April is in full bloom, and I know it sounds like a cliché, but time really does fly. It feels like just yesterday I received my acceptance notification from Loyola Law School. I remember that day so clearly—the rush of excitement, followed by all the arrangements: booking flights, organizing logistics, and getting everything in place. I’m sure many of us experienced something similar.

Now, this chapter is reaching its climax. Finals are just around the corner, and preparations for graduation are nearly complete. My cap and gown are already reserved, and there’s a strong feeling of achievement in the air.

As I write this, I’m sitting outside the library at a table facing the Darling Pavilion. The weather is perfect. The DTLA skyline stretches out in front of me while I get ready for my final class of the week and take a moment to reflect on everything that’s brought me here.

I’ve shared my perspective throughout this experience, but now I’d like to open the space to hear from my esteemed colleagues—fellow Loyola Lions—whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along the way. Their insights and stories have always been interesting and thought-provoking, and as we approach the end of our LL.M. program, I’d love for them to share the highlights of their journeys and the key lessons they’ll carry forward as we conclude this chapter together.

“Completing my LL.M. at Loyola Law School has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my legal career. The program taught me advanced U.S. legal system knowledge and the critical tools to adapt, thrive, and serve others in a complex legal landscape. Educating myself alongside international attorneys—each bringing unique backgrounds and career paths—enriched my understanding of global legal practice involving multicultural perspectives. Loyola empowered me to grow personally and professionally, making me realize that my capabilities can transcend borders. I am honored to be part of a community that champions excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice.”

España Martinez, Mexico.

“I’ve found that my LL.M. experience at LLS is already transforming how I will continue to support international entrepreneurs and creative clients in the vibrant entertainment landscape of Los Angeles. The program has deepened my understanding of corporate structures, regulatory compliance, and transactional drafting—enhancing my ability to guide global clients as they establish and grow their presence in the U.S.”

Douglas Merlini, Brazil

“The most valuable outcome of my LL.M. experience has been the people I’ve met and the connections I’ve built. From classmates with incredibly diverse backgrounds to professors who are leaders in their legal fields, I’ve found mentors who’ve truly inspired me to dream bigger. Seeing their accomplishments made me believe that with the right preparation and effort, I can get there too. Loyola feels like a web of opportunity, once you step in, you become part of something greater.”

Kristels Zamora, Venezuela

“The most significant takeaway from my LL.M. experience in the U.S., with a focus on business law, was the opportunity to integrate my knowledge of French-German law with American law. Although these legal systems are very different, their combination enables a comprehensive understanding of international business law.”

Mykyta Litovchenko, France-Germany

“The most valuable outcome that I take away from my LL.M. experience is the people who I met here – charismatic leaders, top-level professionals, passionate scholars, good friends and reliable business partners with multicultural personal and professional backgrounds. I enjoyed every minute being among these people during my studies and I hope that our professional paths will cross many more times in the future.”

Daria Kurtikova, Russia

“It is really hard to name what is the biggest takeaway from my LL.M, as this chapter of my life I have named “the discovery”. As a foreign licensed attorney it was important for me to take as much as I can from this LL.M program as I plan to continue my profession in LA. I took this program as I wanted to get more specialized in the IP & Entertainment field and as you know Loyola is one of the best places to take that knowledge and enter into the market with confidence. And of course, I would never imagine that even at this stage of my life I could acquire friends that would be like sisters to me. This program let me feel not only experience that I will use in my future career, but also warmness that filled my heart.”

Liana Manusajyan, Armenia

Collaboration has been a key theme throughout this journey—after all, together, we can go farther. This shared value inspired me to co-write part of this article with Liana, whose thoughts will add to the conversation.

Liana: As Julio said, it is hard to believe that we came already to the end – one more week and we will officially become Loyola graduates. I want to go back and remember the moment when each of us took that important decision to start something new and perhaps even scary by taking a risk and applying for the LL.M program. Don’t know about you, but it took me 3 months to make the final decision. I remember when last April I got an acceptance letter from Loyola I had 2 types of contradictory feelings. On one hand, I was so happy and excited that I, a girl from a small city, got a chance to come to the big city, the city of my profession – as I was/am an IP & Entertainment lawyer, and gain new experience by growing as a professional. On the other hand, I was scared, as it will be a totally new and unknown journey for me which I should face alone. In the end, in July, 2 weeks before my studies begin, the future I saw for me here threw my fears away and here I am – already graduating.

I think each of us should not only take the knowledge from our LL.M program, but also a lesson that sometimes, you should go for the unknown, even in fears, if you want to achieve more than you have. And you know what? At Loyola our professors always reminded us about our right choice, as they served as motivators and ones who believed in us the most. Everyone needs that! And maybe reading this article and thoughts of my classmates will remind you again about your right choice and that you are now at the end of this story of the long journey that is still waiting for you. Keep your head up and believe in you. We do!

Julio: Thank you, Liana, for sharing your experience. I definitely believe that being exposed to the study of different regulations and jurisdictions—with all their complexities—reshapes our mindset. It rounds up our way of thinking, giving us the ability to approach complex scenarios and make smart-risk decisions, all while balancing facts with broader resources. It’s like strengthening a global legal vision—one that allows you to handle situations in a practical way. Looking back, after long hours of study, exchanging ideas, and contrasting strategies, everything began to take a clearer shape. There’s now a deeper understanding of why we pay attention to certain legal aspects in our regions. It’s like we’re now speaking the same legal language.

Before closing this article, we’d like to invite you to check out the reels prepared by students like Liana and the Loyola Students Associations—a brief glimpse into how LL.M. students live these academic experiences.

See you in my next and final collaboration with Jury of Peers. Thank you so much—and see you around.

Julio Zerecero,  Liana Manusajyan & Students from the LL.M. Class of 2025 at Loyola Law School

While many pre-law students worry about cold calls and networking in law school, I worried about securing a 1L summer position—before I had even finished writing my personal statement. Fortunately, the LLS Career Development Office and my career advisor eliminated those worries. Suddenly, it felt more and more possible that I would spend the summer making no money—not because I would be unemployed, but because I’d be working in public interest, of course!

With resources like resume and writing sample reviews, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Southern California Public Interest Career Day (PICD), I was lucky enough to receive—and later accept—an offer to work with the Lanterman Special Education Legal Clinic as a Summer Advocate. I am incredibly excited and grateful to be working on my first caseload this summer, especially because it will involve students whose needs have too often been neglected and ultimately dismissed, as well as their families.

Before I even introduce myself as a rising 2L to my new summer colleagues, I have to say: LLS has been so helpful in creating an environment where I felt safe making mistakes I could learn from and encouraged to pursue goals I didn’t think were possible for me.

This time last year, I wouldn’t have believed anyone who told me I’d feel competent enough to step into a legal setting. Maybe that’s because I hadn’t started law school yet—or maybe it’s just because I’m a Gemini. Either way, I’m ready now.

 

It’s that bittersweet time of year again, as the semester is wrapping up, finals are approaching, and while summer is on the horizon, so is the pressure to make the most of it by advancing our legal education and careers. 

For me, this marks the end of my first year out of four. Reflecting on the past nine months, it is astonishing to see how much my life has transformed thanks to Loyola Law School. The experiences, lessons, and opportunities I have gained will undoubtedly shape the months ahead. 

Although I look forward to sunny days at the beach and reconnecting with family and friends, as an evening student, I am also excited about taking Constitutional Law this summer. I have heard from multiple attorneys that it is a challenging course, but I welcome the opportunity to dive into a foundational subject, especially during a Loyola Summer. 

Last summer, I took a three-week course at Loyola and got a glimpse of summer classes. There is something nostalgic about stepping out into the warmth of the sun before entering an air-conditioned classroom, settling in for an evening of rigorous discussion, and then watching the sunset fade behind the city skyline. That rhythm of summer nights and legal studies is something I look forward to experiencing again. 

In addition to summer classes, I will continue working as a legal assistant in Downtown. With tourist season in full swing, there will be so much to explore during lunch breaks and after work. Thanks to Loyola, I will spend my summer right in the heart of the city, balancing work, studies, and small moments of adventure. 

Who knows? This summer I might finally catch up on Suits (though law school has made me watch legal dramas a little differently). 

As I wrap up this blog post, I wanted to thank everyone who has followed along this journey. Here’s to another summer of growth, learning, and a little bit of fun along the way. 

 

As a 1L at Loyola Law School, I set out to make my summer count—striving to strike a balance between academic enrichment and real-world legal experience. I’m excited to share that I’ll be spending the summer in two dynamic roles: as a Research Assistant to Professor Seto and as a Law Clerk at Kabateck LLP, a premier plaintiff-side litigation firm in Los Angeles.

In my role as a Research Assistant, I’ll be supporting Professor Seto on a publication focused on the Rule Against Perpetuities—conducting in-depth legal research and honing my skills in precise citation editing. It’s a unique opportunity to dive into complex doctrinal analysis while sharpening the research and analytical abilities that form the backbone of any legal practice.

At the same time, I’ll be clerking at Kabateck LLP, where I’ll contribute to high-stakes civil litigation efforts and gain hands-on exposure to the fast-paced world of trial advocacy.

Together, these experiences offer the best of both worlds: the chance to engage deeply with legal scholarship while stepping into the courtroom trenches of practical litigation.

I’m especially grateful to Loyola for making this dual opportunity possible. The faculty’s support and the strength of the alumni network played an instrumental role in shaping my summer. From insightful conversations that led to the RA position to resume guidance and mock interviews that prepared me for the clerkship—the mentorship I received was intentional, empowering, and personalized.

This summer reflects everything I hoped for in my 1L journey: intellectually rigorous, professionally meaningful, and deeply aligned with my long-term goals. For anyone considering Loyola or wondering how to make the most of your 1L summer, know this—Loyola doesn’t just open doors; it walks alongside you as you step through them.

Graduating from law school and preparing for the bar exam this summer is the culmination of years of perseverance, resilience, and faith.  This journey has not been easy, but it has been one of growth, determination, and unwavering support from those who have stood by me.

Reflecting on this moment, I am incredibly grateful for the people who have helped me along the way.  My family’s sacrifices, unconditional love, and steadfast belief in me have been the foundation upon which I built this dream.  The road here was filled with long nights of studying, balancing responsibilities, and overcoming obstacles that often seemed insurmountable.

Law school was not just an academic endeavor—it tested me in ways I never expected.  There were moments of doubt, challenges that felt overwhelming, and times when I questioned whether I could keep going.  But I did not face these struggles alone.  I leaned on the support of my family, friends, and mentors, and I found strength in my faith.  Without them, I would not have made it through.  Law school was more than just learning legal doctrines; it was about developing the ability to think critically, adapt, and persist even when the path was uncertain.

Now, as I prepare for the bar exam, I am stepping into another intense season of discipline and focus.  Passing the bar requires total commitment, and to give it my all, I will be leaving my full-time job so that my primary focus can be preparing for this challenge.  While this transition is daunting, I know it is necessary to take the next step in my legal career.

As I look ahead, I think about the lessons this journey has taught me.  Law school has shown me that life, much like the law, is unpredictable—full of complex cases, unexpected rulings, and difficult negotiations.  But I have already proven that I can navigate challenges, and I know I will carry that resilience with me into this next chapter.

There will undoubtedly be moments of uncertainty—times when the road ahead is unclear.  But none of us walk this path alone.  I am blessed to have built a network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who will continue to support me.  And if you, like me, believe in something greater than yourself, take comfort in knowing that even when we cannot see the plan, it is still unfolding.

True success is not measured by the titles we earn or the cases we win, but by the impact we make, the integrity we uphold, and the people we uplift along the way.  The influence we hold as legal professionals carries a profound responsibility to use it for good, to make a meaningful impact, and to pursue justice with purpose and integrity.

To those who have walked this journey with me, thank you.  To my fellow graduates, congratulations!  We have made it, and now we step forward into what comes next.

At LMU Loyola Law School, experiential learning is not just a supplement to classroom education—it is the heart of legal training. Loyola’s dynamic clinical programs provide students with exceptional hands-on opportunities, enabling them to directly engage with real-world legal issues, interact closely with clients, and create lasting impacts on their communities.

Loyola offers an extensive array of clinics addressing diverse legal fields, including Juvenile Justice Clinic, Project for the Innocent, Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic, Employment Rights Clinic, State Income Tax Clinic, Shriver Landlord Tenant Clinic and many more. Through these immersive experiences, students gain critical skills such as client advocacy, courtroom litigation, negotiation, mediation, investigative research, and ethical decision-making. More importantly, these clinics cultivate empathy, reinforce ethical principles, and instill a profound sense of responsibility toward social justice.

Beyond the clinical setting, Loyola proudly offers three distinguished law reviews: the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review, International and Comparative Law Review, and Entertainment Law Review. Participation in these scholarly journals sharpens students’ analytical and writing abilities, preparing them for influential roles within the legal profession and academia.

Furthermore, Loyola’s Byrne Trial Advocacy Team and Moot Court program provide transformative experiences, allowing students to master trial and appellate advocacy through rigorous competitions and simulations. These programs are vital in developing persuasive advocacy skills, courtroom confidence, and practical expertise essential for future legal practitioners.

To encourage student engagement and awareness of these enriching opportunities, Loyola regularly hosts experiential fairs, where students can directly interact with faculty, current participants, and alumni. These fairs help students explore and identify the best opportunities tailored to their interests and career aspirations.

Choosing Loyola means investing in an education that not only equips students with superior practical skills but also prepares them as ethical leaders committed to making meaningful differences in society. Graduates of Loyola Law School leave with the confidence, compassion, and professional acumen needed to excel and lead in the ever-evolving legal landscape.

 

Networking in law school can feel awkward.  You know it’s important, but reaching out to busy judges and lawyers, professors, or alumni can seem intimidating.  If you’re shy or worry about being a nuisance, you’re not alone.  The good news?  Networking isn’t about schmoozing—it’s about building real connections.  And you can do it.

The first step is shifting your mindset.  Instead of thinking, I’m bothering them, remind yourself: people love helping students.  Lawyers, judges, and professors were once in your shoes, and many want to pay it forward.  A respectful email or message isn’t an intrusion—it’s an opportunity for them to share wisdom.  And if they don’t respond?  No harm done!

If you’re shy, start small.  Attend office hours, join student organizations, and connect with classmates—networking isn’t just with attorneys; your peers will be colleagues one day.  Once you build confidence in these settings, reaching out to professionals will feel much more natural.

Loyola has provided numerous opportunities to connect with professionals and explore different areas of law.  From panel discussions to guest speaker lectures, these events have been invaluable in gaining insight into the profession.  Attending networking receptions, career fairs, and student organization events has allowed me to meet attorneys in my field of interest and establish connections that will undoubtedly benefit my career.  One of the most memorable experiences was attending the Latina Lawyers Bar Association Scholarship and Installation Dinner, where I met Chief Justice Guerrero and connected with Loyola alumni.  Another incredible opportunity was attending the Los Angeles County Bar Association Bench Meets Bar event for young lawyers, where I had the chance to meet United States District Judge Birotte.  He invited me and another young attorney I met at the event to sit in on hearings and visit his chambers, an experience that reinforced just how important it is to take initiative.  While Loyola offers great networking opportunities, the most meaningful connections come from stepping outside of your comfort zone.  Don’t wait for opportunities—seek them out.  Reach out to attorneys you admire, attend events on your own, and pave your own path.  The more you put yourself out there, the more doors you will open.

Networking isn’t about perfecting small talk or collecting business cards—it’s about showing up, being curious, and building relationships that will shape your career.  Every conversation, every event, every email you send is a step toward your future.  You never know which opportunity will change your path, so take the leap, bet on yourself, and embrace the journey.  The connections you make today could be the ones that open doors tomorrow.  You got this.

 

Networking is often described as the lifeblood of a successful legal career, and at LMU Loyola Law School, networking opportunities abound. Loyola doesn’t just teach the law—it actively connects students to a thriving community of alumni, legal professionals, and industry leaders, offering pathways that go far beyond the classroom.

One of the greatest advantages Loyola provides is its strong and supportive alumni network. Graduates of Loyola are prominent across various fields, from litigation and transactional law to public interest and government roles. Regular alumni panels, mixers, and mentorship programs allow current students to engage directly with experienced attorneys who share insights, advice, and even open doors to internships and job opportunities.

Student organizations at LMU Loyola Law School are another vital resource for networking. Groups like the Real Estate Law Society, Business Law Society, and Trial Lawyers Association host events tailored specifically toward building connections within their specialty areas. Participation in these organizations can help students find mentors, understand industry trends, and establish professional relationships that can last a lifetime.

Additionally, Loyola’s Career Development Office provides critical networking opportunities by hosting events such as the Law Firm Reception and Public Interest Reception. These receptions allow students to interact directly with prospective employers, learn about summer opportunities, and build meaningful connections. Loyola also facilitates on-campus interviews for summer positions, streamlining the job search process for students. Personally, I found my 1L summer job through connections made at the Law Firm Reception, highlighting the practical value of these networking opportunities.

Furthermore, Loyola frequently hosts professional development workshops and seminars that focus on practical skills like interviewing, resume building, and negotiation. These events often feature practitioners from prestigious firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. By attending, students not only acquire essential skills but also network with potential employers and colleagues.

Networking isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about developing a professional identity and finding mentors who can guide you throughout your career. At Loyola, the importance of these relationships is deeply understood and actively facilitated. Whether through alumni events, student organizations, career receptions, or professional workshops, the opportunities to connect are endless, making networking an integral part of the Loyola experience.

By taking advantage of these resources, students don’t merely prepare for their first jobs; they lay the groundwork for long-term professional growth and success. Loyola Law School truly emphasizes that your career begins the moment you step onto campus.