For Professor Aya Gruber, law is more than a career; it’s a calling rooted in history and personal conviction. A criminal law expert and the Harold Medill Heimbaugh Professor of Law at the USC Gould School of Law, Gruber’s passion for justice was forged long before she stepped into a courtroom. Her mother’s internment during World War II as part of the Japanese-American incarceration left an indelible impression.
“There are no mass detention success stories,” Gruber reflects, sharing how this familial experience shaped her skepticism of authority and commitment to addressing racial and economic injustices.
At just 14, Gruber’s journey began with an internship at a public defender’s office. “It really spoke to me,” she says, describing her early realization of the importance of advocating for the vulnerable in a system often designed to strip them of liberty. Today, she channels this passion into her teaching, focusing on criminal law, procedure, and the intersections of feminism and race.
Despite the heavy nature of her work, Gruber remains optimistic. Over her two decades in the field, she’s witnessed an evolution in attitudes toward mass incarceration. “When I started, the prevailing mindset was about us versus them,” she recalls. “Now, I see more nuanced and compassionate perspectives — particularly in my students.” This shift gives her hope, even as societal concerns about crime resurface. “The arc bends toward justice,” she says, echoing a belief in long-term progress, despite setbacks.
Gruber’s hope for her students is profound: she wants them to view law not just as a job but as a tool to shape the world. “Lawyers have enormous power — to build meaningful lives and to create change. I want my students to know they can bring their hearts into their work and participate in conversations that shape society.”
As a mentor during uncertain times, Gruber recognizes the emotional toll on her students and the legal profession. Yet, she remains resolute in her message: “Now, more than ever, it’s vital to be a technician of the law. Our hope lies in young lawyers who are prepared to navigate these challenges.”
Professor Gruber’s unwavering optimism and dedication remind us that the pursuit of justice is ongoing — and worth every step.
Watch the full interview with Professor Gruber to hear more about her vision and experiences.
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