Arash Ebrahimi, Class of 2011
Legal interests: Constitutional law, criminal defense, and civil litigation
Bachelor’s degree: BA Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 2003
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Dream job: Judge
Quote: USD provides a professional and cutting-edge atmosphere for students to study and gain hands-on experience in the law.
1) What made you decide to come to USD School of Law?
When I was deciding whether or not to apply for law school, I sat in on a class at the USD School of Law to see if it was a good fit for me. It was after that class that I knew not only that I wanted to go to law school, but that I wanted to attend USD.
2) During your first week here, what was one of the first things that impressed you?
How helpful and friendly my fellow first-year classmates were. Coming to law school you hear horror stories about people who hide books and the competition for grades. While there is always a healthy competitive spirit that should run through any law school, this spirit never got in the way of helping each other out, giving encouragement and, most importantly, it never got in the way of friendships.
3) What activities have you been involved in at USD School of Law?
It is important to balance the workload of the first year with other activities. I regularly attend meetings for a couple of clubs and volunteer my time with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Association. I also get together weekly with friends and discuss current legal topics in the news.
4) How hard is law school? Is it more or less work than you thought?
The first year, and really, first semester of law school is like watching a movie, that's half way finished, in a different language … without subtitles. And then having to write a summary of that movie for your entire grade. The first year is challenging; the reading is intense but once you get used to the language and nuance, it not only becomes doable but also exciting.
5) What is the best thing that has happened to you here at law school?
Learning that legal advocacy is my passion.
6) What is some of your previous professional experience? How did that experience help you decide to go to law school?
For five years I worked in the field of public health, specifically with underserved and underrepresented communities. It was working with those groups that first introduced me to advocacy. After several years, I realized I wanted a more active role as an advocate and wanted to challenge myself to do so. Becoming a lawyer is that challenge.
7) What advice would you give to a prospective student? What things might you have done differently?
My advice would be: don't be too intimidated by the first year of law school. While law school is difficult, there is no need capitulate yourself. If you have battled through the LSAT, through the law school application and have decided to attend law school, then you have the patience and determination that is required for the first year.
