Pepperdine Caruso Law Congratulates Seth Shepherd
Pepperdine Caruso Law is proud to congratulate its latest bell-ringer in recognition of post-graduate employment success, Seth Shepherd! Seth was joined in the joyful celebration by Dean Paul and Courtney Caron, remotely by Dean Naomi Goodno, directors and members of the Career Development Office, Administrative Offices, and Deans' Suite, as well as many of Seth's law school friends and classmates. Prior to ringing the bell, Seth thanked everyone at Caruso Law who helped him on the path to the U.S. Marine Corps, particularly Professor Gregory Ogden and Career Development Office Associate Director Alexis Joyce for introducing him to the Marine Corps Judge Advocate program through Caruso Law's annual JAG Week.
Following graduation, Seth will enter the Marine Corps Judge Advocate program. Seth hadn't considered joining the Marine Corps until he came to Caruso Law and heard from an Officer Selection Officer, Captain McLeod, during JAG Week. He always wanted to serve his country and becoming a Marine Judge Advocate sounded like an amazing way to begin his legal career. Seth began the application process during the spring of his first law school year and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School, a 10-week leadership training and evaluation program. Seth was commissioned on August 14, 2021 as a Second Lieutenant and will return to active duty during the next phase of his training, which is The Basics School, a 6-month program to become a Rifle Platoon Commander.
Seth attended Patrick Henry College where he earned a degree in Government: American Politics and Policy. While at Patrick Henry College, he served as a Student Senator and Student Ambassador, and was a member of the basketball and soccer teams. He also participated in three instrumental internships: in the legal department at the Home School Legal Defense Association; on Capitol Hill for Congressman Mark Meadows; and in the Independent Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.
During his time at Caruso Law, Seth spent his first-year summer serving as an intern in the White House Counsel's Office. When he returned to campus, he helped found Pepperdine Law Students for Life, which is a student organization dedicated to advocating for children in the womb. He is also a very active member of the Christian Legal Society and currently serves as Vice President of the Pepperdine Federalist Society chapter. In the spring of 2021, he interned in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C. , where he worked on opposition motions against defendants who were seeking compassionate release.
Seth would like to acknowledge the people at Caruso Law who made his time in law school really amazing: Dean Goodno, Professor Jason Jarvis, Professor Ogden, and Associate Director Joyce. His time at Caruso Law would not have been even close to the same without Tyler Clark, Matthew Dillon, Rebecca Voth, and Elissa Crowder. Seth would also like to thank his family, particularly his mom, Terrilyn Shepherd, who homeschooled him from K-12, and without whom he would not be here today. He is also grateful to his siblings, who have all been incredibly supportive and helpful, especially in reviewing cover letters and resumes: Rachel Dudley, Andrew Shepherd, Joel Shepherd, Elizabeth Shepherd, and Noah Shepherd.
Congratulations to Seth!