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
Nareh Aghakhanian
nareh.aghakhanian@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate University and Major: University of California at Berkeley, Political Economy and Slavic Languages and Literatures
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, Moot Court, Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistant, Armenian Law Students Association Social Chair, Academic Mastery Program Teaching Fellow
Legal Work: Weitz & Luxenberg Summer Law Clerk
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Caruso School of Law offers students the opportunity to engage in projects that make a tangible real-world impact while developing invaluable skills before graduation. As a member of the Religious Liberty Clinic, I am grateful for the chance to work on real religious liberty cases alongside my peers and outstanding attorneys.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan on working in litigation after law school.
Advice for Future Students: Never lose sight of your goals and be confident.
Ashley Anderson
ashley.anderson@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Carson, California
Undergraduate University & Major: University of California at Berkeley, Legal Studies
Extracurricular Activities: Black Law Students Association
Legal Works: Pepperdine Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Research Assistant
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the professors. The caliber of instruction I have received over the past year has been exceptional. Beyond the classroom, my professors have consistently gone out of their way to support me and help strengthen my understanding in areas where I struggled; they even discussed with me ways to improve my work in other courses.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: Working in labor and employment at Seyfarth Shaw LLP.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Focus on developing your identity outside of being a student and finding your “why.”
Caden Benedict
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Undergraduate University and Major: Pepperdine University, Economics
Extracurricular Activities: Christian Legal Society, Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Moot Court, Student Bar Association
Legal Work: Sudreau Global Justice Institute Judicial Extern, Religious Liberty Clinic
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: One of my favorite things about Pepperdine Caruso Law is its missional posture. It’s a law school that aims to provide a world-class education through gifted professors, a culture of viewpoint diversity, and an ethos of purpose. Students continually are prepared to be people of impact who are not just advocates, but also counselors, who use the law as a ministry to help people in some of their most important life moments.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to pursue litigation in constitutional law or compliance or transactional work in entertainment or culture.
Advice for Future Students: Work hard, trust the process, and lean into building relationships with your peers in your year and beyond.
Mitchell Brost
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Undergraduate University & Major: Thomas Aquinas College, Classical Liberal Arts
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, Moot Court, Religious Liberty Clinic, Christian Legal Society
Legal Works: Dykema Gossett LLP Summer Associate, Advocates for Faith and Freedom (Religious Liberty Nonprofit) Law Clerk
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Everyone here is accomplished and driven, but they all have lives and personalities outside of the classroom. This creates a really diverse and engaging culture to dive into!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I will be clerking for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas after graduation.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Develop relationships with your professors! Not only are they treasure troves of knowledge who can deepen your classroom understanding and give you sage career advice, but they also are incredibly friendly and interesting people! You are likely to make a new friend and mentor for life if you invest your time in office hours!
James Cluxton
Hometown: San Diego, California
Undergraduate University & Major: Texas Christian University, Strategic Communication
Extracurricular Activities: Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Sports and Entertainment Law Society, London Program, Christian Legal Society
Legal Works: Supreme Court of Uganda Judicial Internship, San Diego Primary Public Defender Law Clerk, Pepperdine Legal Aid Clinic
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The best part of Pepperdine Caruso Law is the people. The professors push you and support you, and the students bring such good energy. It makes it a place where you want to show up and be the best you can be.The best part of Pepperdine Caruso Law is the people. The professors push you and support you, and the students bring such good energy. It makes it a place where you want to show up and be the best you can be.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to work in public defense.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Make a connection with your professor and find a good routine that works for you.
Sasha Codiga
Hometown: Pasadena, California
Undergraduate University and Major: Santa Clara University, Child Studies and Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Moot Court, Dispute Resolution Law Journal Student Article Editor
Legal Work: Central District of California Judicial Externship, Dykema Gossett Law Clerk, Pepperdine Restoration and Justice Clinic
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is how invested the professors are in the students’ success. I did not attend office hours as an undergraduate, but I have taken full advantage of the professors’ open door policies here. They have offered clarity on subjects I have found particularly difficult and have also listened excitedly in discussions about career paths, extracurricular activities, and life. Despite every professor being at the top of their field, they are kind, down-to-earth people who see their students as inherently valuable to their own legal understanding. I couldn’t imagine doing law school without their guidance.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I will begin my career post-bar as an associate at Dykema Gossett LLP in Downtown Los Angeles.
Advice for Future Students: Talk to as many people as you can about everything other than how long they studied or what grade they got. Everyone at Caruso Law is a future friend!
Matthew Conde
Hometown: Glendale, California
Undergraduate University and Major: Seattle University, Business Administration
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, Research Assistant, Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
Legal Work: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Law Clerk
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Pepperdine’s faculty and staff are wonderful resources for academic, professional, and personal guidance. They are accessible, supportive, and invested in your success, and their mentorship and encouragement make you feel welcomed and empowered throughout your law school journey.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: After Pepperdine Caruso Law, I hope to gain meaningful legal experience with the long-term goal of entering private practice.
Advice for Future Students: Trust the process and be kind to yourself and others. Law school will challenge you, but those are the moments that shape your growth. Embrace each obstacle, learn from it, persevere, and take care of yourself while encouraging others. Each person you meet‚ faculty or classmate‚ offers unique experiences worth learning from, so enjoy the journey together.
Caden Cutter
Hometown: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Undergraduate University & Major: Loyola Marymount University, History and Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Trial Team Executive Board, Student Plaintiffs Bar President
Legal Works: Simon Law Group Law Clerk
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: It sounds clichéd, but Pepperdine Caruso Law truly has the best community. Everyone is friendly, and the community tight-knit. This is not a “commuter school” where people show up for class, leave, and don’t form relationships.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I aspire to become a civil trial lawyer.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Enjoy it. Law school is undoubtedly a challenge, but a good one. Don’t ever forget to enjoy life and always remember what a privilege it is to be in this community and profession.
James El-Deiry
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate University and Major: Pennsylvania State University, Business and Psychology
Extracurricular Activities: Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law Chairman, Dean’s Bible Study, Christian Legal Society
Legal Work: United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Catastrophic Injury Plaintiff Litigation, Pepperdine Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine Caruso Law is its world-class professors. They’ve become my dear friends and strongest advocates, and I have learned so much from them!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: My short-term plan is to practice law for the federal government to gain experience and training under incredible attorneys. My long-term plan is to be an entrepreneur at the intersection of finance and law.
Advice for Future Students: Find your strengths early by trying different things and focus on what you’re good at. Work hard and eat healthy. Remember to call your parents, go to the beach, and stay hydrated.
Jonathan Fazio
Hometown: Porter Ranch, California
Undergraduate University & Major: California State University, Northridge, Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Interfaith Student Council President, Jewish Law Students Association Vice President
Legal Works: Los Angeles Superior Court Judicial Externship
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The faculty's dedication to helping us identify the best legal paths for each of us, connecting us with the right people, and supporting us in finding jobs is something I am truly grateful for and what makes Pepperdine unique.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to pursue a career in civil litigation.
Advice for future Pepperdine Caruso Law Students: Realize your reputation is being cultivated everyday amongst everyone- don't take that for granted. When exam season comes, don't forget who you are and who your parents raised you to be- your peers will have lasting impressions about you and learn a lot about how you handle pressure, stress, and competition during exam season... so continue to be kind and help others, even if they are not in your study group.
Nicole Gendusa
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Undergraduate University and Major: University of California at Los Angeles, History
Extracurricular Activities: Catholic Law Students Association Founder and President, Pro Bono Program FEMA Disaster Relief Assistance Volunteer, 1L Student Mentor, Real Estate Investment Research Assistant
Legal Work: General Practice Firm (Transactional Focus) Legal Internship
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing is the idylic Pepperdine campus, especially the outdoor patio and the view from the library. Studying there feels calm and refreshing because of how beautiful the surroundings are. It creates a peaceful environment that makes it easier to focus, even during the busiest weeks.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: My plan is to work in real estate law and/or construction law.
Advice for Future Students: Malibu is beautiful—use that to your advantage. Take breaks, walk by the beach, and give yourself permission to breathe. Law school is demanding, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Marcello Jones
Hometown: Cornwall, England
Undergraduate University and Major: Coastal Carolina University,
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review Symposium Editor, Sudreau Global Justice Institute, London Program, Dispute Resolution Society Vice President, Pepperdine Ninth Circuit Clinic
Legal Work: Supreme Court of Uganda Law Clerk, Rutan & Tucker Summer Associate
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite things about Pepperdine are the people and the breadth of programs and experiences that the law school offers, such as the London externship program, Sudreau Global Justice Institute, and the range of available clinics.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to join the litigation/trial department at Rutan & Tucker.
Advice for Future Students: Dip your toe into everything you can and find your own way. Do not try to fit into everyone else’s mold.
Christian Kim
Hometown: Santa Clara, California
Undergraduate University and Major: Wheaton College, English
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, Christian Legal Society, Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, Advocates for Public Interest Law
Legal Work: Santa Clara County Superior Court Judicial Internship, Public Interest Firm Eviction Defense Internship
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: The law school has a uniquely caring and supportive community, both among students and faculty. I can’t count the number of times someone greeted me with a big grin and a hug even when we had only spoken once or twice before.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I would love to do social justice public interest work, especially dealing with immigration or religious issues.
Advice for Future Students: Find your people! Make some friends you really trust, the ones who share your values and always have your back, and enjoy this whirlwind of an experience together with them.
Caroline Lewis
caroline.s.lewis@pepperdine.edu
Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois
Undergraduate University and Major: University of Mississippi, Psychology
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, Moot Court, Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Christian Legal Society, Catholic Law Students Association, Women’s Legal Association, Advocates for Public Interest Law, First Generation Law Student Association
Legal Work: Supreme Court of Uganda Judicial Internship, Pepperdine Disaster Relief Clinic
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: One of my favorite things about Caruso Law is the mentorship. From both professors and fellow students, the advice and support I have received since my first step on campus have been invaluable.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: After law school, I plan to attain a clerkship and work in litigation.
Advice for Future Students: Get to know your classmates! The people here are truly wonderful and getting to know them, both inside and outside the classroom, beneficial. Whether it is studying or grabbing coffee on the weekend, it is so important to have good people surrounding you during law school.
Emma Joy McArthy
Hometown: Columbia, Tennessee
Undergraduate University and Major: Lee University, Sociology and Human Development
Extracurricular Activities: Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Dispute Resolution Law Journal, London Program, Research Assistant, Christian Legal Society President, Advocates for Public Interest Law Vice President of Communication
Legal Work: Ghana Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Judicial Internship, Pepperdine Community Justice Clinic, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: I love the global opportunities presented at Pepperdine Caruso Law. During my time here, I interned for the judiciary of Ghana, plea bargained in Uganda, and competed in moot court at the Royal Courts of Justice in London!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I am very interested in child advocacy and human rights work, and I would love to work internationally for a few years after graduation.
Advice for Future Students: Make your experience your own without worrying about what everyone else is doing. Every law student’s journey is unique—don’t waste time chasing someone else’s dream!
Simon Newton
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Undergraduate University and Major: Arizona State University, Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, First Generation Law Student Association Treasurer, Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law Fellow
Legal Work: Pepperdine University Office of the General Counsel Law Clerk
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: I love the supportive environment! No matter who you are or what kind of lawyer you want to be, there is constant encouragement from both faculty and peers.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to get involved in sports, business development, or international law.
Advice for Future Students: Take advantage of the many unique opportunities available and enjoy the chaos that is 1L while it lasts!
Ashley Pae
Hometown: Los Altos, California
Undergraduate University and Major: University of California at Los Angeles, Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Student Bar Association President, Moot Court Team, LexisNexis Representative, Barbri Representative, Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law Fellow
Legal Work: California Attorney General’s Office Internship, O’Hagan Meyer Summer Associate
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine Caruso Law is the supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Our faculty, professors, and counselors are entirely dedicated to students’ success in both their professional and personal lives. Help always feels accessible, which is what makes Pepperdine so unique!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to work in civil litigation.
Advice for Future Students: Build genuine relationships with your peers, professors, and faculty; they are your support system!
Sharon Stevens
Hometown: Moorpark, California
Undergraduate University and Major: Pepperdine University, Philosophy, Straus Institute Conflict Management Certificate
Extracurricular Activities: Christian Legal Society, Dean’s Bible Study
Legal Work: Ventura County Public Defender’s Office
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: One of my favorite things about Caruso Law is how the faculty and staff show their care for the well-being of their students. Professors make it a priority to check in with students and make themselves available for not only substantive questions, but career and life questions too. There are many events on campus every week with food during the lunch hour to make it easy for students to get nutrients in the middle of a busy day. Caruso also has wellness week before exams, which consists of tools to help students manage stress, participate in exercise classes, and even pet therapy ponies! It is very evident that Caruso wants students to thrive not just academically, but also spiritually and emotionally.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to take the bar in California or North Carolina!
Advice for Future Students: Take it one day at a time, make checklists and sticky notes your best friends, and create a routine that helps you. Don’t completely abandon that routine when things get tough!
Max Stone
Hometown: White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
Undergraduate University and Major: Western Washington University, Philosophy and History
Extracurricular Activities: Trial Team, Religious Liberty Clinic, Christian Legal Society
Legal Work: Institute for Justice Dave Kennedy Fellow
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite things about Pepperdine are the Christian Legal Society and the Dean’s Bible Study. The Christian legal community at Pepperdine Caruso Law is second to none, and it is such a blessing to share in fellowship with that group multiple times a week.
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I am currently undecided about what I will do after I graduate.
Advice for Future Students: Take law school as an opportunity to excel because of your faith, not in spite of it or without it.
Kyle Veazie
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate University and Major: Howard University, Political Science and Psychology
Extracurricular Activities: Black Law Students Association
Legal Work: Federal District Court for the Central District of California Judicial Externship, Aarons Ward APC Law Clerk, Gomez Law APC Law Clerk
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: I love the immediate proximity to one of California’s greatest views!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I would like to return to the California Central District as a federal court law clerk.
Advice for Future Students: Take tons of practice tests throughout the semester. Even if you haven’t yet learned the material, take practice tests with commercial outlines and engage in firsthand legal analysis and writing.
Laurel Wood
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate University and Major: Pepperdine University, English Writing and Rhetoric
Extracurricular Activities: Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Christian Legal Society
Legal Work: Human Trafficking Institute Uganda Externship, Supreme Court of Uganda Externship, Dallas District Attorney’s Office, Pepperdine Religious Liberty Clinic
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: My favorite things about Pepperdine are the friends I’ve met through Christian Legal Society and the incredible adventures I’ve had with the Global Justice Institute!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I’m not sure yet, but I’m looking into global justice work in addition to writing books and freelance editing.
Advice for Future Students: Take care of yourself‚ body, mind, and soul. Prioritize time with God, rest, exercise, healthy eating, and sleep! Your mind works best when the rest of you is feeling good. And don’t worry about not being able to do it all. You’re going to end up exactly where you need to be.
Isaac Zwerling
Hometown: Newbury Park, California
Undergraduate University and Major: Pepperdine University, English Writing and Rhetoric
Extracurricular Activities: Pepperdine Law Review, Moot Court, Federalist Society
Legal Work: Jones Day Summer Associate
Favorite Thing about Pepperdine: Faculty accessibility is my favorite thing about Pepperdine. The professors have guided me through law school, and I can attribute all of my successes to their dedication!
Plans after Pepperdine Caruso Law: I plan to clerk on the Ninth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeals.
Advice for Future Students: You are at Pepperdine for a reason. Though you are surrounded by many with accomplishments that may seem intimidating, Pepperdine saw something in you. You can flourish here in a community that genuinely supports you.