Pepperdine Caruso Law Welcomes the Class of 2029
On August 10, 2026, the Pepperdine Caruso Law community was pleased to welcome the Class of 2029 to Launch Week, a four-day introduction to law school and professional formation. Greeted by student ambassadors, deans, faculty, and professional staff members, the incoming class of 232 students arrived on campus to begin their legal education journeys. Caruso Law is delighted to have enrolled an impressive class with a 3.85 median undergraduate GPA, a 165 median LSAT score, and representing 97 undergraduate colleges and universities. Caruso Law looks forward to the future accomplishments of this distinguished class.
Dean Paul Caron and Caruso Law first lady Courtney Caron began the program on Monday with welcoming remarks and a prayer for the incoming class. The students were then welcomed by the law school's founding dean Ronald F. Phillips, Pepperdine University senior vice president and Caruso Law dean emeritus. Dean Caron then spoke on the Pepperdine mission and conveyed his personal wish that each student loves their time at Caruso Law and graduates with a deep sense of their professional and personal callings in law and in life. Dean Caron was followed by Caruso Law alumnus the Honorable Andre Birotte, Jr. (JD '91) who encouraged the entering law students to overcome and embrace the challenges of law school. The students then heard from Caruso Law deans on what to expect as a Caruso Law student and in their law school classes. The day ended with a barbeque lunch and outdoor activities.
Tuesday's program began with an introduction to professional excellence by associate dean of professional development Arnold Barba, followed by a panel of Caruso Law alumni who presented "Excellence Through the Pepperdine Caruso Law Experience." The alumni participants included Kelsey Morris (JD '11), Sarah Gerdes (JD '15), Andrew Kasabian ( '13, JD '16), and Cory Batza ('17), who shared their insights on the valueable experiences in law school that will lead to successful careers. The day also included a judicial panel by the Honorable Robert J. Shelby, US District Court Judge of the US District Court for the District of Utah, and the Honorable Cecilia M. Romero, US Chief Magistrate Judge of the US District Court for the District of Utah. The judges discussed the importance of practing civility in law school as an expectation of the legal profession and an opportunity for students to build their professional reputations. The students then enjoyed a lunchtime fair where they could meet the representatives of Caruso Law's many student organizations. Following lunch, the students learned about the mechanics of law school classes.
Launch Week continued on Wednesday with faculty members joining the program to introduce themselves and the courses of study the incoming class will be taking. The students met their first-year professors and joined their assigned sections for an introduction to law school instruction. An informative lunch followed where students took part in conversations with their faculty mentors.
On Thursday, the program included presentations on the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, the Career Development Office, and the many experiential learning opportunites at Caruso Law. Pepperdine University president Jim Gash (JD '93) then presented "Leadership: The Pepperdine Way," where he encouraged the incoming students to leave behind doubt and insecurity, and to become persons of integrity and courage during their law school careers. President Gash then administered the oath of professionalism, which serves as a promise to uphold the Pepperdine Caruso Law honor code, as well as a committment to the highest standards of the profession.
The students then gathered together for a class photo before joining the Caruso Law community for their first day of classes. Welcome to the Class of 2029.
