Pepperdine Caruso Law Board of Advisors Member Zna Portlock Houston ('84, JD '87) Initiates COVID-19 Support Network

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and Seaver College alumna Zna Portlock Houston ('84, JD '87) contacted Dean Paul Caron and asked that the law school start an alumni support program for students who would like to speak to an alumnus during this challenging time. To date, twenty nine Pepperdine Caruso School of Law students from all class years have been paired with 20 alumni from the school's Board of Advisors and Dean's Council. Here are some testimonials from the program:

Noah DeWitt (2L) said, "I got to speak with Aaron Echols (JD '09) over the phone and he provided a lot of really helpful insight around networking, finding the right career in the legal field and keeping life's priorities in order. I think generally it was a very helpful experience because (1) during this time of Co-vid it can be really hard to network and meet people and this experience provided that and (2) just talking to someone who has walked the journey of law school helped to remind to see the forest instead of the trees and see what a blessing the opportunity of law school is."

Shantal Razban-Nia (3L) said, "I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeffrey Davis (JD '94) the other day as a part of this program. He was incredibly kind, and very encouraging. We planned on speaking for a short time, but our conversation went on for about 45 minutes. He shared some really valuable insight into his own firm and his perspective as a partner, and what future associates like myself can do to succeed. As you know, connecting with alumni is one of my favorite things about Pepperdine, and it has been especially comforting during this time."

Tyler Clark (2L) said, "I had a most excellent experience with the support from an alumni program. I had the privilege of being connected with a Pepperdine Caruso alumnus who helped me navigate searching for summer jobs during the pandemic. Additionally, he challenged and encouraged me in my walk with God. Thanks to him, I am now employed with a small plaintiffs firm in Los Angeles."