Class of 2015 alumnus
Aaron Gbewonyo has returned to his hometown of Los Angeles -- and the beautiful beaches of Southern California -- to serve as General Counsel of Surrogacy Concierges.
In this capacity, Aaron drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements between intended parents and egg donors, surrogates, and various agencies.
He also assists intended parents with establishing parentage, defends them in any disputes that might arise, and, when applicable, will help international clients with immigration matters. And, he oversees all of the general legal matters for the company.
Aaron attributes much of his success in assisting clients to Arizona Law courses such as contracts drafting, corporations, and immigration, and his experience in the Child and Family Law Clinic, gaining knowledge from professors including Andrew Silverman, Simone Sepe, and Paul Bennett.
Having begun his career in compliance after graduation working for a hospital in Los Angeles, Aaron later served as a law fellow with Arizona Law, assisting with outreach and recruitment, before accepting his current position.
Like the many students who come to Arizona Law without prior connections our state or city, Aaron came to think of Tucson as his home away from home.
He says his time at Arizona Law stands out not only for all he learned as a law student but for the college's welcoming atmosphere.
"It was this collegial atmosphere that allowed me to forge friendships that have helped to shape me as a person and a professional."
Aaron says that as a transfer student, he expected that he might feel out of place,
"not having experienced walking through the abyss that is 1L year with the remainder of my class."
To the contrary, he says that he was not only welcomed with open arms, but encouraged to get -- and stay -- engaged.
Aaron quickly became involved in a wide array of student organizations and activities, including serving as president of the Black Law Student Association, a member of Latino Law Student Association, a member of Phi Alpha Delta, and working with students on main campus as a mentor to UA undergraduate minority students, including those interested in law.
Aaron says he appreciated the feeling of openness at Arizona Law:
"It truly allowed me to get to know and build relationships with not only faculty members, but administration and staff as well."
Aaron looks forward to having many opportunities to return to Tucson to reunite with fellow alumni and the Arizona Law community.