Who Are We?
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Located in Arlington, Virginia, in close proximity to the nation's capital, we are a law school named for Virginia patriot George Mason, best known as the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights on which our Constitution's Bill of Rights is based. Sometimes referred to as the "forgotten founder," Mason also is well know for his refusal to sign the United States Constitution, in spite of his role in its drafting, because it did not contain a Bill of Rights, nor did it end slavery. But more than a school named for an historical figure, we are a rich community of individuals. We come to Mason from all over the United States and from various nations around the world. We represent people from every walk of life. Each of us brings a history and experience unique to us and unlike any other. Our differences comprise our strength. George Mason might be the right place for you. Find out more today. |
             
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Vinay MalikClass of 2007 Engineer |
Bombay University
BE, Electrical Engineering
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
M Eng, Telecommunication Engineering
"I graduated from the University of Bombay with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. My subsequent master's degree in telecommunications provided me with an opportunity to be part of the telecommunication revolution engulfing the globe at that time. A study of law will enhance my career by complementing my engineering background. The strong focus on Intellectual Property and Patent Law at George Mason will help me achieve my goals. The friendly atmosphere at the school coupled with its fast rising reputation made George Mason University School of Law my first and only choice for the study of law."
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Suzzette Rodriguez HurleyClass of 2004 Teacher |
University of Virginia
BA, Economics
MT, Education
"It was actually in the context of teaching a lesson to my fifth- and sixth-grade gifted and talented students that I realized my desire to apply to law school. We were discussing the Human Genome Project and the amazing implications of the information garnered as a result of the project. Our discussion evolved from a talk about science to a talk about intellectual property rights-and the laws that govern and protect innovation. I had an epiphany...that I wanted to pursue a legal education and further explore the very issues that my students were pondering."
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Steven YuClass of 2006 Medical Doctor |
Duke University
BA, Mathematics
Columbia University
MD, Medicine
"After a few years of practicing medicine, I decided that I needed a career change, and I was interested in intellectual property law. I chose George Mason because of the reputation of its IP curriculum and the flexible programs of study. If you want to be in Washington, D.C., it's by far the best school in the area."
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Richard GoriniClass of 2005 Military Officer |
United States Military Academy
BS, Russian/Spanish Studies
"What attracted me to law school were the endless opportunities a law degree provides. I never wanted to be a lawyer when I was growing up. I envisioned a lawyer through every bad lawyer joke I heard. But after dealing with Army JAG officers, I changed my mind. I saw lawyers as problem solvers working with people to achieve their goals. I also realized that I could work in almost any area that I wanted, and, most importantly, that I wouldn't have to chase a single ambulance."
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Soo Jung ShinClass of 2005 International Student |
University of Toronto
HBA, Environment and Resource Management
Ajou University
MS, Energy Studies
"I came to George Mason from South Korea to study international and technology law. It is my ultimate goal to work in the international arena.
I am very happy that I chose George Mason. From the first day of orientation, I have felt extremely welcome. This was particularly important to me being so far from my friends and family. The faculty and administration have open doors and are available to provide advice. Each semester I have met with one of the deans to discuss my course selections and how to balance my work load. I truly have come to feel that I am part of a very special family. I will be proud to be a graduate of Mason Law."
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Marco BarnesClass of 2006 Business Executive |
George Mason University
BA, English Writing
"After graduating from George Mason University with a degree in English writing, I pursued a non-traditional career track. After working in a couple different fields, I found an interesting job at a technology start-up company. I found that personal creativity and innovation were strong assets that contributed significantly to my success. Over the next four years, I developed business relationships and negotiated contracts in over 10 countries in various parts of the world. Today, innovation and creativity remain a large part of my business career. I chose George Mason Law School for its diversity and commitment to innovation and creativity."
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Marsha RoseClass of 2004 Scientist |
Berry College
BS, Chemistry
University of North Carolina
PhD, Biological Chemistry
"I chose George Mason for the people-the faculty and the students. The faculty members are leaders in their fields and bring their practical experience to the classroom. They encourage students to share their experience with everyone. Therefore, we are better prepared to solve the problems attorneys face daily. The students always want to do the best, but there is a teamwork approach among the student body to help everyone achieve that goal."
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Kate McSweenyClass of 2004 Broadcasting Executive |
Boston College
BA, History
"I woke up the morning after Bush v. Gore determined to be better equipped to get involved the next time around. My plan did not include practicing law; I already had a successful career. I wanted the intellectual challenge of law school. I wanted the J.D. on my resume. I wanted to have the resources to successfully argue why the Supreme Court was wrong. Then, I took my first class-Property-in fall 2001. And, I fell in love with the law. Now I am employed by McCandlish & Lillard in Fairfax, Virginia, where I will begin my legal career as an associate after passing the July 2004 Bar Exam. Thank you, GMUSL!"
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Mike PettwayClass of 2005 Businessman |
State University of New York
BS, Business Management
Troy State University
MBA, Business
"For me, pursuing a law degree after my M.B.A. made sense. As a business consultant, the complexity of government regulation and the ever-increasing global aspects of business have generated a demand for individuals who possess both legal and business skills. In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, expertise in both arenas provides the knowledge and skills I needed to unravel the complexities and tap the opportunities of the new world order. George Mason School of Law has helped me to understand, from an economic perspective, the laws governing business."
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Jeremy WilsonClass of 2005 Foreign Exchange Student |
Rice University
BA, History/Policy Studies
"My interest in the interaction and practical application of law and economics originated from an undergraduate internship with EASDAQ (subsequently NASDAQ Europe). EASDAQ faced both legal (regulatory) and economic challenges in trying to create a viable pan-European stock exchange for small-cap companies in emerging industries.
George Mason School of Law provides me an opportunity to pursue the study of law and economics for a semester in an international setting in Hamburg, Germany. Access to the leading European scholars in the field as well as working with fellow students from over twenty-two countries make this program a personally as well as educationally enriching experience."
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Nicole FrancisClass of 2006 Advertising Executive |
Howard University
BA, Telecommunications/Marketing
"An advertising and marketing career in the service, retail, and technology fields, working with people and agencies from around the world, helped me recognize the need for people who can bridge the gap between international and intellectual property law. That is what led me to law school. Reputation, focus on economics, and international and IP law sequences are what made me choose George Mason. The people and program confirm for me that I have made an excellent decision in beginning my law career at Mason."
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Prema MertzClass of 2005 Patent Examiner |
Bombay University
BS, Microbiology/Biochemistry
MS, Biochemistry
S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo
PhD, Biochemistry
"I currently have a rewarding career as a Primary Examiner in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Much of my work involves examination of patent applications relating to immunology and gene discovery. In the next few decades, as the discovery of drug target genes continues to escalate, there will be a need for individuals like me who are experienced in both legal issues and the biological sciences. In addition to having one of the best Intellectual Property programs in the country, the George Mason University School of Law permits me to fulfill my responsibilities of being a working mother and a law student."
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Christine KymnClass of 2006 Economist |
University of Michigan
BA, Economics
George Mason University
MA, Economics
ABD, Economics
"With a national ranking in law and economics training, George Mason Law School offers students interested in law and economics a great opportunity and a unique and specialized experience in the field.
As a Levy Fellow, I attend weekly workshops in law and economics, work closely with law professors who serve as academic mentors, and will conduct my own research. Though I am just beginning my tenure as a law student, I have already enjoyed challenging lectures with open and thoughtful discussion; the camaraderie, intellectual benefit, and humor of my fellow students; and the opportunity to tailor an education to my academic interests."
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Richard FiskeClass of 2006 Military Retiree |
University of California, San Diego
BA, Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MS, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Eng, Ocean Engineering
"I had a rewarding Navy career. My last jobs were Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and Program Manager for ship foreign military sales. After retiring, I managed deep ocean search and recovery projects (EgyptAir Flight 990 crash, recovery of the Confederate submarine Hunley, and finding Nazi counterfeit English money hidden in an Austrian lake at the end of WWII). Now, I provide engineering support for litigation, and I see a need for people who can ride the boundary between engineering and law. GMU is letting me earn the tools I need to do that."