Marvel Faulkner Brings Black Perspective to Law Review Board

Pepperdine Caruso Law third-year student Marvel Faulkner has added the responsibilities of Lead Articles Editor for the Pepperdine Law Review to his busy schedule. He is the first African-American male to hold a position on the Pepperdine Law Review Board in nearly two decades. Faulkner, a native of Long Beach, CA, and a graduate of California State University, Fresno, joined the Law Review in the hopes of enhancing his legal advocacy skills and honing his writing skills, and as Marvel says, "It has done just that!"

As the Lead Articles Editor, Marvel is responsible for soliciting articles and overseeing the review of unsolicited manuscripts, determining whether they are worthy of publication in this year's law review volume. He is one of three students in this position, and while given the boundaries of working away from campus, Marvel says the team stays well-connected through emails and phone calls.

Marvel says, "We've chosen quite a few diverse and thought-provoking articles that we are very excited to see in print. Additionally, I am excited that my own article, "Dear Courts: I, Too, Am a Reasonable Man," was chosen for publication in this year's volume."

To continue to foster diversity among its members, Marvel believes that Law Review can make diversity a higher priority in the selection process. He notes, "Many colleagues from other law schools shared with me that their law review applications include a diversity statement that the board would consider when deciding who to offer a position. Including a diversity statement in the application process is a great idea in order to build a more diverse journal and expand the diversity of student-written articles and interests." Marvel says that more diversity among board members would offer everyone the chance to learn more about law-related topics and issues that affect different communities.

With his passion for providing legal services to those underrepresented in the legal system, Marvel aspires to work as a Public Interest Attorney. He also hopes to become an author and write novels further down the line. We could bet more than a few of his classmates and professors will be the first in line to purchase a copy. We are proud to spotlight students like Marvel who are leaders in our community demonstrating purpose through their leadership.

If you know a student who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to diversity, excels academically, or has a unique experience to share, please contact us.