Peer Support

Undergraduate: University of Massachusetts, Amherst

alex.kurlan.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Alex is from San Diego and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2022. Before law school, he served with City Year Los Angeles and volunteered at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. During his 1L summer, Alex externed at the California Court of Appeal.

In his free time, Alex enjoys traveling, hiking, watching TV shows and movies, and trying new food spots. He looks forward to welcoming the Class of 2028!

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles

alejandro.valdivia.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Alex was born and raised in California’s Central Valley and graduated from UCLA with degrees in Political Science and Labor Studies. In college, he was involved in public policy research and advocacy. Before law school, he worked in the public interest sector, supporting litigation on behalf of immigrant communities.

During his 1L year, Alex served as the GSG Senator for the 1L class. As a 2L, he will serve as SBA Admissions Chair and sit on the boards of the LLSA, FGP and PILF. Over the summer, he was a 1L Summer Associate at Horvitz & Levy.

In his free time, Alex enjoys trying new restaurants across Los Angeles, traveling and spending time at the beach.

Undergraduate: University of Iowa

alexus.imbouathong.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Alexus was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa. She attended Iowa State University before transferring and graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Sociology. At UIowa, Alexus was president of the Asian American Student Union, organized advocacy events with the Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, and was a research assistant for the Center for the Study of Group Processes.

As a 1L, Alexus was a representative of the Music Law Society. During her second year, she will serve as Co Faculty Selection Chair for SBA. This summer, she worked with a criminal defense attorney and as a research assistant for Professor Cruz.

In her free time, Alexus enjoys going to concerts and finding new music to listen to!

Undergraduate: Emory University

amorette.marcus.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Amorette was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in May 2024 with a degree in business administration, concentrating in organization & management, marketing, and film. She went straight to law school after undergrad and spent her 1L summer working in the corporate department at Willkie Farr’s Century City office. This fall, she will serve on the executive boards of both the Business Law Society and the Women’s Law Association.

Amorette enjoys dancing, movies, trashy reality TV and discovering the best food in LA. She’s excited to meet the Class of 2028!

Undergraduate: California State University, Long Beach

Angel grew up in Long Beach, California and graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Focusing on family law, Angel spent his 1L summer as a CLA SoCal Summer Law Clerk. This fall, Angel will serve as the secretary for the Latinx Law Student Association and a co-academics chair for the First Generation Professionals Program.

During his free time, Angel enjoys going to concerts, collecting vinyl records and thrift shopping.

Undergraduate: University of Southern California

anna.rhee.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Anna was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from USC with a degree in Law, History, and Culture and a minor in Music Industry. At USC, she served as vice president of Phi Alpha Delta, a professional law fraternity, and helped build the USC Journal of Music Industry as its director of public relations.

Before law school, Anna volunteered with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles on its API Outreach Project. As a 1L, she was a representative for the Environmental and Energy Law Society. As a 2L, she will serve as public relations chair for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and alumni relations chair for the Energy and Environmental Law Society. This summer, she worked in-house at Jamison Services, a real estate investment and development firm.

In her free time, Anna enjoys cooking and practicing pilates!

Undergraduate: University of California, Davis

anna.rhee.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Audrey grew up in Paris, France, before moving to Palo Alto, California, 13 years ago. She attended UC Davis, earning a B.S. in Managerial Economics with a concentration in Business Economics and a minor in Technology Management. After college, she worked for a year as a legal assistant at a big law firm in Palo Alto before starting law school at USC.

This summer, Audrey worked in the Gang Homicide Division of the L.A. County District Attorney's Office. As a 2L, she will serve as SBA social chair and join the Housing Law and Policy Clinic.

Audrey enjoys baking, playing volleyball and finding new coffee shops around L.A. She’s excited to meet the Class of 2028!

Undergraduate: University of Southern California

bita.beheshti.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Bita grew up in Roseville, California. She graduated from USC with a B.A. in International Relations. During her time at USC, she served as a national oralist and vice president of community for her undergraduate Moot Court team and was involved in several leadership groups for writing-focused organizations.

During 2L, she will be co-president of the Womxn of Color Collective and participate in the Mediation Clinic. Her 1L summer will be spent as an extern for Hon. Judge Calabretta in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. As a 2L, she looks forward to connecting with incoming 1L students and going to USC football games!

Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
byungwook.roh.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Braden is a first-generation immigrant from South Korea. He graduated from University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Anthropology. During his 1L year, Braden was the A-E section representative for USC Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society (IPTLS).

Over the summer, Braden worked as a judicial extern for the Hon. Brian Hoffstadt in the California Court of Appeal. As a 2L, he will be serving as a co-president for USC APALSA, a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure, and a writing fellow for LLM students.

In his free time, Braden enjoys taking photography, traveling, watching movies and cooking.

Undergraduate: University of California, Riverside
christine.nguyen.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Christine grew up in Orange, California. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a degree in Political Science.

During her 1L year at Gould, Christine served as a K-O section representative for both the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and the Entertainment Law Society. She is excited to continue her involvement as a 2L, serving as a co-social chair for APALSA.

Over the summer, she worked as a judicial extern in the chambers of the Hon. Richard L. Fruin at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

In her free time, Christine enjoys trying new restaurants, sewing, and spending time with pets and loved ones.

Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Cleo.kanter.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Cleo was born and raised in Los Angeles. She graduated in 2024 from Northwestern University with a degree in Journalism and Cognitive Science.

As a 1L, Cleo served as the 1L representative for the Business Law Society (BLS) and Entertainment Law Society. Over the summer, she worked as a 1L summer associate at Kirkland & Ellis in their Century City office. She is looking forward to serving at the BLS co-president during her 2L year!

She is looking forward to getting to know the incoming 1L class!

Undergraduate: Principia College
grace.pecheck.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Grace was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Principia College with a degree in History and English. During her time at Principia, she was a peer writing tutor and a member of the school’s competitive mediation team.

As a 1L, Grace served as a representative for Law Students for Better Health and worked with the International Refugee Assistance Project. Over the summer, she worked as a 1L real estate summer associate at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP in Century City, where she will be returning for her 2L summer.

In her free time, Grace loves to lift, thrift and spend time with her cat, Tortfeasor.

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
halle.schaffer.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Halle grew up in San Diego, California. She is a double Trojan, graduating from USC in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Entertainment Industry as a 3+3 student. While in undergrad, Halle was involved in Agents of Change, served as a USG senator, and was closely involved with the film school.

During her 1L year, Halle was a 1L rep for the Entertainment Law Society (ELS) and OutLAW, and in the upcoming year, she will serve as ELS president. Over the summer, Halle worked as a summer associate at Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

In her free time, Halle loves movies, rock climbing, good books and exploring LA.

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
James.rich.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

James is from San Francisco, California, and majored in Philosophy, Politics and Law with a minor in Business Administration at USC. After college, he worked as a case assistant for Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton and a paralegal for DLA Piper in San Francisco.

During his 1L year he was a 1L representative for the Venture Capital and Technology Association (VCTA). He spent his 1L summer as a summer associate for Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz, working on antitrust litigation. As a 2L, James will participate in USC's Mediation Clinic.

In his free time, he likes to rock climb, play baseball and softball, and socialize with friends.

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
janice.jung.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Janice immigrated from Korea in second grade and grew up in Santa Clarita Valley, California. She graduated from USC with a degree in International Relations and Global Economy and a minor in legal studies.

As a 1L, Janice served as a representative for Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and worked at the Workers' Rights Clinic under Legal Aid at Work. Over the summer, she worked as a judicial extern at the California Courts of Appeal.

In her free time, Janice enjoys going to K-town cafes, visiting gardens around LA and trying new restaurants.

Undergraduate: Michigan State University
kaila.pruitt.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Kaila is from Orlando, Florida and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in World Politics. Before law school, Kaila interned with Disney and worked full-time as an Associate Licensing Specialist at Fanatics.

In her 1L year, Kaila was a member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and a 1L representative for Sports Law Society. With a desire to pursue a career in sports and entertainment law, Kaila spent her 1L summer working in-house as a legal intern at Paramount. As a 2L, she will serve as the Vice President of Sports Law Society and the Academic Chair of BLSA.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching Broadway musicals and attending sporting events. She’s thrilled to help welcome the Class of 2028 to Gould!

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
kobena.sey.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Kay is an LA native and graduated from USC in 2024 with a degree in Economics. During his undergrad years he worked as a Resident Assistant in McCarthy Honors College and competed with the USC Club Swim Team.

During his 1L year, Kay participated in the Sports Law Society, the Black Law Students Association, and worked on the video production team of a campus organization. In the upcoming year, he will serve as president for Gould Christian Fellowship and the secretary for Street Law. Over the summer, Kay worked as a summer associate at Athlaw LLP, a sports law firm that represents retired NFL players.

In his free time, Kay likes to cook, exercise and play the piano.

Undergraduate: University of Redlands
kenza.frangellowalthour.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Kenza is from Chicago — a fantastic city — and has three cats and a twin sister. She went to the University of Redlands and was in the Johnston Center, where she got a Bachelors in Political Ecology and Gender Theory. She spent one year as a GED tutor at a juvenile hall in Brooklyn, New York, and another year working as a line cook and on farms across New Zealand before coming to law school.

At USC Gould, Kenza is a member of First Generation Professionals and will be on the OutLAW Board. Over the summer, she worked with USC's Post-Conviction Justice Project and looks forward to continuing this work throughout her 2L year. She also looks forward to being a peer mentor!

Undergraduate: Texas A&M University
elizabeth.perez.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Libby grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2023. Before law school, Libby worked as a litigation assistant at a boutique family law firm in Houston.

During 1L, Libby served as the 1L Student Bar Association Representative for section F-J. She spent her summer in Riverside at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. As a 2L, Libby serves as the alumni chair for the Women's Law Association, the transactional dinner chair for Business Law Society, and the secretary for SBA.

Outside the classroom, Libby enjoys cooking, seeing movies with her Regal Unlimited Pass, and hitting 10,000 steps per day. She is working on her DJ skills. She can't wait to meet the Class of 2028!

Undergraduate: New York University
yixuan.luo.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Linda is from San Jose, California, and studied Math and Economics at New York University.

During her 1L year, she was a 1L representative for the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF). She spent her summer working as an extern at the US District Court, Central District of California.

In her free time, Linda enjoys cooking, finding good restaurants and traveling. She is so excited to welcome everyone to Gould!

Undergraduate: Northwestern University
lydia.kriseman.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Lydia grew up in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in Social Policy and Political Science. After graduating, she worked as a paralegal and at her hometown's legal aid.

During 1L, Lydia was a 1L rep for the Employment and Labor Law Student Association (ELLSA), part of the Workers' Rights Clinic, and worked as a summer intern with Public Counsel. As a 2L, Lydia is excited to be an events chair for the Entertainment Law Society, the communications chair for ELLSA, the VP of external affairs for the Public Interest Law Foundation, and one of the Student Bar Association social chairs!

In her free time, Lydia loves vintage shopping, working out, playing with her cat and going to comedy shows!

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
maani.tuli.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Maani grew up in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Anthropology. During his time at UCLA, he was the historian of Lambda Chi Alpha and co-wrote, along with other students and previously incarcerated women, an advocacy report on trauma-informed healing for judges across California. He also started his own e-commerce store, worked at a law firm and coached high school lacrosse.

During his first year at Gould, he was a 1L representative for the First Generation Professional’s Program and the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society (IPTLS). He spent his 1L summer as a summer intern for The Impact Law Firm. As a 2L, he looks forward to being the FGP’s co-president, IPTLS’s secretary, and a Peer Mentor.

In his free time, Maani enjoys watching NBA games, sneaker collecting and cooking.

Undergraduate: Marist College
mackenzie.orourke.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Mackenzie was born and raised in Brookfield, Connecticut. She earned her degree in Criminal Justice from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. During her time at Marist, Mackenzie studied international legal systems in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

As a 1L, Mackenzie was a 1L representative for Music Law Society and a member of Entertainment Law Society, Women’s Law Association, and First Generation Professionals. She spent her 1L summer as a research assistant for Professor Jordan Barry. Mackenzie is excited to serve as the 2L vice president and treasurer of Music Law Society starting in the fall.

In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys going to concerts, playing basketball, perusing Letterboxd, and exploring Los Angeles. She cannot wait to meet the Class of 2028!

Undergraduate: Georgetown University
mya.gartner.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Mya was raised in Freehold, New Jersey. She graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in government and a double minor in history and psychology. She is an active participant of the Georgetown Alumni Admissions Program. Before law school, Mya volunteered with a domestic violence nonprofit in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

During her first year at Gould, she was a 1L representative to the Street Law Society. As a 2L, she will be a member of the Housing Law and Policy Clinic and serve as programming co-chair for the Public Interest Law Foundation. Over the summer, she interned at the Federal District Court for the Central District of California.

In her free time, Mya enjoys live music and spending time with her cat!

Undergraduate: University of Maryland, College Park
rachel.liang.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Rachel is from Rockville, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice. After graduating, she worked as a legal assistant at Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C.

As a 1L, Rachel was a 1L representative for SBA, APALSA, and EELS. Over the summer, she worked as a judicial extern at the United States District Court, Central District of California. As a 2L, Rachel will serve as Co-President of APALSA. She will also be a TA for Civil Procedure (Professor Klerman) and a Legal Writing Fellow. For her 2L summer, she will be working at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her two cats and trying new food!

Undergraduate: Northwestern University
reese.rosentalsaporito.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Reese is from Altadena, California and graduated from Northwestern University in 2024 majoring in Legal Studies and Science in Human Culture with a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. During her 1L year, Reese was a SBA Events Chair and F-J representative for ELLSA. As a 2L, Reese will be a member of the Immigration Clinic and vice president of ELLSA.

During her 1L summer, Reese held a First Generation fellowship where she spent five weeks with the County Counsel of Los Angeles and five weeks as a summer associate with Lewis Brisbois.

In her free time, Reese likes to spend time with her dog and try new coffee shops. She can’t wait to meet all the 1Ls! Fight On!!

Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
riley.cisnerosmann.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Riley is from Concord, California. He graduated from UC Davis in 2024 with degrees in Sociology and Communication and a minor in Anthropology. During his time in undergrad, Riley worked as a campus tour guide and peer mentor for students with intellectual disabilities.

As a 1L, Riley was a representative for the Latinx Law Student Association and the Disability Law Society. Over the summer, he worked for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a judicial extern. In his 2L year, Riley will serve as co-president of the Latinx Law Student Association and president of the Disability Law Society.

In his free time, Riley likes to make playlists, cook, and hang out with friends. He is very excited to meet the new 1L class!

Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
sabir.rupal.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Sabir was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from UC Davis with a degree in political science.

Sabir spent his 1L summer working at the California Department of Justice.

In his free time, Sabir likes trying new restaurants, going to music festivals and watching basketball.

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
tea.shulga.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Tea was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. In 2024, she graduated from UCLA with a degree in political science and minors in film and global studies.

As a 1L, Tea was a F-J section representative for the Jewish Law Student Association. She spent her 1L summer providing legal assistance to small businesses through the USC Small Business Clinic.

As a 2L, Tea is looking forward to being a peer mentor and continuing to work in the Small Business Clinic. She is excited to spend her next summer as a summer associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in their Century City office.

In her free time, Tea enjoys yoga, movies, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends.

Undergraduate: University of California, Riverside
zoe.hirabayashi.2027@lawmail.usc.edu

Zoe is from Walnut, California and has lived in Southern California her entire life. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2024 with a degree in political science.

In her 1L year, she served as a representative for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and was a member of the Business Law Society. This fall, she will serve as internal vice president of APALSA.

In her free time, Zoe enjoys shopping, listening to music, spending time with her dogs and trying new restaurants. She is excited to meet the Class of 2028!