Angela M. Powell (JD '97) Honored as Distinguished Alumna at Pepperdine Caruso Law Class of 2021 Commencement
On Friday May 21, at the Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony, President Jim Gash (JD '93) presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Angela Powell (JD '97). Each year at graduation, the law school recognizes an alumnus who has distinguished themselves by living out the Pepperdine mission and providing either outstanding service to Pepperdine University or making an important contribution to their profession or community.
Powell received her bachelor's degree in political science from Seaver College in 1993 and went on to receive her JD from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 1997. Powell is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP, where she serves as a member of the firm's governmental entity liability team. Powell remains an active member of the Pepperdine alumni community as a member of the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Board of Advisors. She also hosted the first-ever Diversity Mixer for Pepperdine Caruso Law.
Powell began her legal career as a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, where she prosecuted hundreds of violent crimes. After leaving the District Attorney's Office, she was a successful plaintiff's attorney in a boutique Beverly Hills law firm, representing employees in sexual harassment and discrimination litigation.
Powell's dedication and commitment to public service led her back to representing governmental and public entities, now as a civil defense attorney. She counsels governmental entities, public agencies, and individual police officers in civil rights actions and has also represented management in employment and general litigation. She has tried more than 60 cases in her 20-year career. Powell is a member of the California State Bar and is also admitted to the Bar of the United States District Courts for the Central and Eastern Districts of California.
Upon accepting her award, Powell was overcome with gratitude not just for her recognition but in being able to share the moment with her family who sat proudly in the audience for the momentous occasion. Powell spoke to the graduates about their future careers, advising, "Be patient, be empathetic, and most of all, be kind. The true measure of your success will not be your win-loss record for the cases you litigate. Rather, it will be how you treated your colleagues and adversaries along the way. You face a world of uncertainty, but one thing is certain. You have the strength to overcome adversity. I wish all of you much success in your career."
A feature on the Pepperdine Caruso Law 2021 Commencement Ceremony may be viewed here.