Academic Success Fellows

Brennan Edwards

Section A/E
Professor Lee - Criminal Law

Brennan attended the University of San Diego for his undergraduate degree, Majoring in Political Science with a Minor in International Relations. This year, Brennan worked at Dividend Finance as an in-house general counsel extern, and as a research assistant for Professor Mary Jo Wiggins. Brennan is a native San Diegan and loves the outdoors, including surfing, hiking, and golf.

Chris Giuffre

Section A
Professor Smith - Torts

Chris is a 2nd year student in the JD/MAPJ Dual Degree Program. Originally from Chico, CA, Chris completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science, with a focus on Global Politics, at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He then taught English in Santiago, Chile. This summer, Chris worked at Casa Cornelia Law Center within their Children's Program, and he is actively involved in Representatives for Youth in Academic Affairs at USD School of Law. Chris is passionate about international law and thinking through creative ways to combat injustice throughout our world. He believes in a love and peace-centered approach to enable each person to feel accepted and empowered.

Christy Goudmanis

Section C
Professor Miller - Civil Procedure

Christy is a second-year law student from San Diego, CA. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Arizona State University. She is interested in Intellectual Property law (more specifically Patent Law). Over the summer, Christy was supposed to be a summer associate at Knobbe Martens, but unfortunately due to COVID it was cancelled. However, she is excited to return this summer. At USD, Christy is a member of the San Diego International Law Journal, IPLA, and Woman’s Law Caucus. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and working out.

Kevin Holt

Section C
Professor Cole - Criminal Law

Kevin is a 3L and graduated from USD with a degree in International Relations. After his 1L year, he interned for the California Attorney General’s Office in the Fraud and Special Prosecution division. He also served as a Research Assistant for Professor Mike Ramsey. After his 2L year, he interned with the Department of Justice. Prior to Law School, Kevin served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Kevin Oberlies

Section A
Professor Sohoni - Civil Procedure

Kevin is a third-year law student from outside of Philadelphia, PA. Before USD Law, Kevin attended the University of Virginia where he received his B.A. in Economics and Classics. During his first-year summer, Kevin worked as a law clerk for Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo where he conducted legal research for the firm. In his second-year summer, Kevin worked in La Jolla for Blanchard, Krasner & French in various legal practices. He is also a researcher for Professor Michael Rappaport. Kevin is a member of the VICAM Team. In his free time, Kevin enjoys biking, playing basketball, and going to the beach.

Lily Purqurian

Section B
Professor McGowan - Torts

Lily returned home to San Diego for law school after studying at Boston University and Sciences Po in Paris. She is currently externing for Judge Schopler with the Southern District of California and will be working on transactional IP work with Sanford-Burnham Prebys this Fall. She is a member of the San Diego Law Review, Moot Court, and VICAM and serves as the Treasurer for the Middle Eastern Law Students Association. Previously, she worked for Quinn Emanuel.

Ashley Snook

Section B
Professor Dripps - Criminal Law

Ashley is a second-year law student interested in criminal law and family law. She spent most of her 1L year volunteering at a restraining order clinic through the Legal Aid Society of San Diego and she is currently working as a Research Assistant for the Center for Public Interest Law. Prior to law school, Ashley attended California State University San Bernardino and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Administration with a concentration in Finance.

Minh Hieu Vu

Section B
Professor Miller - Civil Procedure

Minh Hieu Vu is a second-year student from the Bay Area. She is the first person in her family to attend law school. This summer, Minh Hieu served as a judicial extern at the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. She previously worked as a Law Clerk for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego where she assisted attorneys in the Consumer Protection Division. Minh Hieu serves on the Board of Pro Bono Legal Advocates (PBLA) and Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and is a member of the San Diego Law Review. Before starting law school, Minh Hieu served as an elementary school teacher in San Jose, CA. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego in Political Science and teaching credential with Loyola Marymount University. 

Allison Washburn

Section C/E
Professor Wonnell - Torts

Allison is a second year law student from Bristow, VA. She graduated with her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. This summer Allison worked at the USD Women’s Legal Clinic. She will continue working at the clinic this Fall as a Certified Law Student, making appearances in Family Court and Probate Court. In her free time, Allison enjoys going to the beach with her dog Charlie.