MOMENTUM
UCLA Law Hosts Screening of “12 Months” Documentary is based on the generosity of Tony Tolbert, UCLA Law’s new director of student learning environment and academic affairs TONY TOLBERT
In April, UCLA School of Law hosted a screening of “12 Months,” a documentary based on an incredible act of kindness by Tony Tolbert, newly appointed director of student learning environment and academic affairs and an adjunct lecturer at the law school. In 2012, at the age of 50, Tolbert moved back in with his mother in order to rent his three-bedroom, fully furnished Los Angeles home for $1 per month for a year to a family in need. The film is told through the eyes of a single mother and her four children—the second family to live in Tolbert’s house—who had been living in transitional housing at Alexandria House after falling behind on rent. The story puts a personal face on homelessness and shows the impact of Tolbert’s gesture on this family. Tolbert credits his parents with instilling in him a commitment to giving back. His father, a prominent entertainment attorney who passed away in 2013, would often bring home people who were down on their luck and offer them a seat at the Tolberts’ dinner table or a place to stay. The specific idea to give up his house came from an article Tolbert read about a family in Atlanta who sold their home, downsized to a house half its size and donated more than $800,000 to charity. “Everyone has something that they can do to help others,” Tolbert said. “This was just one small way that I was able to make
the world better for someone else.” A fourth family is now living in Tolbert’s house, and his story continues to resonate. In addition to the documentary, he has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, CBS News and People magazine, and his generosity has inspired others to follow suit. Tolbert was also recently honored as a Local Hero by KCET. In addition, Tolbert makes a difference in the lives of UCLA Law students and prospective students in his role at the law school. For nearly 14 years, he co-directed the Law Fellows Program, a pipeline-building initiative that is designed to increase diversity and access in legal education. In his new position, Tolbert will engage in student counseling and academic advising, and he will help develop comprehensive strategies to strengthen professionalism, cultural effectiveness, community and wellness. Additionally, he will continue teaching Street Law, a clinic that allows students to teach law in various high schools throughout the Los Angeles area. “I have been very fortunate to grow up in an amazing family, have incredible educational opportunities and a rewarding career. But being able to use my good fortune in the service of others represents the true meaning of success for me,” he said.
S.J.D. Graduate Receives Notable International Law Fellowship Yang Liu ’14 was selected to the International Court of Justice
(ICJ) University Traineeship Program, one of the world’s most prestigious international law fellowships. He is the first student from UCLA Law to be admitted to the program. Liu will spend a year as a clerk to two IJC judges at the Peace Palace in The Hague, where his duties will include drafting various documents and opinions and researching the wide variety of legal issues presented to the court.
While at UCLA Law, Liu has served as an articles editor of the Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs, a research assistant and a member of the UCLA Student Conduct Committee. He was previously a visiting researcher at Harvard Law School, from which he holds an LL.M. degree. He received both his undergraduate degree and law degree from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
UCLA LAW MAGAZINE
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