One of the most valuable aspects of law school is the opportunity to build relationships with faculty members who are not only brilliant legal minds but also supportive mentors. At Loyola Law School, I’ve had the chance to connect with faculty in different ways—through office hours, extracurricular activities, and casual conversations outside of class.

Office hours have been invaluable, not just for clarifying tough legal concepts but for engaging in deeper conversations about career paths and the evolving landscape of the legal field. Professors take the time to listen, challenge our thinking, and offer insights that go beyond textbooks.

Beyond the classroom, faculty members are actively involved in student organizations and professional development programs. As a Business Law Fellow, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professors who bring real-world experience into their mentorship, helping students navigate career opportunities in corporate law.

What I appreciate most about Loyola’s faculty is their approachability and investment in student success. They don’t just see us as students—they see us as future colleagues, and that mindset makes a huge difference. Whether it’s offering practical career advice, connecting students with networking opportunities, or simply encouraging us to think critically, their impact extends far beyond the classroom.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to fellow students, it’s to take advantage of these opportunities to connect with professors. You never know when a conversation in office hours or a mentorship moment in a student organization will shape your academic experience and career path in ways you never expected.

Law school is demanding, but it’s also an experience shaped by the effort you put in, the connections you make, and the way you share your journey. As I navigate my legal education, I’ve come to appreciate not just the academic rigor, but the unique qualities that make Loyola stand out.

What I appreciate most about my time at Loyola Law School is the strong sense of community and support that sets it apart. Law school can be competitive, but at Loyola, I’ve found an environment where students genuinely uplift each other, sharing resources, forming study groups, and celebrating each other’s successes. The faculty adds to this by being more than just professors; they are mentors who take the time to know their students and guide them beyond the classroom.

What makes Loyola unique is its emphasis on practical experience. Through clinics, externships, and fellowships students gain hands-on legal training early on. The school’s strong ties to the legal community in Los Angeles also create incredible opportunities to learn and grow outside of campus.

Diversity is another defining aspect of Loyola. The wide range of backgrounds and perspectives enriches classroom discussions and prepares students for the realities of legal practice. It is an environment that nurtures both intellectual and personal development.

Ultimately, Loyola offers more than just a legal education. It cultivates a supportive community, meaningful mentorship, and real-world training that shape not only skilled attorneys but well-rounded professionals.

Law school is notorious for its rigor, and exam seasons can feel like an uphill battle. But one of the most important tools at your disposal isn’t a casebook or flashcards—it’s your peers.

Study groups are a favorite among many students. They offer opportunities to break down complex legal concepts, quiz each other on the nuances of the Model Penal Code, or even brainstorm creative arguments for mock cases. These collaborative sessions deepen your understanding of the material and give you a sense of camaraderie during the often isolated grind of studying.

Beyond academics, your peers provide an invaluable support system. Whether it’s offering advice, providing moral support through tough moments, or celebrating the little wins, your classmates can quickly become a second family in law school.

Leaning on my peers has made all the difference. I’ve found study groups to be invaluable, not just for reviewing material, but for building connections with classmates who are in the same boat. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a few, and they’ve turned into both academic and emotional lifelines.

Showing up to events, whether it’s a casual study session or a school gathering, has also been crucial. I’ve built relationships with people who not only help me understand difficult concepts but also offer support during the toughest moments. My classmates have become my go-to source of motivation and encouragement, and they’ve become such a crucial part of my law school experience through the highs and lows.

If you haven’t already, I’d recommend taking the time to invest in those connections. The relationships you build now could be what helps you not only survive but truly thrive in law school.

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.