IN BRIEF
ONE TO WATCH: KATIE MORAN 3L Katie Moran was drawn to USF School of Law for the experiential learning opportunities that are helping prepare her for a career as a district attorney. With her eye on litigation, she has participated in the Intensive Advocacy Program and won the Advocate of the Year Competition. She is an Academic Support Program tutor, a McAuliffe Honor Society member, and an Arthur C. Zief Jr. Scholarship recipient. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, she joined Teach for America and spent four years teaching special education at San Francisco’s Balboa High School. This past summer, she worked at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.
Did you dream of being a lawyer as a child? No, and here’s why: In fifth grade, all the girls in my class came with me to the Marin County Court House for Take Your Daughter to Work Day (none of the other girls had moms who worked). Back then, my mom—Judge Lynn Duryee ‘79—was managing a difficult criminal calendar. As I watched her as she engaged with lawyers, defendants, and police officers from the bench, I was simultaneously so proud of her and so terrified of her. She asked me what I thought afterwards and I replied, “Mom, you were really scary!” Little did I know, in her own mind, she’d been extra nice that day and smiled way more than usual.
What is one of your most memorable experiences at USF? Advocate of the Year Competition finals! Going up against one of my closest friends, Alex Taufer 3L, with all of our friends and family present was a rush.
How do you plan to use your law degree? I will be a post-bar law clerk at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office starting in August.
Which class has challenged you the most? The Intensive Advocacy Program was both grueling and incredible. Program Director Doris Cheng ’98 brought in a great faculty, and it was the hardest and most rewarding experience at USF. After completing my first trial at the close of the first week, I was certain that this was the type of work I wanted to do. We’re so lucky to have a program like that.
What is your favorite way to de-stress as a law student? I run in the Presidio almost every day before or after class and surf on Fridays in Pacifica.
Do you have a law school pet peeve? Talking in the library—except for when my friends do it.
What advice would you give new law students? Law school is a job—treat it as such. That means work hard from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and then go home and disconnect. Have a great meal with friends, exercise, and watch that show you’re embarrassed to admit you watch on Netflix. And then start your next day fresh at 8 a.m., ready to do it all again. n
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USF SCHOOL OF LAW