Jieyuxi (Lexie) Liu is a recent graduate of USC Gould’s Master of Laws (LLM) degree program. Liu explains how her USC legal education has helped advance her career, and offers tips for academic success.
Why did you choose to pursue your degree at USC Gould?
I chose to pursue my degree at USC Gould because of its diversity, Trojan Family network and rich alumni resources. USC Gould’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community ensures that I will learn from a wide range of perspectives, preparing me to excel in today’s globalized world. The close-knit Trojan Family ethos creates a sense of unity among current students and alumni, fostering belonging and support. This feeling of home comes from the shared dedication to success and the unparalleled support from fellow students, faculty and alumni. Additionally, USC Gould’s extensive alumni network provides valuable resources and opportunities for mentorship, networking, and career advancement. Together, these factors make USC Gould the perfect place for me to pursue my academic and professional goals.
What sparked your interest in the law?
Understand More & Fear Less – My interest in the law was sparked by the timeless wisdom of Marie Curie, who famously said, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” To me, the law embodies more than just notions of equity and justice, it represents a commitment to understanding the unpopular, dismantling stereotypes, and expanding perspectives through analytical thinking rather than preconceived judgments. Inspired by this ethos, I am driven to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, to pursue ambitions that extend beyond my personal success. Recognizing that climbing the ladder is not enough, I am dedicated to reaching out a helping hand to those below.
Lifelong Learning – During my senior year of high school, I acknowledged that the practice of law involves both legal regulations and interpersonal dynamics. I am deeply enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of clients. My aim is to provide strategic counsel informed by thorough research and seasoned professional insight. Emphasizing the pivotal role of a comprehensive understanding of the law in delivering effective counsel, I am dedicated to ongoing learning and the continual enrichment of my expertise, ensuring that I can equip clients with informed guidance and increased legal leverage for their business.
Can you tell us about your current work?
Currently I am working in the law firm Bonne Bridges as a law clerk, which focuses on defending medical malpractice lawsuits. Even though I had no experience related to medical disputes, practicing in law is the journey which you could start from zero experience with your persistence and daily diligence to accumulate over time. The systematic knowledge and soft-skills I obtained through study in USC made me more confident to pursue my career.
What is the most memorable experience or learning from your USC studies?
One of the most memorable experiences I had at USC was building lifelong friendships with professors and fellow classmates. It was incredible to feel so comfortable reaching out to my professors. Professor Julie A. Werner-Simon even bought me a cup of coffee and spent almost two hours giving me practical advice on how to prepare for the bar exam, network effectively, brand myself, and achieve my career goals. Additionally, my international classmates and I sometimes hung out on Sunday evenings to explore the diverse cuisines of L.A. Whether it was professors or classmates, everyone at USC contributed to making my experience unforgettable.
How has your degree from USC Gould given you an advantage in your career? What do you want to do next?
My degree from USC Gould has provided me with several advantages that have been instrumental in my career. Firstly, the customized curriculum allowed me to tailor my education to my own interests and career goals. General courses provided me with a fundamental understanding of the U.S. legal system, while specialized courses broke down the rules into practical exercises, helping me learn how to apply them in real-life situations. Despite the challenging workload, these courses not only increased my knowledge but also equipped me with the practical skills essential for an attorney. Moreover, the diverse and inclusive environment at USC Gould taught me the valuable lesson that “Common sense is not common.” This mindset shift encouraged me to be open-minded and avoid assuming that others share my perspective. Instead, I learned to understand different viewpoints and become a better listener, skills that have greatly benefited my career.
Next, I aim to specialize in mediation or arbitration concerning international transactions. In recent years, the increase in business disputes between countries has highlighted the need for effective conflict resolution. With my open-minded and compassionate approach, coupled with my professional knowledge and skills, I aspire to contribute to resolving these issues. My goal is to facilitate agreements that lead to win-win outcomes, fostering cooperation between nations and minimizing the need for litigation. Ultimately, I want to play a role in making international business dealings smoother and mutually beneficial.
What advice do you have for students who may be interested in following a similar path to yours?
Prepare, prepare and prepare! – As the saying goes, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Before attending classes, pre-read the materials to enhance your understanding and participation. The more you preview, the better you can interact with professors during lectures. Continuously putting effort in on a weekly basis rather than cramming at the last minute before final exams is key. For example, creating your own outline at the beginning of the semester can help alleviate stress towards the end.
Great things never came from comfort zones! – Throughout your academic journey and adapting to a new country, you’ll encounter numerous challenges. When faced with something difficult, you have the choice to confront it or avoid it. I firmly believe in the words of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm: “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” She also said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Remember, we grow through what we go through. Feeling scared to challenge something often means you’re about to do something really brave. Stop waiting for what you want. Take action and go get it!
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