Naomi L. Gankino Maiguwa (LLM 2018) brings a truly global perspective to her legal practice, shaped by her work across Nigeria and the United States. From advancing access to justice to building regulatory compliance systems and specializing in transnational dispute resolution, she is committed to using the law both to prevent and resolve complex problems. In this Q&A, the Master of Laws (LLM) graduate shares what inspired her to pursue law, her experience at USC Gould, and how her LLM continues to shape her work in international and public interest law.
What sparked your interest in learning about law?
My interest in law started early, when I saw how deeply legal problems affect everyday life. Growing up and working in Nigeria, I watched families, small business owners and vulnerable individuals struggle simply because they didn’t understand their rights or how to navigate the system. When I began working with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, that experience became personal. I saw that one informed lawyer could completely change someone’s outcome, save a life, protect property, prevent exploitation or resolve disputes before they escalated. That’s when I realized law isn’t just theory or courtroom arguments. It’s a practical tool for stability, protection and problem-solving. Over time, I became especially interested in conflict resolution and compliance because many disputes can be prevented with the right legal structure and communication. That preventive approach, not just reacting to crises, is what truly drew me to the profession.
What made you pursue your degree, and why at USC Gould?
After several years of practicing law and serving in governance and regulatory compliance roles in Nigeria, I knew I wanted to broaden my work beyond one jurisdiction and move into international legal practice.
Because both Nigeria and the United States share a common law foundation, pursuing advanced training in the U.S. was a natural extension of my legal education. I was especially interested in strengthening my knowledge of business and transnational law, since modern legal practice increasingly crosses borders. Areas such as immigration, corporate compliance, contracts and dispute resolution all require a global perspective and the ability to navigate multiple legal systems.
USC Gould stood out to me for several reasons: its strong reputation; the opportunity to earn a certificate in transnational business; and the strength of the Trojan alumni network within a diverse and collaborative community.
Additionally, Los Angeles provided direct exposure to immigration, international business and public interest law areas closely aligned with my long-term goals. Overall, USC felt like the most practical and strategic place to build a truly global legal career.
How was the transition to USC Gould?
The transition was challenging at first. Although I was already a practicing attorney, adapting to a new legal system, teaching style and academic and social culture required a shift in how I learned and worked. U.S. legal writing, case analysis and the interactive classroom approach were very different from my previous training. What made the difference was USC’s strong support system. Professors were approachable and genuinely invested in student success, and learning alongside a diverse group of classmates broadened my perspective. Career services and the Trojan Family network also helped me understand how to navigate the U.S. legal market with confidence. Because of that collaborative environment, I adjusted quickly, grew professionally and never felt like I was figuring things out alone.
What is the most memorable experience from your USC studies?
One of my most memorable experiences at USC was stepping outside my comfort zone academically. I took a patent drafting and prosecution course with no prior background in intellectual property and, at first, it felt intimidating. However, the challenge pushed me to quickly learn a completely new area of law, sharpen my analytical thinking and strengthen my technical writing skills.
That experience taught me to be adaptable and confident in unfamiliar spaces, a skill that has helped me across compliance, mediation and cross-disciplinary legal work. I also valued courses like Global Regulatory Compliance and Transnational Business, which showed me how legal frameworks operate in real-world settings and how strong systems can prevent disputes before they arise. Even my daily commute from Orange County to Los Angeles became part of the journey, giving me time to reflect and connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, which broadened my global perspective.
What is something that you enjoyed during your time as a student outside of your studies?
Outside of academics, I truly valued the sense of community and service at USC. Volunteering in legal outreach initiatives, attending networking events and building friendships with classmates from around the world made my experience much richer. One highlight was participating in the One Justice Bus trip to Indio, California, where we provided free legal assistance to underserved families. Working directly with community members on estate planning and basic legal needs reminded me why I chose law in the first place: to make the law accessible and useful to everyday people.
I also enjoyed the lighter moments that brought everyone together, from campus events to tailgates, which created a strong sense of school spirit and connection outside the classroom. Those shared experiences helped build genuine friendships, not just professional contacts. The Trojan Family is very real. Many of those relationships continued after graduation and grew into mentorships, collaborations and lasting professional networks. As an international student adjusting to a new country, that sense of belonging and support made all the difference.
How did your degree from USC Gould give you an advantage in your career, and what do you plan to do next?
My LLM equipped me with a strong foundation in U.S. law, advanced research and drafting skills, and practical tools for navigating transnational legal issues. Studying alongside a diverse cohort also strengthened my cultural awareness and adaptability qualities that are essential when advising clients, resolving disputes and working across borders. Combined with my Nigerian Bar admission, the USC training gave me both the legal depth and global perspective to operate confidently in international settings.
Today, I work with Pacific Justice Institute, supporting legal advocacy, complex case strategy and strategic defense of civil liberties, including religious freedom and parental rights. I also founded ACSA Consulting, where I advise individuals and organizations on regulatory compliance, risk management and conflict resolution. Through this work, I have seen firsthand how strong compliance systems can prevent disputes, while effective mediation resolves those that remain. In addition, I became a FINRA neutral, further deepening my involvement in alternative dispute resolution.
Going forward, I plan to continue specializing in mediation and arbitration, particularly in international and transnational business disputes. My goal is to help organizations operate ethically, resolve conflicts efficiently, and minimize unnecessary litigation through practical, preventative legal strategies. Eventually, I would like to share my knowledge and experience through teaching as a professor.
What advice do you have for students who may be interested in following a similar path to yours?
Be consistent and stay practical. Work and study smarter, don’t limit yourself to one narrow path. Explore clinics, internships, compliance work, mediation and public interest opportunities. Some of the most defining parts of my career came from experiences I didn’t originally plan for. Those hands-on opportunities often teach you more than grades ever will and help you discover where you truly thrive.
Network intentionally and nurture relationships. The legal profession is built on trust and connection, and many of my mentors, collaborators and opportunities came through the relationships I built at USC and beyond. Above all, stay service-oriented. At its heart, the law is about people. When you focus on solving real problems and helping others, your career grows naturally — and meaningfully.
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