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Peer Support

USC Gould School of Law

On the first day of orientation, you will be assigned a peer mentor. Peer mentors are exceptional second-year law students who want to help you have a fun, successful and engaging first year. They provide continuous guidance and support throughout your first year, helping you feel welcomed, connecting you with your new environment and directing you to resources to help you become an integral part of the law school community.

You'll also have access to peer tutors — outstanding upper-division students who have prior experience teaching or mentoring students. Peer tutors host workshops and send weekly tips to you throughout your first year at USC Gould. They also are available for individual or small-group meetings to help with study skills and exam-prep techniques.

Dedicated legal writing fellows provide still further assistance to help you transition from academic writing to legal writing. Each writing fellow is paired with one of the legal writing professors. Fellows attend each writing class, teach proper legal citation form, and provide individual assistance with writing assignments during weekly office hours.

First-Year Peer Mentors

Alex Dao

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Alex grew up in Irvine, Calif. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. At Berkeley, he was a part of various student organizations, participated in intramural basketball and dance, worked at a tech startup, and built iPhone apps. After graduation, Alex worked at Boeing before pursuing law.

Alex was a 1L rep for the IP and Technology Law Society and Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. During 1L summer, Alex worked at Latham & Watkins LLP in their San Francisco office, focusing on intellectual property litigation.

In his free time, Alex loves to hang out with family and friends, explore new spots and restaurants, travel, and spend time outdoors. Alex is excited to be a peer mentor and welcome the Class of 2025 into the Trojan Family. Fight On!

Alice Barsky

Undergraduate: The Georgia Institute of Technology

[email protected]

Alice is from Atlanta, Ga. and graduated with highest honors from Georgia Institute of Technology. After undergrad, Alice moved to New York and worked in film publicity and as a paralegal at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz PC in their entertainment department. Before law school, Alice worked for the Sundance Film Festival and spent nine months backpacking around the world!

Alice was a 1L representative for the Entertainment Law Society and will be the Sundance Chair during her 2L year. During the summer, Alice will intern at Frankfurt Kurnit in L.A., and in the fall she will intern with another boutique entertainment law firm.

In her free time, Alice enjoys indoor and outdoor rock climbing, seeing independent films, and going to karaoke in Koreatown.

Aren Park

Undergraduate: University of Massachusetts Amherst

[email protected]

Aren was born in Savannah, Ga., but was raised in Seoul, South Korea and Boston, Ma. She graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied journalism. At Umass, she was mainly involved in the Student Judiciary and intramural volleyball. During her 1L year, Aren was a 1L representative for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and Music Law Society. During her 1L summer, she interned at Rostomyan Law, and was a research assistant for Professor Michael Simkovic.

In her free time, Aren works as a singer songwriter and likes to play golf. She is incredibly excited to meet the new 1L students and to serve as a peer mentor!

Arianna Benitez

Undergraduate: Chapman University

[email protected]

Arianna was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria in 2017, she decided to move to California and start a new life. She pursued her undergraduate degree at Chapman University in Orange County, where she studied Sociology and Broadcast Journalism.

Her interests include dancing, painting, cooking, foreign languages, yoga, and boxing. She is fluent in Spanish and French and loves spending her free time with her 3-year-old Pomeranian, Zati.

Prior to law school, Arianna made a documentary about Hurricane Maria’s impact on impoverished communities and worked for her undergraduate university’s in-house legal counsel. These experiences motivated her to pursue a legal career, and she looks forward to helping incoming students navigate their transition into law school.

Ben Wackerman

Undergraduate: Penn State University

[email protected]

Ben grew up in the Philadelphia area. He earned his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University where he double majored in Supply Chain & Information Systems and Spanish. At Penn State, Ben was involved in the Schreyer Honors College, Delta Sigma Pi, and THON, a student-run philanthropy organization.

This past year, he was a 1L rep for the IP & Technology Law Society, Business Law Society, and David C. Molina First-Gen Professionals. He was also a member of OUTLaw. This summer, he worked for Fox Entertainment as a Business and Legal Affairs intern in Century City, Calif. He is looking forward to serving on the board for IPTLS this coming year!

Outside of class, Ben likes to spend time with his friends, cook vegetarian meals, travel, watch TV (especially the Philadelphia Eagles), and exercise (indoors or outdoors)!

Charlie Murphy

Undergraduate: Emerson College

[email protected]

Charlie is from Hudson, N.H. and studied Film Production at Emerson College. He then moved to Hollywood, Calif. and worked behind the camera on films and television shows as a member of the International Cinematographers Guild.

In his 1L year, Charlie represented the Criminal Law Society, David C. Molina First Generation Professionals (FGP), Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS), and Law Students for Better Health. He will serve as co-president of FGP and OWLS this fall. He also proudly represented USC Law in soccer against UCLA and is determined to crush them next year.

This summer, Charlie is working for NASA’s General Counsel, hoping they send him to space.

Charlie enjoys movie nights, happy hours, and dog-park afternoons, and looks forward to supporting incoming 1Ls this fall!

Coley Goren

Undergraduate: Tufts University

[email protected]

Coley is a Los Angeles native. He graduated from Tufts University where he double majored in international relations and psychology. As an undergraduate, he worked for the Tufts Daily, the Venice Beach street basketball league, and Congressman Adam Schiff. He also tutored incarcerated individuals at correctional facilities in Massachusetts.

As a 1L, Coley was a a representative for the Sports Law Society and Entertainment Law Society. He was also on the Gould soccer and basketball teams. He will be working for the USC Small Business Clinic during his 1L summer and 2L year.

Aside from school, Coley enjoys looking for new taco spots, playing sports, putting random things in his air fryer, and falling into rabbit holes.

He can't wait to be a peer mentor!

Colin Nguyen

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Colin grew up in San Jose, Calif. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with degrees in History and Environmental Economics and Policy, and interned for the House of Representatives and the San Francisco District Attorney’s office.

With interests in land use and environmental litigation, he spent the summer working at Allen Matkins in San Francisco and as a research assistant for Professor Robin Craig.

This fall, he is externing at the California Department of Justice in the Environment Section and serving as co-president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA).

In his free time, Colin enjoys board games, cooking (especially pasta!), and time outdoors. He likes to read The Atlantic and Wikipedia.

He is looking forward to welcoming everyone to Gould. Fight on!

Del Smith

Undergraduate: Loyola Marymount University

[email protected]

Del was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. He attended Loyola Marymount University for undergrad. Before his time at USC, Del worked in state and local government for a California state senator and a Los Angeles city councilmember, respectively.

Del was a 1L representative for the Black Law Student Association. As a 2L, Del will serve as the treasurer for the Black Law Student Association and Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS). In addition, he is excited to join USC’s Mediation Clinic. For his 1L summer, Del is working as a 1L summer associate for Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

In his free time, Del enjoys hiking, lifting weights, spending time with his dog Milo, and finding new places to eat in Los Angeles.

Delaney Arth

Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley

[email protected]

Delaney grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2020 with a BA in Legal Studies and a minor in English. Between college and law school, Delaney lived in New York, working as a paralegal and exploring the city.

During her first year at Gould, Delaney was a 1L representative for the Women’s Law Association, and spent her 1L summer working as a law clerk for the Law Offices of James M. Krzyminski, PC in Beverly Hills. As a 2L, she is excited to be co-president of the Women’s Law Association and co-vice president of the Latinx Law Student Association.

In her free time, Delaney loves to go to the beach, play volleyball, cook, and explore local coffee shops. She can’t wait to meet this year’s incoming class of Trojans!

Derek Georgio

Undergraduate: USC

[email protected]

Originally from Valencia, Calif., Derek graduated from USC in 2016 with a BS in Business Administration. Prior to law school, Derek worked as a financial analyst at City National Bank and WebMD. As a 1L, Derek was a super-section representative in the Student Bar Association and a Stanley Gold Honors Scholar. During his 1L summer, Derek worked in-house at The J.F. Shea Company.p

As a 2L, Derek will serve as the events chair for the Business Law Society and as the networking chair for the Gold Honors Scholars Program. In his free time, Derek enjoys playing beach volleyball, dancing bachata, and watching the Lakers. He’s ecstatic to be a peer mentor and can’t wait to welcome the newest Gould class to the Trojan Family.

Gabrielle Silberman

Undergraduate: Boston College

[email protected]

Gabrielle is from Tarpon Springs, Fla. She double-majored in Applied Psychology and Theology and minored in Managing for Social Impact at Boston College.

Before law school, she worked as a case manager at Homeboy Industries’ Youth Re-Entry Center and then spent a year teaching elementary school students. Gabrielle spent her 1L summer externing for a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys thrifting, exploring national parks, being with her 16-year-old cat, and learning how to do new things (ask her about the disco-themed rocket she built that made it to 3,000 feet!).

Gillian Norton

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Gillian grew up in Chatsworth, Calif. She graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 2021, where she double majored in Sociology and Global Studies, and minored in Korean Language and Culture. In college, she danced competitively, worked as a Sociology peer mentor, and volunteered with Cal ACLU’s Gender Equity committee.

During her 1L summer, Gillian worked as an extern for Judge Jacqueline H. Nguyen of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and as a research assistant with Professor Gregory Keating. As a 2L, she looks forward to serving as the president of If/When/How and internal events chair for the Public Interest Law Foundation.

In her free time, Gillian enjoys running, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to welcome the incoming 1L class!

Hannah Salman

Undergraduate: University of Miami

[email protected]

Hannah grew up in Redmond, Wash. but is originally from Israel. She attended University of Miami where she studied Psychology and minored in Math, Economics, and Public Health. She was involved in student government where she served as the academic liaison for the College of Arts and Sciences and advocated for better pre-law resources for undergradutes. She also worked as an academic tutor for college athletes. After graduating a year early, she did a teaching fellowship in Israel where she taught English to elementary school students in Rishon Lezion (just outside of Tel Aviv).

This summer, she is working at Lanterman Regional Center, a special education rights clinic in Los Angeles. She is also looking forward to serving on the board of the Jewish Law Students Association.

In her free time, she loves to do hot yoga, go to the beach, and try new coffee shops. She is so excited to meet the incoming 1L students!

Jullia Beauchemin

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Julia was born and raised in the Bay Area and graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 2022 with a major in Political Economy and a minor in Public Policy. In college, she was an active advocate for increased basic needs access and participated in student government.

Julia came straight to law school from undergrad. During her 1L summer, Julia worked at the Children's Law Center of California representing children in dependency court. As a 2L, Julia will serve as secretary for Gould's Women's Law Association (WLA) and as the co-academic development chair for the David C. Molina First Generation Professionals (FGP) program.

Julia spends her free time watching crime TV, going on long hikes, and playing pickleball!

Julie Laporte

Undergraduate: UCLA

[email protected]

Julie grew up in San Diego, Calif. She studied Political Science and Environmental Policy at UCLA. In undergrad, Julie worked as a social media manager at UCLA, interned for political campaigns, and was an advocate within the Asian American community.

During her 1L year, Julie was a representative for the Real Estate Law Society, Asian Pacifici American Law Students Association, and the Womxn of Color Collective. During her summer, Julie worked with in-house counsel at a real estate asset management firm in San Diego.

Julie enjoys going to yoga, spending time with friends and family, and eating yummy food.

Justin Lin

Undergraduate: USC

[email protected]

Justin is from Walnut, Calif. and earned a bachelor's degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Law at USC. During his undergraduate studies, Justin was an active member of the USC Men's Rugby team and Phi Alpha Delta.

Over the summer, Justin worked as a judicial extern for the United States District Court, Central District of California. During his free time, Justin enjoys playing beach rugby, cooking Italian food, and playing mahjong.

Kai Abbas

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Kai was born and raised in Orange County, California. She earned her Political Science and Public Policy degrees from University of California, Berkeley in 2019. Before coming to law school, Kai worked as an elementary school teacher for three years. She also obtained a Masters in Urban Education during this time.

As a 1L, Kai was a member of Womxn of Color Collective, South Asian Law Society, and Business Law Society. Over the summer, Kai was excited to expand her skills through her work at the Children's Law Center.

As a 2L, Kai is excited to serve as the programming chair for Business Law Society and the co-outreach chair for the Womxn of Color Collective. During her free time, Kai enjoys cooking for family and friends, trying new restaurants in L.A., and reading.

Kyle Falkner

Undergraduate: Boston College

[email protected]

Kyle is from Sammamish, Wash. (a suburb of Seattle) and graduated from Boston College in 2022 with a degree in Political Science. While in undergrad, Kyle served on the Student Organization Funding Committee and conducted research on child welfare laws at Boston College Law School.

During his first year at Gould, Kyle was a 1L representative for the Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Society and was also involved in the Business Law Society, OUTLaw, and the International Law and Relations Organization. Over the summer, he was a corporate compliance legal intern at BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.

In his free time, Kyle enjoys going to the beach, exploring L.A., watching TV, and hanging out with friends. He is excited to meet the incoming 1L class!

Laurel Malone

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin

[email protected]

Laurel is from Nacogdoches, Tex. and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2021 with a government major and a philosophy of law minor. She worked as a paralegal for a family law firm between undergrad and law school.

In her 1L year, Laurel was section representative for the Student Bar Association and 1L representative for the IP and Technology Law Society. This summer, Laurel worked as a summer associate at Jackson Walker LLP in Austin in the ERISA practice group where she aided in the design and development of benefit programs and incentive compensation arrangements for employers and counsel for any compliance issues in their administration.

In her free time, Laurel enjoys playing tennis, reading, cooking, and hanging out with her friends!

Maggie Jablonski

Undergraduate: Penn State

[email protected]

Maggie is originally from Sioux City, Iowa but lived in New York City prior to law school. For 10 years, she worked as a fashion model traveling around the world shooting campaigns and walking runways during Fashion Week.

As a 1L, Maggie was a 1L representative for Fashion and Beauty Law Society, Art Law Society, and IP & Tech Law Society. Over the summer, she is working as a legal intern for the New York Attorney General. As a 2L, she is excited to be the Student Bar Association’s co-faculty selection chair and vice president of Fashion and Beauty Law Society.

In her free time, Maggie loves seeing live music, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Maryam Nazir

Undergraduate: UC Santa Cruz

[email protected]

Maryam grew up in San Ramon, Calif. She earned her bachelor's degree in Philosophy from University of California, Santa Cruz (Go Slugs!). Maryam worked as a legal assistant at a probate and estate planning firm for a year before attending Gould.

During her 2L year she will serve as the internal vice president for the Womxn of Color Collective, diversity chair for the Women's Law Association, and communications chair for the Fashion and Beauty Law Society. During her 1L summer Maryam worked as a research assistant for Professor Jody Armour.

In her free time, Maryam enjoys solo hiking, weightlifting, and art. She is eager and excited to meet all the incoming 1L's and serve as a peer mentor.

Matthew Wu

Undergraduate: Tulane University

[email protected]

Matthew is an aspiring public defender, coming off a summer with Metropolitan Public Defender in Portland, Ore.

Last year he participated in Gould’s Workers’ Rights Clinic, and is excited for his role with the Housing Law & Policy Clinic as a 2L. He is also involved with the Barbara F. Bice Public Interest Law Foundation and Asian Pacific American Law Students Association.

Prior to law school he was the lead brief writer for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Before that, he worked as a field organizer for Sara Gideon’s 2020 Senate race in Maine.

As an undergraduate at Tulane University, he majored in political science and minored in Economics, writing an honors thesis on the development of America’s uniquely narrow and porous system of social assistance.

He grew up in Washington, D.C..

Mellissa Schneiderr

Undergraduate: University of Arizona

[email protected]

Melissa grew up in San Diego, Calif. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2022 where she majored in Political Science and Communication. While at U of A, she served on her sorority’s Membership Committee and Academic Board.

During her 1L year, she was a 1L representative for the Sports Law Society and IP and Tech Law Society. This summer, Melissa worked as a research assistant for Professor Ariela Gross and Professor Jonathan Barnett. This upcoming year, she is excited to be the communications chair for the Sports Law Society.

In her free time, Melissa loves spending time with friends, trying new recipes, and cheering on the San Diego Padres. She is excited to get to know the incoming 1L class!

Noah Kim

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Noah grew up just north of USC in La Crescenta, Calif. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 2022 with a degree in English Literature. He spent his undergraduate summers working for a criminal defense attorney.

As a 1L, Noah's favorite courses were Civil Procedure and Torts. He spent his summer externing at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California in the Criminal division.

Noah likes cars, poetry, weightlifting, and bulldogs. He also loves the Lakers and the Dodgers. He is very excited to meet the incoming 1L class. Fight on!

Sam Pletenpol

Undergraduate: Northwestern University

[email protected]

Sam was born and raised in Yorba Linda, Calif. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2021 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business. Before law school, she ran a dance studio in her hometown. During her 1L year, she served as a 1L representative for the Business Law Society (BLS).

As a 2L, Sam will be a transactional law dinner chair for the BLS. In her free time, Sam loves to hike, read, and spend time with her family. She is so excited to meet the class of 2026!

Shritika Dahal

Undergraduate: William & Mary

[email protected]

Shritika Dahal was born in Kathmandu, Nepal but was raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC. She graduated summa cum laude from the College of William and Mary with a degree in Economics and minor in Chemistry.

During her 1L summer, Shritika worked in-house at a health care startup and at a global fashion incubator.

In her free time, Shritika enjoys working out, interior design, photography, and learning new skills and things. She is looking forward to meeting the Class of 2026!

Sina Shahnizadeh

Undergraduate: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

[email protected]

Sina Shahnizadeh is from Charlotte, N.C. where he was born and raised. He attended University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for undergrad and was a part of the school’s debate team and student government. After graduation, Sina worked as a woodworker, for a boutique litigation practice in Houston, Tex., and for a personal injury firm in Charlotte, N.C. Sina is vegan and loves to read, watch movies, and listen to music. He also collects records, analog cameras, and watches.

During his 1L year, Sina joined various affiliate groups and found a home amongst his classmates, mentors, and professors. After his 1L year, Sina worked at Jackson Lewis, PC; RXO Inc., and for Judge Frank D. Whitney of the Western District of North Carolina. This fall, Sina is super excited to be your mentor and welcome you to the Trojan Family!

Taher Rhuma

Undergraduate: California State University Sacramento

[email protected]

Taher was born in Livingston, N.J. but has lived all across the U.S., including Chicago, Ill., Scranton, Pa, and Sacramento, Calif. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento in 2021, majoring in Political Science. Prior to attending Gould, Taher worked for the California Energy Commission and was involved with international reforestation projects in Africa.

During his 1L, Taher was involved with the Middle East North African Society and the Business Law Society. Over the summer, Taher was an extern for Judge Paul Bacigalupo and was a research assistant.

During his free time, Taher enjoys cooking, playing video games, and hanging out with his kittens. He is really excited to meet the new 1L's!

Tommy Wolfe

Undergraduate: University of Nebraska

[email protected]

Tommy grew up in Kansas City, Mo. and attended the University of Nebraska as an international business major.

In his free time, Tommy loves seeing movies and playing basketball. Tommy is a huge Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals fan, but he would prefer to talk about the Chiefs given the current states of those two franchises.

Tommy is looking forward to meeting the incoming 1Ls and serving as the Sports Law Society's co-president this upcoming year. Fight On!

Transfer Peer Mentors

Destiny Salcido

Undergraduate: UC Berkeley

[email protected]

Destiny is a proud first-generation college/law student and child of Mexican immigrants. In 2020, she graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Legal Studies. Destiny spent her 1L at The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law before realizing she could not live in the snow and returning home to complete her JD at USC Gould. As a law student, Destiny has gained experience working on legal issues relating to special education law, attorney misconduct, and the effects of the carceral system.

Destiny is excited to serve on the board of the Latinx Law Student Association and meet new transfer students this year! Outside of school, Destiny enjoys reading, sleeping, and taking F45 workout classes at USC’s on-campus gym.

Christopher Warren

Undergraduate: UCLA

[email protected]

Chris grew up in Las Vegas, Nev. In 2018, he earned two degrees from UCLA and remained in Los Angeles to work as a paralegal after graduation.

Chris spent his 1L year at Southwestern Law School before transferring to Gould. He is a member of the National Moot Court Team and serves as the administrative vice chair of the Hale Moot Court Honors program.

During 1L summer, Chris externed for the Hon. Dean D. Pregerson at the United States District Court (Central District). Chris was also a summer associate at Paul Hastings LLP and looks forward to becoming a mentor this upcoming year.

In his free time, Chris enjoys cooking, traveling, and watching television.

Alex Sirota

Undergraduate: Northwestern University

[email protected]

Alex grew up in Chicago, Ill. before moving to Los Angeles for law school. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2021 with a degree in Political Science and Global Health. One of her favorite experiences was studying abroad in Paris, France where she enjoyed learning French and eating croissants.

Alex spent her 1L year at Loyola Law School Los Angeles before transferring to USC Gould. At Gould, Alex loves working with clients in the Small Business Clinic and being a member of the Jewish Law Students Association and Entertainment Law Society. Alex was a summer associate at Sidley Austin LLP and looks forward to becoming a peer mentor.

In her free time, Alex enjoys going to the beach, traveling, hiking, and exploring Los Angeles through the food scene.

Academic Success Fellows

Ian Finley (Sections A-E)

Undergraduate: California State University, Fullerton

Ian is a native of the sleepy orange grove town of Redlands, California. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton, earning degrees in Political Science and Spanish and a Certificate of Spanish-English translation.

At USC, Ian served as a 1L representative for the Public Interest Law Foundation and International Refugee Assistance Project. Last summer, Ian externed for a Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. This year, Ian is a member of the Housing Law and Policy Clinic and is excited to defend tenants across Los Angeles!

In his free time, Ian loves board games, fantasy sports, and bartending. He cannot wait to meet the Class of 2026!

Katarina (Kat) Ulich (Sections F-J)

Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania

Kat was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. In 2021, Kat graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied business. At USC, Kat has been involved in the Business Law Society as the Co-Vice President. She loves finding the best spots for iced coffee, skiing, spending time at the beach, going on hikes, and pilates. Kat spent her 1L summer as a Summer Associate at Kirkland & Ellis in NYC, and her 2L summer as a Summer Associate at Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles. She can't wait to get to know the incoming class!

Sadie Soholt (Section K-O)

Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Barbara

Sadie was born and raised in Riverside, California. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 with a degree in Political Science. During undergrad, she was president of her sorority and captain of the Division I dance team. As a 1L, Sadie was the 1L representative for the Entertainment Society and a Stanley Gold Honors Scholar. She spent her 1L summer working as a law clerk for a family law firm in Beverly Hills. In her free time, Sadie enjoys taking spin classes, hanging out with friends, and visiting cute LA coffee shops. She is looking forward to meeting you all and supporting in any way she can!