Pepperdine Caruso Law Welcomes the Class of 2028
On August 11, 2025, the Pepperdine Caruso Law community was pleased to welcome the Class of 2028 during Launch Week, a four-day introduction to law school and professional formation. A record incoming class of 230 students arrived on campus to begin their legal education journeys, and were joyfully welcomed by student ambassadors, deans, faculty, and professional staff. Caruso Law is proud to have enrolled an outstanding class with a 3.85 median undergraduate GPA, a 164 median LSAT score, and representing 91 undergraduate colleges and universities. Caruso Law looks forward to the future accomplishments of this remarkable class.
Dean Paul Caron and Courtney Caron opened the program on Monday with welcoming remarks and a prayer. Dean Caron conveyed his sincere desire that the incoming students love their time at Caruso Law, and that they each graduate with a deep sense of their professional and personal calling in law and in life. The incoming class was then given historical insights on the law school by founding dean Ronald F. Phillips, Pepperdine University senior vice chancellor and Caruso Law dean emeritus. Dean Phillips was followed by the Honorable André Birotte, Jr. (JD '91) of the United States District Court for the Central District of Colombia. Judge Birotte delivered his motivating speech, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway," encouraging the new class to embrace the challenges of law school. The incoming students then heard from current students and student mentors on how to succeed at Caruso Law.
Launch Week continued on Tuesday with a panel of Caruso Law alumni who presented "Excellence through the Pepperdine Caruso Law Experience." The alumni participants included Lynn Morrow (JD '85), Zna Houston (JD '87), James Azadian (JD '01), Alex Wheeler (JD '05), and Sarah Gerdes (JD '15), who gave the students thoughtful and wise advice on how to pursue valueable law school experiences. The alumni presentation was followed by a judicial panel by the Honorable Joel M. Carsons III of the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and the Honorable Dolly M. Gee of the US District Court for the Central District of California. The distinguished judges discussed civil discourse and how it advances democracy and the rule of law. The day concluded with a festive lunch where students could meet the representatives of Caruso Law's many student organizations.
On Wednesday of Launch Week, faculty members joined the program to introduce themselves and the courses of study that the incoming class would soon be starting. Students met their first-year professors, and a faculty panel presented "Purpose and Scholarship." The students met in their assigned sections for the presentation "Introduction to Law School Instruction," and then joined their faculty mentors for an informative lunch.
On Thursday, Launch Week continued with the insightful presentations "Leadership: The Pepperdine Way" by University president Jim Gash (JD '93). President Gash encouraged the students to bring intellect, discipline, and determination to their legal studies, and to embrace the journey through humility. President Gash was followed by the Honorable Jennifer Dorsey (JD '97), of the US District Court for the District of Nevada, who presented "Reputation and Integrity."
Launch Week concluded with an oath writing workshop and the annual professionalism ceremony. The Class of 2028 was then officially ready to join their Caruso Law classmates and colleagues for their first day of classes.
