Experiential learning has been one of the most meaningful parts of my law school journey. Last summer, I worked at Kabateck LLP, and I am currently continuing my work there during the school year. I will also be returning this upcoming summer. Securing this position involved networking, refining my resume and writing samples, and utilizing Loyola’s Career Development Office resources. Loyola’s guidance and strong professional network played a key role in helping me obtain and maintain this opportunity.

At Kabateck LLP, I have gained hands on litigation experience, including legal research, drafting memoranda, assisting with case strategy, and observing how attorneys advocate for clients. Being involved in active cases has strengthened my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of how legal doctrine operates in real situations. It has also reinforced the importance of preparation, professionalism, and client communication.

Experiential learning offers benefits that go beyond the classroom. It builds confidence, sharpens writing and advocacy skills, and exposes students to the realities of legal practice. Working in a firm setting has helped me better understand litigation strategy, teamwork, and the pace of real world legal work.

I have selected the Civil Litigation and Advocacy concentration, which aligns closely with my firm experience. Courses like Trial Advocacy and Evidence complement my work and allow me to immediately apply what I learn. I have truly enjoyed the concentration because it provides both doctrinal depth and practical skill development.

Overall, Loyola has supported my growth by connecting classroom learning with real world experience, preparing me to step into practice with confidence.

If I knew during my first year of law school what I know now, I would have approached 1L with a little more intention and a lot more grace. While the workload and pressure felt overwhelming at times, experience has taught me that success in law school is less about perfection and more about strategy, consistency, and balance.

One of the biggest things I would do differently is focus earlier on understanding how to study for law school exams, rather than trying to master every reading in isolation. During 1L, it is easy to get caught up in briefing cases line by line and equating time spent with effectiveness. Looking back, I wish I had prioritized outlining sooner and spent more time practicing how to apply the law in exam-style hypotheticals. Law school exams reward issue spotting and analysis, not memorization, and that is something that becomes clearer with experience.

Perhaps the most important advice I wish I had known sooner is to stop comparing myself to everyone else. Law school creates a constant stream of visible achievement, and it is easy to assume that everyone else has it figured out. In reality, most students are navigating the same uncertainty. Focusing on your own progress, rather than someone else’s, allows you to learn more effectively and protect your confidence.

If I could give one piece of advice to incoming 1Ls, it would be this: treat law school like a marathon, not a sprint. Build sustainable habits, trust your process, and remember that growth often happens quietly. With time, clarity comes, and what once felt overwhelming becomes manageable.

Rankings or outcomes often measure the value of a law degree, but my experience at Loyola has shown me that its true value is built day by day through effort, connection, and community. How hard you work, how deeply you engage with the material, and how willing you are to invest in the people around you ultimately shape what you take away from law school.

One of the things I appreciate most about Loyola is the sense of support that exists both inside and outside the classroom. Faculty members are genuinely invested in their students, not just as future lawyers but as people. Professors are approachable, open to questions, and willing to share their own experiences in practice, which makes learning feel grounded and real. Those small moments, stopping by office hours, receiving thoughtful feedback, or having a professor remember your interests, make a lasting impact.

Equally meaningful are the connections formed with fellow students. Law school can be demanding, but Loyola fosters an environment where collaboration is encouraged. Whether it is studying together, sharing outlines, or simply checking in on one another during stressful weeks, there is a strong sense that students want to see each other succeed. That culture has made even the most challenging moments feel manageable.

What makes Loyola unique is its balance of rigor and humanity. The emphasis on advocacy, ethics, and service consistently reinforces the idea that being a good lawyer also means being a thoughtful and responsible one. Through clinics, student organizations, and classroom discussions, Loyola encourages students to find purpose in their work and to think about the broader impact of the law.

For prospective students, Loyola is a place where effort is recognized, voices are valued, and relationships matter. It is a school that challenges you while also supporting you, and that combination has made my experience here both meaningful and memorable.

Choosing my second and third year electives felt like one of the first moments in law school where I had real control over shaping my legal education. After completing the foundational first year curriculum, I wanted my upper-level courses to reflect both my interests and the direction I hope to take in my legal career.

Since my summer at Kabateck LLP, my interest in litigation has grown significantly. That experience gave me firsthand exposure to the strategic and advocacy-focused nature of litigation, which ultimately led me to pursue the Civil Litigation and Advocacy concentration. With that goal in mind, I have been intentional about enrolling in the required elective courses that fulfill the concentration requirements. Courses centered on trial practice, motion writing, and litigation strategy felt like natural extensions of what initially drew me to law school and have helped bridge the gap between doctrine and real-world advocacy.

At the same time, I have been deliberate about balancing my concentration requirements with bar-related courses. While developing depth in litigation is important to me, I am also mindful that bar preparation requires a strong grasp of foundational subjects. As a result, I have prioritized electives that overlap with tested bar topics so that I can reinforce those core areas now rather than relying solely on post-graduation bar preparation. This approach has helped me feel more confident and prepared moving forward.

When people ask how my exams went, the most honest answer is complicated. Law school exams are never just about how much you studied. They are about endurance, strategy, and managing pressure in a way I had never experienced before. This round of exams felt slightly different though. Not easier, but more familiar. I understood the rhythm of exam season better. I knew when to push and when to step back. That alone felt like progress.

My last exam was Evidence, and the very next day I was back at work. While winter break is often described as a time to fully unplug, returning to work was actually something I was looking forward to. Being back in a professional environment reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. I enjoy learning from the attorneys I work with, seeing how the law operates outside the classroom, and continuing to grow through hands on experience. In many ways, going back to work felt grounding rather than exhausting.

Being 1.5 years into law school feels like standing at a strange midpoint. I am no longer new, but I am far from done. Law school has changed me in ways I did not fully expect. For the better, it has sharpened how I think. I am more confident in my ability to analyze complex problems and advocate for a position, even when the answer is unclear. I trust myself more under pressure. I also understand my limits better and have learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is strategy.

At the same time, law school can be consuming. It has a way of turning everything into an internal critique. It can make productivity feel like self worth and make rest feel undeserved. I have had to become more intentional about separating who I am from how I perform on an exam or in a single class.

Balancing school with work has helped me keep perspective. It reminds me that law school is part of my journey, not the entirety of it. At this midpoint, I feel more resilient, more self aware, and more certain that I am capable of handling challenge and growth at the same time.

Law school is not just teaching me how to be a lawyer. It is teaching me how to show up consistently, learn from the people around me, and keep moving forward even when things feel demanding. At 1.5 years in, that lesson feels just as important as anything I have learned from a casebook.

Hi everyone! My name is Lia Shirvanian, and I’m so excited to return as a writer for Jury of Peers. I’m now a second-year law student at Loyola Law School, and this year already feels completely different from my first.

During my 1L year, I was still figuring out what kind of lawyer I wanted to be. I explored different areas of law, from business to real estate, but my summer at Kabateck LLP, a civil litigation firm, helped me realize that this is where my passion truly lies. I loved being in an environment where I could see the real impact of advocacy, strategy, and client trust in action.

Now as a 2L, I feel more confident and grounded. I’m on the board of the Day Student Bar Association, Legal Education Access and Development (LEAD), and the Armenian Law Students Association. Through these roles, I’ve had the chance to help build community, organize events, and create opportunities for pre-law and current law students to connect and grow.

Outside of law school, I’m still the same person who loves baking, building Legos, and camping with friends and family. But I’ve also grown in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve learned how to balance chaos with calm, how to say yes to opportunities that challenge me, and how to say no when I need rest.

Some of the things on my bucket list this year are to attend my first jury trial from start to finish and visit Japan.

Law school changes you, but in the best way. It teaches you resilience, empathy, and patience. I’m grateful to keep sharing this journey with all of you and can’t wait to see where this year takes us.

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.

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 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.

Legal writing is a fundamental part of the 1L experience, providing students with essential skills in research, analysis, and advocacy. At Loyola Law School, the Legal Writing course is a mandatory part of the curriculum, designed to prepare students for the realities of legal practice. Throughout the year, students engage in rigorous writing assignments, learning how to craft legal arguments with clarity and precision under the guidance of experienced writing professors.

During the first semester, students focus on predictive legal writing, developing objective memos that analyze legal issues. This phase helps them understand how to structure their analysis, apply case law, and communicate effectively in a legal setting. The transition into the second semester marks a shift toward persuasive writing, where students are assigned to represent either the plaintiff or the defense in a case. Dividing the class into opposing sides allows students to explore both perspectives of a legal argument, challenging them to think critically and anticipate counterarguments.

One of the most significant assignments in the second semester is drafting a legal brief. Students must research relevant legal principles, construct persuasive arguments, and refine their writing to meet professional standards. Professors provide detailed feedback throughout the process, emphasizing the importance of strong legal reasoning, clear organization, and effective advocacy. This stage of the course not only strengthens students’ writing skills but also prepares them for the final component of the class—oral arguments.

As the culmination of the Legal Writing course, students participate in oral arguments, presenting their case before a judge. This experience mirrors real-world legal advocacy, requiring students to think quickly, respond to tough questions, and defend their position with confidence. Standing before a judge and arguing a case is a pivotal moment in the first year of law school, reinforcing the importance of preparation, clarity, and professionalism.

Once oral arguments conclude, students celebrate the completion of their 1L Legal Writing course with a reception recognizing their hard work and progress. This final event marks the end of a challenging but rewarding journey, highlighting the growth that each student has achieved over the year. Mastering legal writing is a critical step in becoming an effective attorney, and the skills gained in this course provide a strong foundation for future academic and professional success. For many students, this class is one of the most transformative aspects of law school, equipping them with the tools they will use throughout their legal careers.