Reception Highlights USF Diversity Efforts

Raymond Marshall, partner at Bingham McCutchen LLP, civil rights advocate, and former president of both the California State Bar and the Bar Association of San Francisco, welcomed the students, alumni, faculty, and staff in attendance.

Dean Jeffrey Brand said the diversity of the current class is impressive. The entering 2011–2012 JD class is comprised of 42 percent students of color and 52 percent women.

Referring to former student Jophiel Phillips, who received the Pursuit of Justice Award upon graduating in 2011, Brand said “This is not just numbers or theory or studies. How many Jophiels are out there who we can influence and in whose life we can make a difference.”

Members of the USF School of Law Student Bar Association’s Diversity Committee shared their perspectives on the USF student experience, while Bambo Obaro ’09, associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, spoke about his career path and how he kept motivated despite the daunting job market that he faced following graduation.

The Office of Career Planning, Dean’s Office, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and Student Bar Association sponsored the event.