Meet Your Student Ambassadors
The Heart of our Community
Pepperdine Caruso Law's student ambassadors represent the heart of our school in different yet profound ways. Student ambassadors are recommended by faculty, staff, and administrators and serve as professional student leaders who connect with prospective students and host law school info sessions. They are leaders in our community, involved, enthusiastic, and having been through this process themselves, are in a unique position to provide insight from their firsthand experience. Pepperdine Caruso Law student ambassadors are a diverse group of academic achievers and represent a broad spectrum of interest areas in legal practice.
Our student ambassadors will share their personal emails to students who attend a virtual info session with them. For questions about the application and admissions process, please contact the admissions office at lawadmis@pepperdine.edu after reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions
Matthew Adams, 3L
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate University & Major: Pepperdine University, Economics
Extracurricular Activities: Law Review, Christian Legal Society, Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law
Legal Works: Judicial Externship for the Los Angeles Superior Court, Summer Associate at McDermott Will & Emery, Community Justice Clinic
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I will be working as a corporate associate at McDermott Will & Emery.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The faculty are extremely invested in the student body and they make themselves available to help all of the time. Professors are interested in getting to know the students and mentor them.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Always do the reading! You'll instantly be ahead of the curve if you do every reading. Take the time to really learn the material, not just memorize for tests. Also, become involved. Join a club, journal, moot court, Student Bar Association, or a trial team. Being a part of a strong community is one of the best things you can do for yourself, so do it!
Aria Aghalarpour, 3L
aria.aghalarpour@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, California
Undergraduate University & Major: University of California, Davis, Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Co-Chair of Moot Court Board, Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing, Business Editor of Pepperdine Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship, and the Law
Legal Works: Uber's Legal Department, Externship with California Department of Justice, Civil Defense Law Firm
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to work in civil defense litigation.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Every student is supportive of one another and they will help you to succeed. Even though I only met my friends here a few years ago, it feels as if I have known them for my whole life!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Do not deal with everything at once. Accomplish your tasks one at a time!
Lauren Bashir, 3L
Hometown: Orange, California
Undergraduate University & Major: California State University, Fullerton, English; Philosophy
Extracurricular Activities: Literary Citation Editor of Journal of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary, Member of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, Member of First Gen Law Student Association
Legal Works: Law Clerk for Public Counsel, Law Clerk for Restoration and Justice Legal Clinic, Law Clerk for Law Offices of Roxana V. Muro, Judicial Externship with the Orange County Superior Court
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I will be working in litigation in California and I hope to engage in either entertainment/intellectual property law or do or public interest work.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The professors and Career Development Office counselors are all extremely willing to help and they are great at making themselves available to students.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Much of law school is self-discipline. Being very aware of what you choose to invest your time in is crucial. That does not mean that you should not have a life outside of school! Spending time on yourself and with your friends and family is also an extremely important part of success as it gives you a greater sense of perspective.
Susanna Behnam, 3L
Hometown: Pompano Beach, Florida
Undergraduate University & Major: California State University, Long Beach, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Extracurricular Activities: Advocate for Trial Team, President of Women's Legal Association, Vice President of OUTLAW, Secretary of Criminal Law Society, Research Assistant
Legal Works: Summer Associate at Littler Mendelson, Judicial Externship with the Federal District Court, Southern District of California, Internship at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (Trial Support Unit, Human Sex Trafficking Unit, Legislative Advocate)
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: Civil and criminal litigation. I will be returning to Littler Mendelson in LA post bar.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The professors are very helpful and they do their best to make sure you understand and don’t fall behind. The students are also very friendly, which makes for a close community.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Stay true to yourself. Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing because at the end of the day, you know what’s right for you. Also, get involved! Pepperdine has many incredible communities to offer.
Luke Bradford, 3L
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Undergraduate University & Major: Loyola Marymount University, Finance
Extracurricular Activities: Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and Straus Instritute for Dispute Resolution Certificates, Representative of BARBRI
Legal Works: Intern with Ventura County District Attorney's Office, Legal Intern for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, US Department of Homeland Security
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I'm interested in law pertaining to business, real estate, and/or finance and would like to work in transactional law, corporate litigation, and in-house counsel positions.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The people and the events! I met many friends and professors, and I made connections the first week of school. Caruso Law offers many chances to participate in events that can help you right now in law school and that can also further your career. And most importantly, free food!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Talk to students who were successful and who are doing what you want to do. Your professors want to help you, and they are great resources beyond the classroom.
Nadia Brenden, 2L
Hometown: Huntington Beach, California and Las Vegas, Nevada
Undergraduate University & Major: Pepperdine University, Integrated Marketing Communications and Certificates in Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution
Extracurricular Activities: Staff Member of Pepperdine Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship, and the Law; 1L Student Bar Association Representative, Palmer Fellow, Member of Sports and Entertainment Society, Member of Moot Court Board, Member of Real Estate and the Law Society
Legal Works: Summer Associate at Personal Injury Firm
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I hope to work in sports or corporate law.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Pepperdine excels at creating opportunities to bring everyone together. When I was a 1L representative I was able to host the Halloween costume competition in the fall and the Valentine's Day Talent Show in the spring, which are both highlights of my time at the school.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: My advice is to not be afraid to ask for help. Even though we are all really good at looking like we have it all together, none of us know what we are doing and everyone is more than willing to help. We are all in the same boat going through this new chapter of our lives!
Ashley Cote, 2L
Hometown: Lake Forest, California
Undergraduate University & Major: California Baptist University, Exercise Science
Extracurricular Activities: Staff Member of Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, Secretary of Interfaith Council, and Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing
Legal Works: Summer Associate at Lehotsky Keller Cohn
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I hope to work in an area of law that will impact my community in some way.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Pepperdine Caruso Law allowed me to grow in my faith while learning about the law. And the beach is my favorite place!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Encounter as many different places, ideas, and people as you can. Pepperdine Caruso Law is unmatched in terms of opportunities to study abroad in locations such as England, Ghana, Washington, DC, and more!
Kali de Varennes, 2L
kali.devarennes@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Agoura Hills, California
Undergraduate University & Major: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, History
Extracurricular Activities: Staff Member of Journal of Business Entrepreneurship and the Law, Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistant, Palmer Fellow, Treasurer of Women's Legal Association, Student Liaison of Women's Lawyers Association Los Angeles, Event Chair of Children’s and Family Legal Society.
Legal Works: Judicial Externship for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I am interested in transactional/corporate law and eventually want to work as in-house counsel.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: After speaking to Pepperdine alumni, I was drawn to feedback about the faculty's dedication to their students. They place great emphasis on practical training and externship opportunties, which helped me get my externship at the bankruptcy court this summer.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Always prioritize your mental health and well-being, and schedule something you look forward to at least once a week. Find a routine that works for you and try not to compare yourself to what others are doing.
McKenna Fitzpatrick, 3L
mckenna.fitzpatrick@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, California
Undergraduate University & Major: Grand Canyon University, Communications & Social Work
Extracurricular Activities: Caruso Law's London Program, Graduate Resident Assistant with Pepperdine Housing, Vice President of Volunteer Coordination Public Interest Club, Member of First-Generation Club
Legal Works: Law Clerk for the Ventura District Attorney, Practice with Moore Law for Children, Open Door Legal Immigration, Mediation Law Clinic
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I would love to pursue human rights work both in the United States and abroad.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Professors, my friends and the community and the view!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Come to Pepperdine and law school with an open mind. Things will be challenging, but if you are adaptive and keep a positive mindset you will be fine!
Mason Folse, 3L
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
Undergraduate University & Major: Pepperdine University, Integrated Marketing Communication
Extracurricular Activities: Vice President of Student Bar Association, Member of Trial Team, Member of Moot Court Board, Palmer Fellow
Legal Works: Judicial: Judicial Externship with the United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Legal Clerk for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: Post bar law clerk at Santa Barbara County Office of the District Attorney
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The community, the extra-curriculars, and the view!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Make a genuine effort to learn your classmates' names!
Doyeon Kim, 3L
Hometown: La Cañada, California
Undergraduate University & Major: University of Southern California, Psychology
Extracurricular Activities: Staff Member of Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, Social Director of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, Student Ambassador for Criminal Law Society, Member of First-Generation Law Student Association, Member of Women's Legal Association, Intramural Volleyball
Legal Works: Summer Internship with Ventura's District Attorney's Office. Legal intern for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, US Department of Homeland Security
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I hope to work for the government, such as the District Attorney's Office or the Department of Justice. I hope my future career will allow me to pursue my passion for public policy, international diplomacy, and alternative dispute resolution.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Being able to go to the beach with my friends!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Study hard, but also make time for friends. Developing good relationships in law school is invaluable both personally and professionally.
Connie Lee, 3L
Hometown: Arcadia, California
Undergraduate University & Major: UCLA, Sociology
Extracurricular Activities: Staff Member of Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, Secretary of Spanish Conversation Club, Dispute Resolution Certificate, Member of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
Legal Works: Law clerk at Employee Justice Legal Group, Summer Associate for Bet Tzedek, Employment Rights Project Clinic
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I would like to practice employment law with the goal of helping workers learn more about their rights under the law.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The world-class faculty and the gorgeous view of the ocean from the back patio!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Don't be afraid to ask for help! Pepperdine has an amazing faculty that is always open to helping their students if and when they need it.
Keanu Mayo, 2L
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate University & Major: Pepperdine University, Business Administration
Extracurricular Activities: Representative of American Bar Association, Secretary of Veteran Legal Society Secretary, Events Co-Chair of Children's & Family Legal Society
Legal Works: Clerk for Wilshire Law Firm
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to be a civil litigator.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The incredible atmosphere experienced during my undergraduate experience at Pepperdine's Seaver College encouraged me to attend Pepperdine Caruso Law. The supportive faculty and learning environment are unparalleled.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Take a deep breath and focus on learning how to be the best lawyer you can be!
Nelson Mendez, 3L
nelsonjoaquin.mendezmartinez@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Oxnard, California
Undergraduate University & Major: California Lutheran University, Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Vice President of National Latinx Law Student Association, Community Service Chair of Black Law Student Association, Member of Christian Legal Society, Member of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
Legal Works: Immigration and Criminal Law Clerk
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I hope to be a real estate broker.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Our diverse community shares values of inclusiveness, understanding, and respect. Pepperdine Caruso Law is made up of many different academic and extracurricular organizations where students can gain a variety of perspectives and experiences.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Explore the world around you!
Christian Parham, 2L
christian.parham@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Undergraduate University & Major: Pepperdine University, Political Science and Certificate in Conflict Management
Extracurricular Activities: Dispute Resolution Certificate; Palmer Center Fellow (Certificate in Intellectual Property, Technology, Entertainment); Student Mentor; Treasurer of Christian Legal Society; Vice President of Voluteer Advocates for Public Interest Law; Secretary of Dispute Resolution Society; Secretary of Intellectual Property Student Association; Treasurer of First Generation Law Students Assocation; Vice President of Interfaith Council; Co-Vice President of Pepperdine International Arbitration Society; Member of Law Student Well-Being Taskforce
Legal Works: Community Justice Clinic, In-house Legal Intern at Pharmavite
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I hope to work in-house or do government/public interest work!
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: I am a first-generation law student, so the mentorship and opportunities provided by professors are invaluable. They invested in not only my professional development, but also in me as a whole being (beyond just my academics).
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: While academics are incredibly important, what your peers, faculty, and staff will remember most about you is your character and how you treat others. Work hard and be kind to everyone—success will naturally follow!
Ava Rezaee, 3L
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Undergraduate University & Major: University of Washington, Political Science and minor in Spanish
Extracurricular Activities: Moot Court Board Chair, Master in Dispute Resolution, Palmer Center Certificate, Academic Mastery Program Teaching Fellow, Vice President of the Iranian Law Student Association, 1L Student Mentor
Legal Works: Judicial Externship for the Federal District Court, Central District of California; Summer Associate, Haight Brown & Bonesteel
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to return to Haight Brown & Bonsteel to practice civil litigation in its transportation law group.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: From my classmates to my professors, staff, and even all the way down to the security guards at the entrance gate, everyone is so kind, warm, and quick to lend a helping hand whenever needed. I also love the panoramic ocean view. Everyday is a better day because of that!
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: As the saying goes, "comparison is the thief of joy." In law school, it's really easy to constantly compare your grades, achievements, and job offers to your classmates. Try your best to not compare yourself to anyone. Instead, focus on your own progress and goals, and celebrate your achievements as you go along.
Andrew Snively, 3L
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Undergraduate University & Major: Park University, Finance
Extracurricular Activities: President of Veterans Legal Society, Vice President of J. Reuben Clark Legal Society
Legal Works: Law Clerk; Bremer Whyte Brown and O’Meara, Law Clerk/Future Associate; Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to work as a litigation associate at the Baker Sterchi Cowden Rice law firm in Kansas City.
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: All the relationships I have built with both my fellow students and my professors.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Get to know your professors. They really care about you! And make sure to experience different aspects of the law, even if you really think you know what you want to concentrate in. You may be surprised at how much you love something unexpected.