Leslie Ridgeway
Stories by Leslie Ridgeway:
USC Gould School of Law announces new Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Innovative undergraduate degree provides comprehensive foundation in law and legal infrastructure.
USC Gould professor testifies before Senate committee about ‘dark money’ and disclosures
Abby Wood provides expert testimony on transparency and accountability in the courts.

USC Gould announces $13 million contribution from alumnus Richard Chernick
The gift — the largest single contribution in the law school’s 122-year history — will support the school’s building fund endowment.

Barbara Bice celebrated for transformative $2 million estate gift
Event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum honors the educator, philanthropist and community leader.

Southern California law collaborative wins statewide diversity award
The joint project by USC Gould and partner schools is recognized for outstanding efforts in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion within the law field.

Data study uncovers inequities in U.S. citizenship process
USC Gould Professor Emily Ryo shines light on how race, gender and religion affect the naturalization process.

USC Gould students’ work influences formation of UN panel examining systemic racism
The students’ submission included more than 40 recommendations for dealing with systemic racism in U.S. law enforcement.
Joyous celebration marks law students’ bar admission ceremony
Results indicated a 94% pass rate for USC Gould alums taking the California bar exam, placing the law school in the top three in the state.

New assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at USC Gould envisions a path to healing
Nickey Woods brings a background in educational psychology to the new position.

USC Gould sets records for diversity and quality of incoming law students
Women continue to make up a growing portion of 1L students at the law school, which marked its most selective acceptance rate ever in 2021.

As Raiders CEO-turned-TV analyst, Amy Trask leans on lessons learned at USC
The USC Gould alum and first female CEO in NFL history now finds herself raising formal objections on CBS Sports.
International Human Rights Clinic students win prestigious fellowships
Nicholas Maisel and Morgan Brock-Smith have been invited as judicial fellows by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Appeals Chamber/Presidency, starting in August.

USC Gould to offer unique course focused on race in the legal system
“Race, Racism and the Law” is a first-of-its-kind required course among top law schools.

$1 million gift from USC Gould alum provides scholarship support
David Howard and his wife, Susan, have established a new scholarship primarily for students who self-identify as the first in their family to graduate from college and pursue an advanced degree.

USC Gould’s Post-Conviction Justice Project inspires — and gets results
After 40 years, the influential program has led the way in parole reform, shaped legislation and policies, and created second chances for incarcerated women and youths.

USC Gould’s Access to Justice Practicum plays key role in DMV ruling
Students gain important career experience working on a high-profile case involving suspended driver licenses.

Legal research task force aims to assist small businesses with COVID-19 questions
The USC Gould project offers law students the opportunity to help small businesses that are unclear about evolving health and safety guidelines.

USC Gould to participate in six-school digital discussion series on legal education
Deans and admissions leaders from six law schools will discuss topics ranging from navigating the application process to diversity in the legal profession. The first panel will be held on Aug. 27.

Partnership expands career horizons for people with disabilities
USC Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy and Ethics supports scholars with mental health challenges by partnering with national mentorship program.

USC’s Jody Armour champions the rise of the ‘progressive prosecutor’ movement
The law professor makes a forceful case for change with regard to mass incarceration and systemic racism.

USC Gould receives $1 million scholarship endowment to enhance diversity among law students
The Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Scholarship aims to attract a more diverse student body and ultimately expand access to the legal profession.

Law student devotes herself to L.A.’s most vulnerable residents
Ricca Prasad responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating the Supply Skid Row initiative and tapping the very willing USC Gould community for financial assistance.

$2 million gift supports the work of USC Gould’s Public Interest Law Foundation
The gift — from educator, philanthropist and community leader Barbara Bice — allows the school to further encourage its students to pursue public interest legal careers.

Professor argues for victims’ rights in international court hearing
Hannah Garry addressed the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court last month on behalf of victims of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.