Name: Chris Dibbern
Legal interests: Civil litigation.
Bachelor’s degree:B.A., Political Science, California State University Fullerton, 2008.
Hometown: Whittier, Calif.
Dream job: Attorney General.
Quote: Jerry Seinfeld said a lawyer is basically the person that knows the rules of the country. We’re all throwing the dice, playing the game, moving our pieces around the board, but if there is a problem, the lawyer is the only person who has read the inside top of the box. I am learning to read the inside top of the box very well at USD.
1) What made you decide to come to USD School of Law?
Close enough to my family and friends both in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, but far enough away to be able to concentrate on the challenges of law school. The weather and natural beauty of San Diego were definitely big factors, too.
2) During your first week here, what was one of the first things that impressed you?
The camaraderie of the students. While the students are forced to fight it out for grades, they still manage to be great friends with each other.
3) What activities have you been involved in at USD School of Law?
I have joined the St. Thomas More Society and will co-chair the club this coming year. I have started a radio talk show, The Chris Dibbern Report, on the school’s internet radio station, usdradio.org. I have played intramural sports including USD’s own Thursday night tradition, coed softball. I have given tours to prospective students. I’ve been active with the Graduate Student Council. At USD there’s always something to do, and I definitely took advantage of that.
4) How hard is law school? Is it more or less work than you thought?
Law school requires more work than I have ever done in my life. That being said, I have had much more time to relax and enjoy my time here than I initially thought. Law school definitely requires a unique combination of brains, work ethic, and time management. I think I’m slowly getting used to it.
5) What is the best thing that has happened to you here at law school?
Simply, the overall experience here at USD School of Law. I’ve made many new friends, learned lots of new things, but most importantly, I’ve taken that first step towards becoming an attorney.
6) What is some of your previous professional experience? How did that experience help you decide to go to law school?
I have worked in the wireless, beverage, and grocery industries. On the one hand, these work experiences have allowed me to step into the shoes of the plaintiff in a torts case. On the other hand, they have taught me that success doesn’t come easy, but with hard work and a little ingenuity, it’s not impossible. Most importantly, these experiences have allowed me to believe that I can make positive change in this world through my study of law.
7) What advice would you give to a prospective student? What things might you have done differently?
I would tell them law school is like nothing they’ve ever done before. The law is like a new language. Learning this new language will at first be very difficult, but once you get the hang of it, it’s very rewarding. If I could do things differently, I probably would have managed my time a little better to avoid the inevitable time crunch that came with finals.
