Peer Support

Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin

maryamah@usc.edu

Maryam grew up in California, Ohio and Texas. She received a bachelor’s degree in government from UT Austin. Before law school, Maryam worked in political communications, including for Adam Schiff’s Senate campaign and Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign.

As a 1L, Maryam was communications chair for the Student Bar Association, chapter vice president for the American Constitution Society (ACS), International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) caseworker, and a 1L representative for Street Law, Energy & Environmental Law Society (EELS) and Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society (IPTLS).

This summer, Maryam worked at Gibson Dunn L.A. As a 2L, Maryam will participate in the International Human Rights Clinic. She also will serve as research assistant for Dean Franita Tolson, IRAP chapter president, SBA secretary, and ACS chapter vice president. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading and rating coffee shops.

Undergraduate: Emory University

borschel@usc.edu

Anjali is from Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from Emory University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and double major in Theater Studies, concentrating in Arts Management.

During 1L, Anjali served as F-J 1L Rep for the Employment and Labor Law Student Association (ELLSA). She spent her 1L summer in-house at Studio Distribution Services, a joint venture between Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. As a 2L, Anjali will serve as Vice President of ELLSA and External Events/Sundance Chair for the Entertainment Law Society and be a member of the Mediation Clinic.

In her free time, Anjali loves to watch live theater, try new cafes around L.A. and explore museums of all kinds. She is very excited to meet the incoming 1Ls!

Undergraduate: Rice University

wcoleman@usc.edu

Blake is from Alpharetta, Georgia. He graduated from Rice University in 2021 with degrees in Political Science and Social Policy Analysis. After graduation, he spent four years in Washington, D.C., working as a strategy consultant at Deloitte.

As a 1L, Blake served as the F-J Section Representative and a 1L representative for OUTLaw and the International Law & Relations Organization. During the summer, he worked in-house at Cisco Systems and will return there for his 2L summer. In his 2L year, he will serve as the 2L Class President and President of OUTLaw.

Outside of law school, Blake enjoys running, hiking, lounging at the beach and trying as many cocktail bars as he can. He is excited to meet the incoming 1Ls and help them navigate their first year at Gould!

Undergraduate: NYU Tisch School of the Arts

jcorsett@usc.edu

Juliana comes from Brazil. She graduated in 2018 from the Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She later worked in film and theatre and most recently as the Artistic Director of an experimental theatre company in Paris.

During 1L, Juliana served as the Vice President of the American Constitution Society (ACS). During her 1L summer, she was a WLALA Fran Kandel Public Interest Fellow at the Survivor Justice Center. In 2L, Juliana will serve as Chair of the Gold Honors Program, President of International Law & Relations Organization (ILRO) and Secretary of Latinx Law Students Association (LLSA). She will also TA for Professor Klerman's Civ Pro class and join Gould's award-winning Mediation Clinic. In her 2L summer, Juliana will be a Summer Associate at Sidley's Century City office.

Juliana is brand-new to Los Angeles, so in her free time, she often misses freeway exits.

Undergraduate: Gonzaga University

adavidof@usc.edu

Adam is from San Francisco, California, and majored in Political Science and History at Gonzaga University. After finishing undergrad, he served as a graduate assistant coach for the Gonzaga Men’s Basketball team while completing a master’s in Organizational Leadership. Before starting law school, Adam worked as a corporate paralegal for Gunderson Dettmer in Silicon Valley.

During his 1L year, he was a 1L representative for the Venture Capital and Technology Association (VCTA) and a 1L representative for the Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA). He spent his 1L summer externing for a Justice on the California Court of Appeals and will serve as Co-President of JLSA during his 2L year.

In his free time, he enjoys all things sports, hanging out with friends and exploring L.A.

Undergraduate: University of Utah

wdevries@usc.edu

Whitney grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in English and International Affairs. Before law school, she lived in Washington, D.C., where she worked for an international relations magazine. During her 1L summer, Whitney worked for USC Gould's Immigration Clinic.

Whitney enjoys hiking, watching movies and finding new matcha shops.

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles

kerlosfr@usc.edu

Kerlos is from Los Angeles, California. He graduated from UCLA in 2024 with a degree in Political Science.

During his 1L year at Gould, Kerlos served as a representative for the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Society. Over the summer, he worked as a research assistant at USC Gould. As a 2L, Kerlos will serve as Vice President of the Business Law Society and on the board for First Generation Professionals. He will spend his 2L summer as a summer associate at Goodwin in their Santa Monica office.

In his free time, Kerlos enjoys playing basketball, trying new restaurants and spending time with his daughter, a two-year-old toy poodle who runs the household.

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles

ikgoodwi@usc.edu

Isabelle grew up in Bellflower, California. She graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. After graduating, she worked as a legal research clerk at a law firm in downtown Los Angeles on matters involving municipal law and education litigation.

As a 1L, Isabelle was the Social Chair for the American Constitution Society, and an F-J Section Representative for the Women’s Law Association, the Entertainment Law Society, and the Fashion and Beauty Law Society. She spent her 1L summer at Blank Rome LLP in their Century City office.

As a 2L, Isabelle is looking forward to serving as the Vice President of the Entertainment Law Society, Alumni Chair of the Women’s Law Association, and Social Chair of the American Constitution Society. She is excited to return to Blank Rome for her 2L summer.

In her free time, Isabelle enjoys exploring museums and botanic gardens, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and going to concerts for her favorite artists. She cannot wait to meet the Class of 2029!

Undergraduate: University of Southern California

mingrass@usc.edu

Madi is from Long Beach, California, and is a proud double Trojan who graduated from USC with her B.S. in Music Industry and a minor in Legal Studies. She has experience working in concert production and on business & legal teams in the music industry.

She went straight to law school after undergrad, and spent her 1L summer working as a legal intern at a bank. As a 2L, Madi is the Editor in Chief of USC’s Spotlight Entertainment Law Journal, and serves on the executive boards of Entertainment Law Society and Women’s Law Association.

Outside of the classroom, Madi loves watching soccer, trying new coffee shops, seeing movies with her AMC A-List membership and SoulCycle. She can’t wait to meet the Class of 2029!

Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
akjacobs@usc.edu

Audrey grew up in Bellevue, Washington, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023. Before law school, Audrey worked as a Patent Engineer at a firm in Chicago, Illinois.

During 1L, Audrey joined the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society and the Women's Law Association. She spent her summer in San Diego working as a Patent Prosecution Summer Associate at a law firm.

Outside of the classroom, Audrey enjoys reading, going to the beach, spending time with friends and exploring L.A.!

Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
joshipur@usc.edu

Arushi is from Riverside, California and graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies.

During 1L, Arushi served as a 1L Representative for the Women of Color Collective (WOCC) and won the 1L Mock Trial Competition. She spent her summer at the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law. As a 2L, she will participate in Mock Trial, and spend her 2L summer as a Summer Associate at Paul Hastings.

In her free time, Arushi loves traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to meet the incoming 1Ls!

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
knlewin@usc.edu

Kaci grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, and graduated from USC in 2025 with a degree in Cognitive Science.

Over the summer, she worked as a law clerk in the Major Crimes Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. As a 2L, she will serve as Admissions Committee Chair for the Student Bar Association and as Secretary for the Women’s Law Association.

In her free time, Kaci loves hosting, cooking, exploring coffee shops and spending time with her pets, family and friends!

Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Cruz
srluna@usc.edu

Sarah grew up as a military child and had the opportunity to live in different parts of the United States. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a double major in Legal Studies and Environmental Studies.

During her 1L year at Gould, Sarah served as a 1L representative for the Latinx Law Students Association (LLSA) and the Energy and Environmental Law Society (EELS). As a 2L, she continues her involvement, serving as Vice President of LLSA and Alumni Chair for EELS.

Over the summer, she worked as a judicial extern for the Hon. Hernán D. Vera in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. In her free time, Sarah enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with friends and family.

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
nmakhani@usc.edu

Nikka grew up in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from USC in 2025 with degrees in Political Science and Sports Media Studies after completing her undergraduate studies in three years. As a 1L, she served as a representative for the Sports Law Society, Business Law Society and Jewish Law Society, and she is excited to serve as the Sports Law Society’s Communications Chair during her 2L year. During her 1L summer, Nikka worked in compliance with USC Athletics, and next summer she will be working in corporate transactional law.

Outside of law school, she loves cooking, watching sitcoms and cheering on the Lakers. She is looking forward to meeting the incoming 1Ls and helping them navigate their first year!

Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Barbara
avamar@usc.edu

Ava is from the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2022. Before law school, she worked for Pottery Barn as a Social Media and Marketing Manager. During her 1L summer, Ava was a summer associate at Silicon Legal Strategy in San Francisco.

In her free time, Ava enjoys yoga, cooking, reading in parks and finding underrated restaurants.

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
jrmaster@usc.edu

Joe was born and raised in Pasadena, California. He graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts + Practice and a minor in Entertainment Industry. Prior to law school, he worked as a production assistant on "Joker: Folie à Deux" at Warner Bros.

During 1L, Joe served as a representative for the Entertainment Law Society and was a member of the Sports Law Society and Street Law. He spent his 1L summer as a Judicial Extern with the United States District Court for the Central District of California and will serve as a Legal Writing Fellow during his 2L year.

In his free time, Joe enjoys running, photography, exploring Los Angeles by bike and watching movies.

Undergraduate: Fordham University
gmcgrath@usc.edu

Gianna grew up in Middletown, New York. She graduated Valedictorian from Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business in 2025, majoring in Global Business with concentrations in Marketing with Consumer Insights and Business Law and Ethics.

During her 1L year, she served as the Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion Chair for the Student Bar Association and spent her 1L summer as a Law+AI Research Fellow with Akerman LLP. As a 2L, Gianna is excited to be a part of the Mediation Clinic, and serve as Internal VP for the Black Law Students Association and External Events Chair for the Entertainment Law Society.

In her free time, Gianna enjoys dancing, watching reality TV and exploring different parts of L.A.

Undergraduate: New York University
cmiller8@usc.edu

Reed grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from New York University in 2024 with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and Politics. After graduation, she served with AmeriCorps in Chicago, coaching high school seniors through the college application process.

During 1L, Reed participated in Street Law and served as Social Chair for USC's chapter of the American Constitution Society. She spent her 1L summer as a legal extern with Child Support Services of Los Angeles County. As a 2L, she is looking forward to participating in USC's Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP).

In her free time, Reed enjoys literary fiction, running, live music and trivia nights. She can't wait to meet the Class of 2029!

Undergraduate: University of British Columbia
nmuk@usc.edu

Natalie was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She attended the University of British Columbia for her undergraduate studies and completed a dual degree B+MM program in Media Studies and Management.

As a 1L, Natalie was a representative for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), First Generation Professionals, Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society, and the Beauty Law Society. During her 1L summer, Natalie was a judicial extern at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

In her 2L year, Natalie will serve as the External Vice President of APALSA, the Transactional Law Dinner Chair for the Business Law Society, student ambassador for Thompson Reuters, and will be part of the Mediation Clinic.

In her free time, Natalie enjoys watching Formula One and UFC, traveling, and listening to music.

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
lnguyen9@usc.edu

Lisa comes from San Diego, California, and previously studied political science and history at UCLA. She applied to law school after volunteering at a restraining order clinic with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, which inspired her to advocate for disadvantaged communities.

Lisa spent her 1L summer at the San Diego County District Attorney's Office working on general crimes. In the fall, she will serve as vice president of USC's First Generation Professionals program.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys staying active, thrifting and hanging out with her cat Nobu. She is very excited to meet the class of 2029 and help them navigate their 1L year!

Undergraduate: Amherst College
anoga@usc.edu

Alex is from Rye, New York, and graduated from Amherst College in 2023 as a double major in Economics and Philosophy. Prior to law school, he worked as a corporate governance consultant at Aon.

As a 1L, Alex served as a section representative for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA). As a 2L, he will serve as Co-President of APALSA and will be a Legal Writing Fellow for JD students. During his 1L summer, Alex worked as a USC Gould Law Library Research Assistant.

Alex is a huge Buffalo sports fan (Bills and Sabres) and loves to watch and talk about sports in his free time.

Undergraduate: Rutgers University New Brunswick
prempate@usc.edu

Prem grew up in Paramus, New Jersey, and graduated from Rutgers University in 2023 with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Critical Intelligence Studies. In his two gap years, he worked as a paralegal at a personal injury law firm, a server at Applebees and a sales associate at Abercrombie & Fitch.

He spent his 1L summer at the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office in a mental health diversion unit.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys exercising and hanging with the homies.

Undergraduate: Northwestern University
ajrosent@usc.edu

AJ attended high school in Arizona before graduating from Northwestern University with degrees in History and Political Science. Before law school, he served as a Teach For America corps member and worked as a special education teacher in Chicago.

During his 1L year, AJ founded and served as President of USC Gould’s American Constitution Society (ACS) chapter and was a 1L representative for the Public Interest Law Foundation and the Jewish Law Students Association.

As a 2L, he is excited to continue leading ACS and to participate in the Housing Law and Policy Clinic. In his free time, AJ enjoys cooking, watching sports, reading, and enjoying the California sunshine.

Undergraduate: Santa Clara University
esamanie@usc.edu

Emma grew up in Connecticut before moving to the West Coast. She graduated from Santa Clara University where she majored in political science and philosophy. Before law school, she enjoyed working as a legal assistant at the Children's Law Center where she helped attorneys represent children in high-conflict custody disputes.

During 1L, Emma served as a 1L representative for the Women's Law Association (WLA), the Latinx Law Student Association, and the Criminal Law Society. As a 2L, Emma looks forward to serving as co-president of the WLA and as President of Street Law. She is also excited to work in the Post-Conviction Justice Project clinical program.

Over the summer, Emma worked as a judicial extern handling felonies. She can't wait to meet the class of 2029!

Undergraduate: Georgia State University
mjscott@usc.edu

Miya grew up in Hackensack, New Jersey, and graduated from Georgia State University in 2022. Before law school, Miya worked as an insurance defense paralegal in Atlanta.

During 1L, Miya served as a 1L representative for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). She spent her summer at Athlaw, LLP in West Hollywood and Nall & Miller, LLP in Atlanta. As a 2L, Miya is excited to serve as the president of BLSA.

In her free time, Miya enjoys practicing yoga and listening to music!

Undergraduate: Georgetown University
saraisim@usc.edu

Sarai was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from Georgetown University, where she majored in Government and minored in History. She took a gap year after graduating, and upon entering USC as a 1L, she participated in the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) and Street Law. During her 1L Summer, she joined Bricker Graydon Wyatt as a Summer Associate.

This fall, Sarai will serve as the Academic Chair for BLSA and participate in the International Human Rights Clinic. In her free time, she loves to hit the gym, travel, or watch horror movies. She looks forward to meeting all the incoming 1L and helping them navigate law school.

Undergraduate: University of Chicago
asudit@usc.edu

Abigail grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Chicago in 2024. Before law school, Abigail worked as a Research and Advocacy Fellow for the Chicago Abortion Fund, and attended pastry school.

During 1L, Abigail served as the 1L Student Bar Association Representative for section K-O and one of the 1L representatives for the Women's Law Association. She spent her summer in Los Angeles at the California Department of Justice in the Health Education and Welfare section of the Attorney General's office. As a 2L, Abigail serves as Co-President for the Women's Law Association, academic chair of the Jewish Law Student Association, and Vice President of the 2L class. She is also pursuing her Master of Public Policy at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

Outside the classroom, Abigail enjoys baking, reading and music. She can't wait to meet the Class of 2029!

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
treitler@gmail.com

Lianna grew up in San Diego, California. In 2023, she graduated from USC with a degree in Psychology and minors in Legal Studies and Addiction Science. After graduation, she worked in business development and legal recruiting at major law firms.

During 1L, Lianna was a 1L rep for Women's Law Association (WLA), Events Chair for the Student Bar Association, and Membership Chair for the American Constitution Society. She spent her 1L summer as a judicial extern for the Los Angeles Superior Court in the Criminal Justice Center.

As a 2L, Lianna is excited to be Career Chair of WLA, Street Law Outreach Chair, and one of the social chairs for Student Bar Association! After her 2L, Lianna will be joining Morgan Lewis in DTLA as a corporate M&A summer associate.

In her free time, Lianna loves being outside, cooking and baking, taking film photos, and seeing movies as an AMC A-lister!

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
twansike@usc.edu

Talia was born and raised in Orange County, California. She graduated from USC with a B.S. in Public Policy on the Health Policy/Management track and a minor in Legal Studies. 

As a 1L, Talia served as a 1L representative of the Armenian Students Association and as Supreme Court Chair in Gould's Student Body Association. In her 1L summer, Talia worked at King & Spalding in their Los Angeles office. 

Talia is looking forward to serving as Vice President of the First Generation Professionals Program, Events Chair of the Armenian Student Association, and Diversity Chair of the Women's Law Society in her 2L year.

Outside of school, Talia loves going to the movies, spending the day at the beach, and trying new coffee shops. She is so excited to meet the incoming class of 2029!

Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin
cewexler@usc.edu

Cami is from the Chicago area and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Psychology and a Business minor.

During her 1L summer, Cami worked as a summer associate at Kirkland & Ellis in the firm's Chicago office.

In her free time, Cami enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants around Los Angeles and hiking. She can't wait to meet the Class of 2029!