Our People
A Community of Purpose
At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, people are at the heart of everything we do. From the moment students arrive on campus, they become part of a community that is invested in their success—not only as future attorneys, but as leaders, advocates, and individuals of character.
Our culture is built on collaboration rather than competition. Professors know students by name, classmates celebrate one another's accomplishments, and alumni remain actively engaged long after graduation. Whether in the classroom, courtroom, or community, the Pepperdine experience is defined by relationships that last a lifetime.
A Community That Invests in You
Law school is about more than earning a degree—it's about finding a community that challenges, supports, and inspires you.
At Pepperdine Caruso Law, students experience a collaborative culture where professors know them by name, classmates become lifelong friends, and alumni remain invested in their success. Through more than 40 student organizations, mentorship opportunities, faith-centered programs, advocacy competitions, service initiatives, and campus traditions, students build relationships that extend far beyond graduation.
"Pepperdine gave me the opportunity to not only feel purpose, but to pursue something that I love and can wake up passionate about every single day."
-Paul Heipler (JD '24)
Finding Purpose Through Mentorship
From the very beginning of law school, students are surrounded by mentors who are committed to helping them succeed.
Faculty members, practicing attorneys, judges, alumni, and career advisors invest personally in each student's academic, professional, and personal development. Programs like the Parris Institute Preceptor Program connect students with experienced legal professionals who provide guidance throughout law school and into their careers.
Hear how mentorship has shaped the Pepperdine experience for our students.
"My first client was a prisoner in Uganda and advocating for him really helped provide for me a model of what a career in service looks like... I really feel my purpose in life is to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to advocate for the marginalized."
-Ryan Schimdt (JD '25)
Join Our Community
Every student's story is different, but they all begin with the same decision—to pursue a legal education grounded in purpose, service, and leadership.
At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, you'll find more than an exceptional legal education. You'll find a community that believes in your potential and remains part of your journey long after graduation.
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John Adams"I never felt pressured to choose Pepperdine. The people revealed the spirit of the school, and the decision made itself. I don’t know how I could have made any other choice." more> |
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Joe Cardosi"It’s refreshing to be part of a community that is focused on fostering the personal and professional integrity that is necessary to be a leader in this noble profession." more> |
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John Niemeyer"The Pepperdine students working in Uganda were intelligent and driven, and they were using their abilities to help others. I knew that if I were to go to law school, I’d want to be in whatever environment produced them." more> |
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Ashley Cook"The attitude that we can all do well has been incredibly important to my legal education and has been one of the most enriching aspects of my time at Pepperdine." more> |
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Brittany Takai"Pepperdine seeks to cultivate lawyers who do good in the world, and you will come
out of law school more intelligent, analytical, compassionate, and ready to make a
positive impact on your clients." more> |
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Jessica Convington"Service is such a huge part of the Pepperdine mission. The opportunity to learn drew me to Pepperdine’s Legal Aid Clinic, but the service aspect keeps me coming back." more> |
