USD Law Advocate, Spring 2026

STUDENT SUCCESS

Massacre, to Clara Foltz’s fight for women’s rights and the creation of the public defender, to Justice Thurgood Marshall and the civil rights lawyers who risked their lives to end segregation. These examples, he warned, are not relics of a bygone era. Around the world today, lawyers are imprisoned, threatened and punished simply for rep resenting clients or causes unpopular with those in power. “That principle is under threat today,” he said, “and you must stand strong and defend it.” To underscore this duty, Justice Liu invoked Justice William O. Douglas, who cautioned in 1953 against the “shortcuts” governments take in moments of fear or politi cal fervor—shortcuts that can quietly erode constitutional foundations. Lawyers, Douglas wrote, must be vigilant custodians of the law, ensuring that expedience does not become “the accepted pattern.” Justice Liu told the gradu ates that they, too, would soon take the oath to support and defend the Constitution—an obligation that distinguishes the legal profession and should guide their entire careers. For inspiration, he urged graduates to return to their beginnings. “Print a copy of your law school application

FOLLOWING IN THEIR FAMILY’S FOOTSTEPS At the ceremony, a record number of legacy students received their degrees presented to them by their proud family members in partnership with USD President James T. Harris III. ❱❱ Tyler Dunne was joined by his mother, Julie Dunne ’92 (JD). ❱❱ Leslie Franklin Girard was joined by his mother, Lori Girard ’96 (JD). ❱❱ Dennis Michael Grady, Jr. was joined by his father, Dennis Brady ’84 (JD). ❱❱ Christopher Hogan was joined by his sister, Remy Leila Hogan ’24 (JD). ❱❱ Grace Marie Houser was joined by her father, Eric D. Houser ’87 (JD). ❱❱ Mia F. Jessen was joined by her father, Joshua Jessen ’02 (JD). ❱❱ Grant Marcketta was joined by his wife, Erin Graham ’24 (JD). ❱❱ Marven Mekha was joined by his sister, Moreen Mekha ’19 (JD). ❱❱ Emma Elizabeth Nelson was joined by her father, Craig Nelson ’94 (LLM). USD Law is always pleased when these kinds of familial bonds extend within the larger law school community. “every color, every creed, every culture of this vibrant soci ety,” Justice Liu expressed confidence that their aspirations would guide them through the difficult moments ahead. They will face unpopular clients, hard arguments, and moments of doubt or vulnerability. But in those moments, he said, “Your clients and our nation are counting on you.” Justice Liu closed with a charge befitting the gravity of the profession: “Be advocates. Be defenders. Be officers of the court. Be guardians of the rule of law with the fate of our democracy in your hands.” With that, he sent the Class of 2025 forward—celebrating their determination and resil ience, and calling them to courage, integrity and service. “As they say,” he concluded with a smile, “I will see you in court.” essay,” he said. “Keep it in the top drawer of your desk.” Revisit it often. That essay—written before classes, bar prep, job pressures and professional expectations—contains the clearest expression of their hopes, values and reasons for entering the profession. It should be their “moral compass,” a reminder that law is ultimately a service to humanity, an instrument for justice and a commitment to those who cannot speak for themselves. As he looked out at a graduating class that reflected

Clockwise from top left: Leslie and Lori Girard, Grace and Eric Houser, Julie and Tyler Dunne, Mia and Joshua Jessen.

USD SCHOOL OF LAW

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