On the first day of orientation, USC Gould School of Law Dean of Admissions Chloe Reid said to the Class of 2015: “Go ahead, pinch yourselves. You’re really living your dream. You’re in law school.”
The paths of each of the 188 students seated were unique in length, difficulty, and experience. However, each out-competed 27 other students for their single spot in the class; the law school received 5,012 applications for this year’s class.
Dean Reid shared a variety of accolades and characteristics of the eclectic group before her.
A median LSAT score of 167—the 96th percentile—as well as a median undergraduate GPA of 3.73 immediately attests to the stellar qualification of the students entering this year.
Beyond the grades, the students hail from 83 different colleges and range in age from 20 to 36 years old. Previous occupations encompass everything from smartphone app designers, campaign workers, and camp counselors to entrepreneurs, founders of production companies, and one member of a band that spent the last five years touring internationally.
Fullbright scholars, journalists, and restaurant workers alike; the class contains 45 percent women, 40 percent identified as from an ethnic minority, and 12 percent identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
Several shared history of disadvantaged backgrounds or difficult personal obstacles, embodying the tenacity and perseverance that particularly characterize this group of students, according to Reid.
Dean Robert K. Rasmussen reflected upon his experience entering law school in Chicago 30 years prior.
“I sat where you are; I can remember all the emotions I felt that day—the thrill of being at a great law school…nerves, uncertainty. This is the big leagues.”
Rasmussen summarized his advice for students in two simple words: “Embrace USC.”
He encouraged students to enjoy the resources accessible at a world-class research university and in the city of Los Angeles. The strength of USC’s other professional schools provides ample opportunity to network and work across professions, what Rasmussen calls the hallmark of the modern world.
Rasmussen also stressed the benefits of being a part of the famed Trojan network.
“You have choices, and the most important one is to get to know your colleagues. Look to your left; look to your right; these are your friends and colleagues for the career you’re starting to build today. USC will always be a part of your career.”
Following his speech was the Honorable Jean Rosenbluth ’93, U.S. magistrate judge for the Central Court of California.
Rosenbluth stressed one absolutely essential component of any law student’s studies and career.
“You have to be nice,” she said. “We picked you all because you’re good people. Being a good person will get you farther than anything else.”
She commented on the very few degrees of separation between USC Law students and members of the legal community. This connection can greatly benefit students who create positive impressions in the minds of their classmates, professors, and other relationships. However, it can be equally damaging for those who misstep, she said, sharing cautionary tales of student missteps that resulted in floundered job opportunities and academic disappointments.
Rosenbluth administered the New Student Oath of the USC Law School, which officially marks the start of their legal careers and holds them to a set of standards expected of every USC Law student.
The students stood, raised their right hands, and agreed: to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and ethical practice throughout law school and their careers; to strive for excellence and professionalism in academic conduct and preparation; in professional conduct exhibit the higher regard and respect due to court, judges, faculty, staff and all other members of the legal and law school community; in personal conduct, follow the USC principles of community; and finally to endeavor always to advance the cause of justice and live up to the highest professional and ethical ideal of the legal profession.
The transition to law school is not always easy. But, the Trojan network seeks to help in this department, too. USC Law has a network of 30 Peer Mentors each assigned to groups of incoming students. The mentors, all 2Ls, were selected and appointed as the best source of personalized support for first-year law students.
“People come from many different backgrounds and through many different paths to get here,” says Peer Mentor Aaron Ginsburg ’14. “Our job is to be here and show them the resources available to get them through what is a typically challenging year.”
The mentors aspire to help the new students acclimate to the rigors of law school and to the USC environment so that students may live up to the vast potential this beginning provides.
“A law degree is a powerful thing,” Rosenbluth said. “Use it wisely.”
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