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JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW |
MAY 8, 2024 | | |
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Greetings,
This week, we feature Matt Niccum, who will soon be receiving his BA in Law, 22 years after earning his first college degree. Students like Matt, who juggle jobs, family and school, bring so much to our community. Congratulations!
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Until the footnotes,
Marc
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Class of 2024: BA in Law Grad Inspired by Employee to Become Legal Advocate | |
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After graduating from the University of Redlands in 2002 Matt Niccum built his career as a construction company owner and started a family in Tucson. It was not until one of his employees, who was doing masonry work for his company, asked him to be a character witness in a hearing to adjust his immigration status that inspired Matt to pursue a legal education.
“The hearing did not go well, and I felt compelled to work towards representing others like him. This motivation has evolved to include immigrants and other underrepresented communities,” said Matt.
Now in his 40s, Matt will receive two undergraduate degrees, BA in Law and Political Science, at this spring’s commencement.
“If I were to give my younger self any advice, it would be to have the courage and confidence to succeed in higher education. In some ways, I wish my younger self dared to start a law education earlier in life. However, I feel the life experiences I have gained since I received my first bachelor’s at age 22 have been invaluable in making me a successful student,” said Matt.
During his time as a student at University of Arizona, Matt dove into the online programs, and maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing two degrees, owning and running his successful construction company, and being an attentive father and husband. He now plans to continue studying law by pursuing a JD.
To learn more about Matt’s story, see the full story here.
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Bear Down, Beam Up: University of Arizona Law Installs 37-foot, 9,000-pound Support Beam | |
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Fueling Progress: An Update on Fuel Wonder Initiatives
In our last update on the “A New Day in Court” initiative, we shared images of a 9,000 pound support beam making its way down Speedway Avenue and into the College of Law building.
The beam is now installed and we are pleased to share the video of its raising into place in the Boyle Courtroom.
For more project updates and to see 360-degree tours of key construction areas in process, see the A New Day in Court web page.
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Women in Sports Event to Feature Ann Miller (’99), Tara VanDerveer | |
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University of Arizona Law is heading to the Bay Area in a few weeks. Join us and Stanford Entertainment and Sports Law Association for a special event on May 28 celebrating women in sports. This event will feature Ann Miller (’99) for a reception and panel discussion honoring trailblazing women in the sports industry.
Speakers will discuss the evolution of women’s sports into the captivating draw it has become today, including the importance of women in leadership positions, the power of partnerships, the NIL landscape and the value of allyship.
Event: Arizona Law & Stanford Law Women in Sports Appreciation Event
When: Tuesday, May 28, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Stanford University CEMEX Auditorium, 655 Knight Way, Stanford, CA 94305
Speakers:
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Ann Miller, EVP & Chief Legal Officer – NIKE, Inc.
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Brandon Schneider, President and Chief Operating Officer – Golden State Warriors
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Tara VanDerveer, Stanford Women’s Head Basketball Coach (1985-95, 1996-2024), Olympic Gold Medalist ’96, Winningest Coach in College Basketball History
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Employers: Interview LawCats This Summer | |
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The Career Development Office (CDO) invites you to the Arizona Law 2024 Summer Interview Programs for rising 2Ls and 3Ls (Classes of 2026 and 2025, respectively):
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2024 Arizona Law Scottsdale Interview Program at UA Scottsdale Center: Monday, July 29 (1–5 p.m.) and Tuesday, July 30 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
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2024 Arizona Law Virtual Interview Program: Wednesday, July 31 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
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2024 Arizona Law Tucson Interview Program at the College of Law: Thursday, August 1 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
The Arizona Law CDO will host interview programs for morning, afternoon or full-day interviews scheduled in 20-minute interview slots. Registered employers review application materials in advance and submit candidate selections for interviews. As always, there is no cost to participate.
Please register for all Arizona Law 2024 Summer Interview Programs on CareerCAT, Arizona Law’s job bank and recruiting system. Deadline to register is Tuesday, July 2.
The Arizona Law CDO has many ways to connect you with students—consider a job posting and interview scheduling at your convenience. Please reach out to us for more information.
Finally, don’t miss the Arizona Law 2024 Phoenix Summer Mixer at the new University of Arizona Scottsdale Center on Monday, July 29 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Please contact the CDO at law-careers@arizona.edu or 520-621-7668 with any questions.
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2L Diya Rakesh Receives Arizona Asian American Bar Association Scholarship | |
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Diya Rakesh, a 2L at University of Arizona Law, is one of eight recipients of the 2024 Thomas Tang Scholarship awarded by the Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA) during its recent annual banquet.
Recognizing the need for a supportive network for South Asian students at University of Arizona Law, Diya founded the South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA). As SALSA’s President & Founder, she has created a student organization that offers panel discussions for the entire law school body and mentorship programs for SALSA members.
The scholarship was named for the late Ninth Circuit Judge Thomas Tang (’50), founder of the AAABA and the first Asian Pacific American federal judge in the continental U.S. The scholarship also is supported by the Tang Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2021 following the death of Judge Tang’s wife, Dr. Pearl Tang, the first Asian female doctor licensed in Arizona.
Several SALSA members were in attendance at the AAABA annual banquet, which fosters connections within the Asian legal community in Arizona. Pictured from left to right: Priya Zukosky (3L), Diya Rakesh (2L), Alison Rahman (1L), Mihika Pandit (LLM) and Roshni Patel (2L).
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Do You Have News?
Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.
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So much makes us beam. Students like Matt Niccum and Diya Rakesh. Colleagues like Bob and Guna Mundheim. And, well, the beam.
This week we wrap up finals and have a graduation well-earned by our graduates across degree programs.
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