dean’s message This issue of USC Law Magazine highlights the significant scholarly achievements of our students, alumni and faculty. However, it also comes at a time of important world events. In light of these challenging times, I want to
begin by acknowledging the difficulties faced and the hurt felt by many within our Gould Trojan Family. I’ve long felt that the strength of our community lies in its commitment to one another. As we strive to advance our educational mission and promote our unifying values, we also strive to ensure a safe, supportive environment in which everyone can learn and work. In many ways, this fall was a historic one for the law school. We welcomed our largestever new faculty cohort, with nine award-winning scholars. Our newest professors include American Law Institute fellows; leading researchers in areas such as artificial intelligence, antidiscrimination law and property law; an author of one of the most cited law review articles of all time; and renowned national experts in student success. I invite you to read more about all of our new faculty in this magazine. For the fifth consecutive year, we proudly welcomed an incoming JD class that set new records of academic achievement, having entered with the highest median LSAT and GPA scores in Gould history. The 1L class is also our most diverse on record. Among the other stories in our Feature section: Professor Emeritus Rob Saltzman funded a new internship for students interested in LGBTQ+ civil rights and advocacy; Ron Martinetti ( JD 1982), along with his wife, established a scholarship to honor influential Professor Allan Axelrod; Albert Mour (BS 1955, JD 1958) endowed a scholarship to help generations of USC Gould students in their pursuit of a legal education; an opera based on the life and work of Professor Elyn Saks addresses mental health stigma; and the Center for Transnational Law and Business hosted a panel at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
the fifth consecutive year, we proudly welcomed “ Fanorincoming JD class that set new records of academic achievement, having entered with the highest median LSAT and GPA scores in Gould history. ” In addition to the articles about our nine new professors, Faculty Focus spotlights the Fulbright Senior Scholar grant for Professor Dan Klerman to conduct research in Israel, the recent national awards for Professor Scott Altman and Professor Marcela Prieto, and the impactful career of Professor Emerita Sue Wright, who has shaped and mentored countless students in the Academic Success Program. In our USC Law Family section, you can read about four Gould alumni entrepreneurs who are using their law degrees to propel their ambitions in business. Further, this issue also includes tributes to honor the inspiring memories of the late Professor Emeritus W. David Slawson, as well as alumna and trailblazer Ruth J. Lavine (LLB 1943). As we look ahead to a new year and close the book on this past one, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy and joyous holiday season.
Interim Dean Franita Tolson George T. and Harriet E. Pfleger Chair in Law