Clinical Associate Professor Jean Lantz Reisz, co-director of the USC Immigration Clinic, has been selected as a Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference lawyer representative — the only law professor in the Central District of California.
“I’m excited,” says Reisz, who said she was encouraged to apply by the Hon. Jean Rosenbluth, a federal magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and a former professor at the USC Gould School of Law. “It’s a great opportunity to make closer connections with Ninth Circuit appellate and federal judges. After my orientation, two federal judges asked if I have students who are interested in clerkships. It’s great for USC.”
The three-year appointment gives Reisz an opportunity to help the court function more efficiently by facilitating relationships with Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and federal district court judges and attorneys and identifying issues that slow down the workings of the court. Both federal district and Ninth Circuit judges choose the lawyer representatives; Reisz was pleased to be chosen with her first application.
Reisz also signed up to serve on two committees, including a committee that organizes a civics contest for high school students. She also looks forward to bringing federal and Ninth Circuit judges into the classroom to speak to and meet with students.
Developing relationships with fellow lawyer representatives, who come from all sectors of law, including intellectual property litigation nonprofit work, and the Federal Public Defender and U.S. Attorney’s offices also has the potential to benefit her students, Reisz says.
“A fellow panel member told me to let him know if I have any students needing summer employment,” she says. “[The role] gives Gould visibility in federal district court in a new way.”
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