Gilien Silsby
Gilien Silsby is the former director of media relations for USC Gould School of Law and former associate director of the USC News Service.
Stories by Gilien Silsby:

For inmates serving life terms, USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project sparks hope where none existed
Team including USC law students and legal experts educates and counsels life-term youth offenders about new laws that could mean a second chance.

First legal aid clinic for African refugees, started by USC professor, is still saving lives
After two decades, the clinic continues to help those who flee neighboring countries and represents them before the United Nations and Ugandan government.

USC law professor named Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar
In his new role, Dan Simon will deliver public lectures and take part in academic life at 80 universities.

Washington Post publisher and USC trustee inspires graduates at law school commencement
Alumnus Fred Ryan notes key responsibilities facing lawyers and journalists in the current “fake news” environment.

Gift supports USC Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy and Ethics
Doris Bry Trust donates $3 million to the institute created by USC Gould’s Elyn Saks, who changed the way society addresses mental illness.

First juvenile resentencing client released from prison gets second chance
USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project wins freedom for a man who spent more than half his life behind bars.

When a person is committed against their will: A legal and mental health labyrinth
USC Gould’s Elyn Saks joins with other top legal minds to discuss involuntary commitment to mental hospitals.

USC law professor launches nation’s first project on child witness testimony
Thomas Lyon will test his techniques in the field for the first time.

Free citizenship clinics a boon for people in local communities and on USC campuses
The university is also hosting a free 12-week prep course to help with civics and English tests.

Teen Court judges juvenile offenders with a jury of their peers — and gives them a second chance
USC Gould program in Boyle Heights offers high school students practical experience in criminal justice.

Professor’s brainchild evolves into highly respected legal clinic
Marking 10 years, USC’s Small Business Clinic offers free legal services to fledgling business owners.

USC law school’s Post-Conviction Justice Project fights the good fight — and frees clients
The high-stakes work of the 30-year-old program helps people serving life sentences.
Gift from Audrey M. Irmas supports new law professorship at USC Gould
Founder of Immigration Clinic to be installed as the Sydney M. and Audrey M. Irmas Endowed Clinical Professor.

USC Gould launches new public interest law certificate
The certificate prepares law students for possible careers in the nonprofit or government sectors.

USC launches new center to help businesses deal with global trade policies
The USC Center for Transnational Law and Business will be led by a former member of Gov. Brown’s administration.

In memoriam: Edwin ‘Rip’ Smith, 66
The renowned international and environmental policy attorney joined USC Gould School of Law in 1980.

USC law school’s bar passage rate ranks second in California
It’s a stellar showing for 2015, when only two-thirds of first-time takers made the grade.

Race, racism and the 13th Amendment
As the document abolishing slavery marks a major anniversary, a USC law professor recalls racial identity trials in U.S. courts.

Four films screened at USC focus on mental health challenges
The documentary Walking Man conveys hope for a better future.
USC Gould students shape a bill that becomes law
Ten Trojans accomplish a specific policy goal with legal ramifications for juveniles.

New law school dean brings entrepreneurial spirit to USC Gould
Andrew Guzman, the school’s first Latino dean, builds and achieves, taking on all challenges with a purpose.
Hope for those facing hopeless prison sentences
In a win for USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project, a juvenile offender serving life is released from jail.

Students double-down on job prospects — and interests — with dual majors
Combining separate tracks gives Trojans an edge, setting them apart from the field in a corporate environment.

New gift for USC Gould will educate the next generation of lawyers
The Judge Hollinger Alternative Dispute Resolution Program will prepare students for the field of arbitration and mediation.