USD Law Advocate, Spring 2026

DISCOVERY

“ My experience at USD has already proven invaluable. The first few weeks in the Experiential Advocacy Practicum in particular have been more than just inspiring—they’ve solidified my passion for the legal field and affirmed my commitment to a career in litigation. I am incredibly excited to continue learning, growing and putting these skills into practice. ” —SAMANTHA HEYWORTH ’25 (JD)

argument,” said 1L Sheba Candor. “It allows us to apply the legal skills we are learning from lectures directly into practice.” “During their first year of law school, students learn the doctrines and rules surrounding torts and criminal law, and in EAP they are able to use those same rules in the context of real factual situations and learn how to communicate those facts to a trier of fact or jury that’s going to be listening and wanting to hear the story they are telling,” said Lane, who oversees course design, lectures and instruction. She credits the program’s success to the strength of USD’s legal community. “EAP not only gives 1L students practi cal exposure to life as a litigator and a transactional attorney, the program thrives because of the law school’s support and the involvement of San Diego practitioners who teach and mentor our students.” Many students form lasting professional connec tions with their instructors that lead to employment opportunities. A decade in, the Experiential Advocacy Practicum continues to evolve and strengthen USD’s reputation for excellence in practical training. Its early national recognition and lasting impact make clear: The EAP is not only innovative—it is transformative.

EAP students engage in a networking session.

“ As AI advances, the human skills EAP teaches, including critical thinking, persuasion and adaptability, will only become more important, ” said adjunct faculty member Julia Y. Park, partner at Morrison Foerster. Park was drawn to the Experiential Advocacy Practicum by longtime mentor Professor Lane. From her perspective at a large law firm, EAP stands out for giving students an authentic preview of legal practice, particularly through early exposure to oral advocacy and transactional concepts often missing from law schools’ coursework. She values the program’s supportive, low-risk environment, where students build confidence, test skills and learn through experience. Students discover their own voices as advocates, reinforcing that effective lawyering does not require one single style or personality. As legal education continues to evolve alongside advances in AI that contribute to research and writing, Park praises EAP’s emphasis on skills that are essential to preparing practice-ready graduates.

USD SCHOOL OF LAW

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