My name is Julio Zerecero, an LL.M. student at Loyola. What I like to think about myself is that I live to learn—about new things, new places, new ideas. Whether traveling or diving into a new challenge, I’m always chasing the next story, the next experience.

I have a deep fascination with history; it’s the backbone of everything around us, the answer to the “whys” in life. Art keeps me grounded, especially surrealism and syncretism—where the unconscious mind and the integration of eclectic symbols create a deeply materialized concept of the perception of reality. I also love music—Zoe, Interpol, Camilo Séptimo, Depeche Mode, and experimental music, as they are part of my everyday meditation.

Before coming to Loyola, and throughout my more than a decade in the technology and law field, I worked at a well-known tech company, designing legal strategies to help governments in the region adopt cutting-edge technologies—from AI to any cloud-based solutions. It was an incredibly dynamic and thought-provoking role.

Along the way, I took some detours. One led me to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in the Americas and one of the Seven Summits, alongside Everest. I set out to reach the summit, but the mountain had other plans. Still, the lessons from that climb were invaluable, and I’ll be back someday. Another stop was Barcelona, where, after wrapping up business, I visited the temple La Sagrada Familia. Antonio Gaudí’s masterpiece wasn’t just about architecture; it was genius. He left behind blueprints for a structure so ambitious that it’s still under construction nearly a century after his death. If all goes well, it will be finished by 2026. Walking through that space, your senses go into overdrive. It’s more than a temple—it’s an experience, definitely a place to be.

Back in Mexico City, I was training for a national Jiu-Jitsu championship. Under the guidance of Okami with Sensei Arturo, Jorge and my peers, I fought my way to second place. Not bad, but there’s always room for more. At the same time, I was wrapping up my plan to move to L.A. and finally pursue my LL.M.—a goal I had put off for too long due to work, life, and the usual responsibilities. Last summer, I finally made it happen, and I am seriously committed to sitting for the bar next July.

Loyola has been a ride—pushing past my comfort zone, burning through books, building a new routine, and embracing every second of the experience. Los Angeles is a huge, beautiful city, with some similarities to mine, but at the same time, full of new experiences and information to absorb. It’s not just about law; it’s about the people, the stories, the grind.

As for the future? I plan to stay in the legal profession for a long time. Like many other human-centric fields, this profession opens opportunities to help society, advocate for those who need it, and guide (legally speaking) individuals trying to innovate and make a better world. The passion to dig deep into the root causes of solutions that will make us better as a society—or solve problems that shouldn’t exist—drives me.

In the long run, I see myself lecturing in person or through digital tools. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about. My mother, “Maestra Paty,” was a professor in Mexico City, and somehow, that stuck with me. Over the years, I’ve realized that teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about constantly learning from those around you and keeping in mind that we always have something new to learn.

Wherever I go next, one thing is certain: the adventure isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Julio Zerecero

I’m Lia Shirvanian, a first-generation law student and a proud graduate of UCLA with a degree in Psychology. My journey to law school wasn’t a straight line, but rather a puzzle—one where each experience shaped my decision to pursue a legal career. Before law school, I worked at an estate planning law firm, where I handled both legal and marketing tasks. I managed complex probate cases, communicated with clients during emotionally difficult times, and even navigated procedural challenges in court filings. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for legal problem-solving and the responsibility that comes with guiding clients through critical life decisions.

My legal interests have expanded since starting law school, and I’m particularly drawn to business and corporate law. As a Business Law Fellow at Loyola Law School, I’ve gained exposure to the corporate world, engaging in workshops that deepen my understanding of corporate law, negotiations, and business transactions.

Outside of law, I love spending my free time building puzzles and Legos, which give me the same sense of problem-solving and patience that I apply in my legal studies. I also enjoy baking sugar cookies and experimenting with different decorations. When time allows, I love going camping with my friends, escaping the noise of daily life, and enjoying the outdoors.

As for my bucket list, I have a few major goals I’d love to accomplish in the next few years. I want to visit Japan during cherry blossom season and experience the vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery. At some point in life, when time allows, I’d love to take a road trip across the U.S. with my family, exploring different states, national parks, and hidden gems along the way.

While these experiences are exciting, I also want to keep refining my legal research and advocacy skills because, much like a puzzle, every experience I gain brings me one step closer to completing the bigger picture of my career.

Every master was once a student, and every student is shaped by the guidance of a master. 

At Loyola Law School, mentorship is a foundational pillar of the institution. Faculty members, professors, counselors, and librarians alike, play an integral role in shaping student’s academic and professional journeys. 

While it is difficult to single out one individual, as I have encountered many remarkable mentors throughout my journey, the faculty as a whole is exceptionally accessible. Whether through office hours, academic advising, or legal discussions, they consistently offer their time and expertise to support students. 

For example, my first introduction to the Loyola faculty was during Summer Institute, a three-week Introduction to Law School crash course. There, I met Dean Winograd, Professor Craig, Professor Yagura, and Professor Tan. Each of them shared invaluable tips that have carried me through law school. They offered guidance on exam preparation, homework strategies, networking, and more, all of which have proven helpful. Not only were they incredibly supportive during this transition into law school, but they have remained accessible throughout the year.  

During the first weeks of law school, I found myself struggling to balance my homework with my day job. I scheduled a meeting with Professor Craig, who suggested that I dedicate the weekends to tackling the bulk of my assignments. Since implementing that advice, I have not fallen behind on my assignments. 

More importantly, the faculty is invested in our success, often leveraging their professional connections to provide guidance and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. One individual I am particularly grateful for is Professor Bakhshian, a clinical professor and the evening student counselor. Throughout the year, she keeps us informed about midterms, opportunities, and has always made herself available to talk. It was through one of her emails that I learned about a legal job opening. After expressing interest, she went above and beyond by helping me refine my resume and cover letter, and answering all of my questions about working in a law firm. As a result, I now work at that law firm and am extremely grateful for Professor Bakhshian’s guidance throughout that process. 

The mentorship we receive at Loyola Law School helps shape us into the attorneys we aspire to one day be. With their guidance, the faculty not only supports our success but also prepares us to one day be mentors to our own students, because, after all, every master was once a student. 

Dear Loyola law school,

I love that our orientation featured a panel of upperclassmen who gave us advice, such as accessing the Barbri 1L Success Course and searching for our classes in the St. Thomas More outline bank.

I love the double chocolate muffins in Sonia’s cafe that get me through early-morning study sessions.

I love the study spots scattered around campus, especially the study room on the third floor of the Casassa building—the one with the large window that overlooks campus, filling the room with warm light as I write case briefs and listen to soundtracks from Tim Burton movies.

I love admiring the architecture of Merrifield Hall and the Robinson Courtroom, where I am absolutely, positively, never zoning out during class. Never.

I love the oversized desks in Rains library that let me law-studentspread—laptop, coffee or smoothie, and AirPods on one side, too many case books, course supplements, and colored pens on the other.

I love that there’s a vending machine room on campus, making it way too easy to grab a snack whenever I need one.

I love that parking is always available in the basement levels of the parking structure—and that scanning my student ID to enter and exit from there is much easier than from the upper levels.

I love how close campus is to some of the best off-campus study spots—Cafe Mak, Tom N Toms Coffee, and About Time.

I love that every one of my professors in our first semester acknowledged how terrifying cold calls can be, yet reassured us that they would help us if we ever got stuck.

Most of all, I love that this list could go on and on because Loyola has so much to offer—academically, socially, and in all the little ways that make law school just a bit easier.

As we embrace the spirit of February, a month often associated with love, I find it fitting to reflect on what I appreciate and admire about Loyola Law School.  

While Loyola Law School’s campus is geographically small, spanning just one acre within a single block, it offers extraordinary diversity in its student body and experiences. My 1E class of 47 students (first-year-evening students) includes peers of various ages, professions, and backgrounds. One of my favorite aspects of the law school experience has been not just getting to know my classmates, but learning from their diverse life experiences. From news anchors to aerospace experts to mathematicians to fragrance specialists, the range of backgrounds is truly a unique mix of inspiring stories. I’ve come to realize that law school is more than just the lessons from professors; it is also about the lessons and stories you discover through the connections you make. 

The campus itself fosters a strong sense of community, as well. While it is quiet and peaceful at night, especially with my classes running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., there is still a sense of connection. I often walk through a nearly empty campus, passing a few students as they go about their own late-night routines, all while the Downtown skyline glows in the distance. After a long evening of work and classes, it’s a beautiful way to wrap up the night, offering a moment of reflection and a reminder of how unique this experience truly is. The skyline feels like our version of the Northern Lights, quietly uniting us under the night sky.

Even in those quiet moments, the sense of community is always felt. The small size of the campus fosters a supportive environment, where whether we’re attending office hours, chatting with classmates about assignments, or debating the law, we’re always working together. No one here wants to see you fail. Instead, it feels like we’re all growing together as a community, surrounded by faculty and peers who genuinely want to see us succeed. 

Ultimately, what I love about Loyola Law School is the campus environment, but, most importantly, it’s inclusivity. The school’s commitment to offering an evening program for students who want to continue or need to continue working has made it possible for many of us, including myself, to pursue and achieve our dreams of becoming attorneys.

Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of Loyola Marymount University, Loyola Law School fosters a campus culture that sets it apart from other law schools. Rather than harden a law student into a competitor, LLS inspires them to become collaborators. As a result, my law school experience has been far less cutthroat than I expected.

In class, many of my peers are driven by the desire to succeed for themselves and for their future clients rather than the desire to see others fail. Because of this, I believe we’ve created a kind of safe space in Section D3—or at least as safe as it can feel when faced with cold calls, writing assignments, and other law school challenges. Elle Woods may have led others to believe law school is, like, not hard, but the reality is different. My classmates and I quickly realized just how hard the material was, and rather than struggle in stoic silence, we turned to each other and decided to form a study group.

Together, we drilled essays and multiple-choice questions, coordinated our Google calendars, and worked through hundreds of hypotheticals out loud. And, on the day I write this, we celebrated a birthday brunch and then studied over fries and iced vanilla lattes—a questionable combination that, somehow, helped me grasp the doctrines of impossibility, impracticability, and frustration of purpose before heading off to our contracts class.

LLS has challenged the idea that law school is purely competitive, proving that students can find a community of goal-driven and compassionate people in a rigorous academic environment.

Before starting law school, you often hear about the competitive, individualistic class (cohort) environment. After all, it is hard to ignore the fact that law school grades are based on the curve, meaning your grade is measured relative to your classmates’ performance. However, my experience at Loyola has proven this assumption to be far from the truth. I have found that my peers are far more collaborative and supportive than I initially expected. Instead of fighting to outperform each other, we work together to succeed.

One of the most crucial sources of support during my first semester has been my study group. What began as a small group of 4 classmates I met during orientation has grown to 10 peers. We meet every Thursdays at 8 p.m through Zoom to review material, dissect complex legal concepts, work through hypotheticals, clarify questions, and check in on each other’s well-being. These weekly meetings have become an invaluable part of my law school experience, especially when the workload feels overwhelming. 

Also, study groups are an excellent way to prepare for exams. During my first Contracts midterm, for example, I thought I had studied all the material thoroughly. But during a study session the night before the exam, one of my peers raised and explained a topic that I had completely overlooked. That very topic ended up being the focus of 5 out of the 25 questions on the exam. Without that study group session, I would have walked into the exam unprepared for a major part of the material. 

Ultimately, the collaborative atmosphere at Loyola Law School has had a profound impact on my experience here. The student body is focused and professional, but there’s also a deep sense of collegiality. Everyone wants to succeed, but not at the expense of others. The culture of mutual support and shared growth has allowed me to thrive, and it has been essential in helping me through some of the toughest moments of law school so far.