Amanda Solomon earned her Online Master of Studies in Law from the USC Gould School of Law in December 2022. In this alumni spotlight, Solomon explains how her MSL coursework directly informed her professional work, and how MSL faculty helped expand her Trojan network.
What made you pursue the Online MSL at USC Gould School of Law?
I decided to pursue the MSL during COVID, when an online program was not only practical but necessary. At the time, I was serving as the CEO of a talent agency, and I felt a growing need to deepen my legal knowledge — especially around how to protect both my business and the talent we represented. While I didn’t want to become a practicing attorney, I wanted to be able to have smart, informed conversations with our legal team. That level of fluency felt essential for where I was in my career.
I chose the MSL instead of a JD because I wasn’t interested in practicing law or sitting for the bar — I already had an MBA, so I was really looking to round out my education with legal expertise. The MSL was a perfect fit.
As for USC Gould, I’ve wanted to be a Trojan for most of my academic life. I applied for undergrad and later for the MBA program, and while I didn’t get in either time, I never let go of the goal. When I discovered the MSL program at USC Gould — paired with the school’s exceptional reputation — it felt like the right opportunity at exactly the right moment.
What was your experience balancing your Online MSL coursework with your professional and personal commitments? What strategies helped you to succeed?
At the time I began the MSL program, I was the CEO of a rapidly growing talent agency while also doing marketing consulting on the side. In addition to my professional workload, I served on several boards as an advisor in the gaming and esports space. Needless to say, life was very full.
What helped me stay grounded and successful throughout the program was committing to my health and wellness. That meant prioritizing quality sleep, eating healthy as much as possible, and maintaining a consistent workout routine. I also relied heavily on time blocking — setting clear work hours, designating specific time for schoolwork and research, and making sure to carve out meaningful time for family and loved ones.
If I could offer one piece of advice to others in a similar situation, it would be to build those healthy habits from the very beginning. Even if the gym isn’t your thing, simple routines like daily walks or taking the stairs can really help break up the day and keep you energized. I also made it a point not to procrastinate — starting homework or projects early meant that if I needed a break, I had the flexibility to take one without risking deadlines. When you’re balancing work, school and life, those little decisions add up and make a huge difference.
What is your most memorable experience from your studies at USC Gould?
One of the most memorable and valuable aspects of the program was that many of the professors were working professionals actively engaged in the legal field. Their teaching style reflected real-world experience, and the coursework was deeply rooted in practical use cases rather than abstract theory. That made all the difference for me.
We spent a lot of time working through real scenarios, analyzing case studies, and applying legal frameworks in ways that felt immediately relevant to my day-to-day work. Since I entered the program with the goal of applying legal knowledge in practical settings — not just studying law for the sake of it — this focus on actionable insights and applied learning was incredibly valuable.
Looking back, what aspects of the program provided you with the most unexpected value?
One of the most unexpectedly valuable experiences was taking an elective, LAW 653: Music Law in Practice, taught by a practicing music attorney. We explored actual contracts that had been implemented in real-world artist negotiations, which gave me a fascinating window into the intricacies of the music industry.
It opened my eyes to how many different elements can be negotiated in an artist’s career — everything from live events and merchandising to streaming rights and likeness usage. While I’ve always had a deep interest in the entertainment space, this course provided a level of legal insight and nuance that I hadn’t anticipated. It helped me understand the business side of creative work in a much more meaningful way, which has been incredibly useful in my professional world.
How has your Online MSL given you an advantage in your career?
The MSL has significantly elevated my career by giving me a much deeper understanding of legal language and processes. I now feel far more confident reviewing contracts on my own and engaging in informed, intellectual conversations with my entertainment lawyers. That legal fluency has been incredibly empowering.
I’ve also noticed that the degree has enhanced the way others perceive me professionally. It’s seen as a mark of strong education and specialized knowledge, which has made me an even more desirable consultant — particularly when legal considerations are at play. The program deepened my understanding of copyright and intellectual property law, which has been especially helpful when evaluating the implications of contracts.
What I’ve planned to do next is to continue building on the momentum this degree has provided. It’s already contributed to the growth of a successful consulting business, and I plan to keep using this knowledge to guide clients, navigate complex agreements and deliver even more value in my work.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are interested in pursuing their MSL?
The biggest piece of advice I’d give is to truly prioritize the program and take it seriously. That might sound obvious, but when life and work get busy, it can be easy to fall into the trap of just going through the motions to complete assignments. But the content is incredibly relevant and there’s very little busy work — so really absorb what you’re learning.
Take good notes and save your materials, because I can tell you firsthand that what you learn in this program will show up in your real-world work. Having a well-organized reference point to return to is invaluable.
I’d also encourage students to build connections with their professors. Many of them are working professionals in the field, and staying in touch — whether that’s through LinkedIn or other professional platforms — can be a great way to keep those doors open for future opportunities and insights.
What sparked your interest in learning about law?
My interest in law really came from a desire to be a better advocate — for both my business and the talent I represent. As someone who has worked in high-stakes, fast-moving industries like entertainment and gaming, I often found myself in rooms where legal decisions were being made that directly impacted my work. I didn’t want to just be a participant — I wanted to be someone who truly understood what was being discussed and could contribute meaningfully.
I also felt a responsibility to protect the people around me. Whether that was negotiating contracts, understanding intellectual property rights or navigating complex agreements, I knew that gaining a solid foundation in law would help me lead more confidently and effectively. That sense of empowerment is what really drove me to pursue legal education.
What relationships or connections formed during the program have proven most valuable to you?
Because the program took place during COVID, I didn’t get the opportunity to form many in-person or personal connections with classmates. But I made it a priority to connect with my professors on LinkedIn and stay in touch after classes ended — and those have proven to be some of the most valuable professional relationships I could have built during the program.
Most of the professors were working professionals themselves and having that network has been incredibly helpful as I continue to grow in my own career. While the personal side of connection was limited by circumstance, the professional value of those relationships has absolutely made a lasting impact.
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