Exemplary 1L Students Join McAuliffe Honor Society

The honor society is named after USF alumnus Florence M. McAuliffe, who was a founding partner of the San Francisco law firm Heller Ehrman White and McAuliffe LLP.

The School of Law invites first-year students to join the honor society based on outstanding academic performance during their first semester of law school. A reception to induct and formally welcome students will take place in March.

Meet a few of our new McAuliffe Honor Society inductees:

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Anoosh Ali

Why USF Law?

There are so many reasons that led me to choose USF Law. Being in San Francisco, the school offers abundant opportunities, facilitated by professors and an extremely active alumni network who are deeply integrated into the legal community and committed to supporting students. USF offers excellent financial assistance without which a dream like law school for a student like me may not have been possible. And of course, the beautiful Lone Mountain building and views are the cherry on the top.

Tell us about your experience in law school thus far.

Many aspects of the JD program have made my journey so far enriching, memorable, and rewarding. Professors here engage with students, provide guidance, and offer support inside and outside the classroom. I always feel comfortable reaching out to them, whether I am seeking clarification on complex legal concepts or discussing career aspirations. The Office of Career Services' (OCS) proactive approach and commitment to assisting students with employment opportunities gives me confidence that I will have a job in hand every summer and when I graduate. OCS provided me with resources and individualized support ahead of critical application deadlines, setting me up for success in the competitive legal job market. The approachable and supportive research librarians’ invaluable expertise and willingness to help with both complex research and technology questions provide me with a comprehensive foundation for navigating legal information, tackling research projects, and combating information overload. Throughout the first year, starting with orientation, USF offers workshops that address aspiring lawyers’ practical needs, empowering and preparing us for the challenges ahead. Also, the school fosters a sense of community including through fun events like barbecues, holiday celebrations, and creative activities. These events provide much-needed breaks during stressful times in the semester and also help cultivate lasting friendships and a supportive network within the law school community.

Overall, what I appreciate most about the JD program is its holistic approach to legal education. While academically rigorous, it also prioritizes students’ personal well-being and professional development. The combination of approachable professors, proactive career services, supportive research librarians, practical skills workshops, and engaging extracurricular activities truly make my law school experience fulfilling and memorable.

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Nicholas Arody

Tell us about your time at USF Law. 

Law school has been a wonderful experience. Granted, at times, it has been difficult and the pressure has been high, but it is an incredible privilege to learn how to do this kind of work. Some of my best experiences have been walking around the lawn on the main campus and studying flashcards with my study group to prepare for midterms and finals, celebrating my peers as they move forward with their job searches for their 1L summer, and hearing the advice of sitting judges who came to speak to the 1L class.   

Although you still have a few years before graduation, what do you plan to do with your legal degree? 

My more immediate goal after graduation is to work in a big law firm and do corporate transactional work. Beyond being an advocate for others, I believe that will allow me to work with a wide-ranging group of people, as well as continue to learn and grow from the experiences of others. Given my desire to advocate for social justice issues, I intend to look for roles that provide significant opportunities for pro-bono work. In the long term, I hope to eventually become a judge where I can actively apply my passion for justice through fair and unbiased decision-making. 

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Isa Berardo

Why apply to law school?

I decided to pursue law school because I've always been drawn to the intricacies of the legal system and the potential it holds for effecting positive change. At my core, I’ve always been an advocate and am committed to challenging societal injustice. I want to be a lawyer who serves the people and communities I’m a part of and the communities I’m in solidarity with. Law school is an enormous privilege and I want to use this privilege to continue to challenge institutional injustices on both an individual and systemic level. I am hopeful that my law school journey is an opportunity to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Tell us about your experiences with USF faculty.

The faculty at USF have been incredible. I deeply appreciate how my professors make themselves accessible and take the time to ensure we have the skills and tools necessary to succeed. I particularly enjoyed taking Torts last semester with Professor Rudolph. He is beyond engaging and thoughtful in the classroom and challenged me to think critically and apply myself in ways that have been invaluable. He rightfully set high expectations for us as students and I feel grateful to have had him as a professor my first 1L semester.

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Nika Zupancic

Why did you decide to pursue a JD?

One of the catalysts was Brian Stevenson’s book “Just Mercy.” Mr. Stevenson made me see that everyone has a voice. It is our choice and our responsibility to use our voice for something bigger than ourselves. I knew I wanted to sharpen and train my voice in a way that would help people and make someone’s life better. Law school was the best path to do that. Being a lawyer allows you not just to amplify other people’s voices, but for them to borrow your voice, to convey their point as well. Most of the time it’s not pretty but it matters, and you are making a difference and fighting for something bigger than yourself.

Tell us about your professors.

The faculty at USF is amazing. It’s such a blessing to have so many diverse professors, each one special in their own way. Shout out to Professor Leo for posing mind-boggling hypothetical questions and making us laugh daily. Shout out to Professor Lah who listens to our emotional responses and helps us form them into legal arguments. Shout out to Professor Fishman for always bringing chocolate whenever we have a Bluebook Day, and always taking the time to help us sharpen our writing skills. Shout out to Professor Price for going through tens of finals with us and making sure we understand all the issues by spending hours with us during office hours. Shout out to Professor Moran, for making the law school transition easier, and for teaching us what an IRAC is over and over again. Shout out to Professor Bach for making law FUN, for always having an answer, and for being so passionate about teaching. And last but not least, shout out to Professor Rudolph for giving the best life lessons and challenging us to be better and to do better every day, not just as lawyers but also as humans.