Norvik Azarian '18 was able to apply his practical and academic skills in the Ninth Circuit Appellate Clinic at Loyola Law School.
Why did you decide to pursue law school, and how did Loyola's clinical offerings impact that decision?
I decided to pursue law school because of the unique dual opportunity it provides to better myself and better my community. Naturally, Loyola’s clinical offerings made the prospect of attending even more attractive because they could allow me to gain real-world practical skills by applying what I had learned from my courses.
How did your participation in your clinic make a difference in your Loyola education?
Two ways: The clinic allowed me to gain a practical education at Loyola, which is extremely useful and marketable. Also, I was able to take the advice I got about writing an appellate brief in the clinic and apply it to my Appellate Advocacy course to write a top-notch brief.
What has been the most memorable part of your experience?
Working with extremely talented individuals. The students in my clinic are all brilliant and it has been so rewarding to work with them. Also our Adjunct Professor, Martin Estrada of Munger Tolles & Olson, has been an amazing mentor.
What about your clinical experience surprised you?
Professor Mitchell has done an amazing job at creating a very collegial and supportive clinic. Professor Mitchell and Martin Estrada were there every step of the way to make sure I did the best job possible. This supportive environment leads to an optimal learning experience for students and the quality work for our clients.
How did it feel to put your classroom knowledge to work for clients?
The moment you realize that your work will be submitted to an actual court, rather than a professor, is surreal and heightens your sense of responsibility. It was a rush knowing that my work can potentially help our client achieve the results they wanted.
How has your clinical experience prepared you to be an attorney for others?
A real case or appeal is not like a law school final exam. There are real clients, real issues, and real results on the line. The clinic has taught me to consider these realities in working on live client matters in the future.
Finish this sentence: “If my time in the Loyola Pro Bono Ninth Circuit Clinic has taught me anything, it is ...
that Loyola stands ready to help its students gain the experience of practicing law and help the community in obtaining the representation that they otherwise could not get.”