Hi everyone! My name is Michael Crawford, and Iβm a 3L at USC Gould. I was born in San Diego, California, and have lived throughout the state. As an undergraduate, I studied finance, real estate, and law at Cal Poly Pomona.
At Cal Poly Pomona, I served as the Vice President of the Black Student Union and the Black Business Student Association. I also volunteered in the BLOOM Youth Program to mentor previously incarcerated teenagers. Additionally, I became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and helped organize dozens of community service events.
After earning my bachelorβs degree, I began my career in investment management at Fidelity Investments. There, I obtained my Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, becoming a registered investment advisor. Shortly after, I was promoted to become the youngest investment consultant at Fidelity. After spending several years in the financial advising industry, I decided to change career trajectories and pursue law school.
I completed my first year of law school in San Francisco and was later accepted into Gould as a transfer student to complete my JD. Since enrolling at Gould, Iβve had numerous opportunities to meet and network with students, faculty, and alumni. USC Gould has been the perfect fit for me. After transferring, I immediately felt like part of the community here. Since attending, Iβve taken several real estate law classes that closely align with the work I plan to do after graduation. Moreover, Iβve received invaluable mentorship from several Gould alumni.
The summer after my 1L year, I worked at Oracle as a legal intern, where I learned the role of an in-house counsel in the tech industry. Last summer, I worked in Los Angeles at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP as a Summer Associate in the real estate group, where Iβm excited to return as a full-time associate after graduation. I secured my Summer Associate position at Willkie through Gouldβs on-campus interview program (OCI) and networking with Gould alumni.
At USC Gould, Iβve become a member of the Black Law Student Association, volunteered as a peer mentor for incoming transfer students, and was hired as a Student Ambassador to help prospective students learn more about Gould.
Iβm grateful for my decision to attend Gould and couldnβt imagine my law school experience anywhere else. If youβre interested in learning more about Gould or have any questions about my law school experience, please contact me at [email protected].
Hi everyone! My name is Caitlin Cummings and I am a 2L at Gould. I grew up in Pacifica, CA, a small beach town just south of San Francisco. I am a proud Double Trojan and 3+3 student, having received my Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations with a minor in Legal Studies from USC in 2023.
During undergrad at USC, I played Division 1 Beach Volleyball for the Trojans and earned 3 NCAA National Championships. I was also fortunate enough to represent USCβs Undergraduate Society of Women in Law as an Executive Board member, and serve as the Head of Public Relations for βExposition,β a nonprofit multi-media platform dedicated to empowering student-athletes through independent storytelling. I also had the opportunity to author several journalistic works in publications such as βExpositionβ and βVolleyball Magazine,β which helped foster my skills and passion for writing.
As much as I enjoyed my undergraduate studies, I was always very interested in attending law school. I was drawn to the detail-oriented nature of the law, and its unique balance of structure and creativity. I was drawn to USC Gould because of its uniquely collaborative and friendly community-oriented atmosphere, esteemed professors, and engaged alumni network.
In my 1L year, I was able to immediately get involved in campus life as a 1L representative for several organizations including Sports Law Society, Womenβs Law Association, and If/When/How. Additionally, I participated in several of USCβs fun extracurricular offerings including the Club Volleyball Team, and Supreme Court Basketball team. Getting involved in the law school community allowed me to forge personal and professional connections with a myriad of students, alumni, and faculty.
During my 1L summer, I worked at the Post-Conviction Justice Project, one of Gouldβs many excellent clinics. In this clinic, I had the opportunity to represent incarcerated individuals in their fight for freedom through parole representation. It was truly such a unique opportunity to complete hands-on and impactful work, and would not have been possible without USCβs esteemed clinical programs.
As a 2L, I am excited to take on more active roles within the USC Gould community. Within on-campus organizations, I am grateful to serve as the Vice Chair for the Gold Honors Scholar Program, a Student Bar Association Social Chair, Sports Law Society Co-President, Womenβs Law Association Fundraising Chair and If/When/How Secretary. I will also be continuing my work with the Post-Conviction Justice Project, and serving as a peer mentor for incoming 1L students.
I am so grateful that I came to Gould. I have made lifelong friends, impactful career connections, fond memories, and have experienced countless opportunities for both personal and professional growth and exploration. I hope you have the chance to experience Gould too! Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to talk more! Thank you, and Fight On forever!
Hi everyone! My name is Lauryn Roberts and Iβm a 3L here at Gould. I am originally from San Francisco, CA but grew up predominantly in the suburbs just outside of New York City. Prior to coming to USC, I studied Economics, Art History, and English at Howard University.
I first realized I wanted to become an attorney in high school. My high school experience was somewhat atypical in that I attended boarding school in Andover, Mass., where I had the unique opportunity to live amongst students from all around the world. That exposure opened my eyes to what it means to have a worldview and incited my interest in better understanding how our society has evolved and continues to evolve.
Through my education, experiences in the greater Washington, D.C. community, and studies abroad, I realized the legal system is an entity that regulates and guides global markets, governments, and individuals alike. I began to see lawyers as advocates and analysts who could affect change on any level. For law school, I wanted to attend a place where I felt welcomed and valued while building a foundation for my legal career, which is why I chose to pursue my JD at USC.
Through referrals from the Trojan Network, I spent my 1L summer working at a boutique entertainment firm in Beverly Hills, where I learned all about the business of talent representation and the entertainment industry from a legal standpoint. This experience solidified my interest in entertainment law and helped me realize my aspiration to become a litigator. Thus, this past summer I worked in the Los Angeles office of a big law firm, exploring various litigation matters, including those within entertainment.
At Gould, Iβve served as the president of the Black Law Students Association, a member of the Hale Moot Court Honors Program, a teaching assistant for Vice Dean Donald Scottenβs undergraduate course, and a JD Student Ambassador. Through my involvement on campus, Iβve been able to work with and get to know some of the most amazing, intelligent, and kind people, further solidifying that Gould was the right place for me. If you have any questions or want to hear more about what itβs like to be a law student at Gould, please contact me at [email protected]!
Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa Felix and I am a 2L here at Gould. I am originally from Santa Clarita, CA (home of Six Flags Magic Mountain), about 40 miles north of USC. Before law school, I double majored in History and Classics at UCLA. I feel extremely grateful to get to experience the best of both worlds!
I am a K-JDer, meaning I went straight through from undergrad to law school. I decided to pursue the law because I love to read, write, and talk. Through the help of amazing mentors, I selected USC Gould as my new home. I was drawn to the small class size, location, and reputation of the esteemed Trojan Network. Although as a former Bruin, it initially felt odd to call USCβs campus home, I could not be happier with my decision.
Although 1L was crazy at times, it was a great year. I met some of my best friends and have truly loved learning at Gould. Through football games, social events, law prom, classes, late-night study sessions, and so much more, I have created genuine lifelong connections with my peers. I even had time to explore LA and enjoy the cityβs easy access to amazing concerts and great food.
For my 1L summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work at a boutique entertainment firm that represents some of Hollywoodβs biggest names. This was my first exposure to working in the legal field and the experience helped me hone my interest in reading contracts and negotiating deals. After 2L, I look forward to working at a big law firm in Century City learning all things corporate law!
This year, I am honored to be Co-Vice President of the Latin Law Students Association and Co-Sundance Chair for the Entertainment Law Society. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most creative and intelligent people at Gould and I cannot wait for an amazing 2L year. If you have any questions or want to discuss life as a law student at Gould, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Hi everyone! My name is Carol Zhou, and Iβm a 2L here at Gould. I was born and raised in Fremont, California, a small suburb outside San Francisco. USC has been my second home since undergrad, where I majored in Public Policy and Law.
In undergrad, I explored the how and why of the law, learning how corporate institutions, particularly in healthcare, could flourish within the bounds of our legal system. Through my classes and a brief foray into business consulting, I realized the critical role that lawyers played in both policy compliance and business advocacy. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
I applied to Gould in my junior year, graduated early, and returned to where my legal dreams began for law school. I already knew the power of the Trojan family as a support network both in and outside the classroom as demonstrated by my incredible professors who took the time to explain complex concepts to Trojan alumni who helped me find my place in the legal profession. The Gould community of friends, mentors, and found-family helped me find my footing during 1L and the pre-OCI process.
This past summer, I worked at Gouldβs Small Business Clinic (SBC) to counsel small businesses to address formation and organizational matters. I interfaced directly with clients, formed multiple LLCs and a dental corporation, and even drafted several contracts! The SBC not only provided invaluable hands-on transactional experience but also incredible mentorship for me as a young professional. Next summer, I will work as a summer associate at Sheppard, Mullen, Richter & Hampton and explore healthcare transactions and policy compliance. I am grateful to return to the same fields that sparked my interest in the law.
This coming year, I am beyond excited to serve as an Events Chair for the Business Law Society, Academic Events Chair for the Women of Color Collective, Treasurer of the Health Law Society, and a JD Student Ambassador! Coming back to USC for law school was an easy choice that is constantly reaffirmed by the amazing, intelligent people Iβve studied, worked, and laughed alongside. If you have any questions about Gould, please feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Fight on!
