. Rasmussen greeted the class in a morning session at Town and Gown. In his introductory remarks he outlined the accomplishments of many USC Law alumni. He said there were three reasons he spent time cataloguing their predecessors: he wanted them “to understand some of the tradition of success and leadership” that has preceded them; understand the career possibilities [they] have with a legal education from USC; and, demonstrate the power and reach of the USC alumni network.”

“Our alumni provide financial contributions to help run the law school,” said Rasmussen. “They recognize being alumni is a benefit and obligation.”

Associate Dean of Admissions, Chloe Reid, congratulated the class on the start of their legal career.

“We’re here to launch and celebrate with you the dawn of a new chapter in your lives,” she told them.

Reid noted that there were 27 applicants for each of the members of the class. Her office received 5,595 applications for the incoming class of 204 students.

“My job is to create a mosaic of a class – with lots of different shapes, hues and colors, sizes and intensity,” said Reid. “And, each year, the final piece looks different.”

Women make up 45 percent of the Class of 2011; 38 percent of the class self-identified as a member of an ethnic group. The ages of students run from 21 years to 41 years, and many students were born in countries other than the U.S. Additional attributes of the 1Ls:

• The median LSAT was nearly 167
• About 54 percent graduated from public colleges and/or universities
• 30 percent are from out of state, including two foreign countries
• 74 undergraduate colleges and universities from around the country and the world are represented, and
• Undergraduate Trojans are outnumbered by undergraduate Bruins 36 - 21.

“You are each unique and diverse, which will contribute to the vibrancy of our community,” said Reid. “Every one of you has something special to offer USC. You are a very talented and gifted group of people. I hope that you will take this opportunity given to you and shine as brightly as you possibly can.”

To read more of Prof. David Cruz's talk, please click here.