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
is also well known 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
Malik
Class of 2007
Engineer |
Bombay University
B.E., 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 Hurley
Class of 2004
Teacher |
University of Virginia
B.A., Economics
M.T., 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 Yu
Class of 2006
Medical Doctor |
Duke University
B.A., Mathematics
Columbia University
M.D., 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 Gorini
Class of 2005
Military Officer |
United States Military Academy
B.S., 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 Shin
Class of 2005
International Student |
University of Toronto
H.B.A., Environment and Resource Management
Ajou University
M.S., 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 Barnes
Class of 2006
Business Executive |
George Mason University
B.A., 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 Rose
Class of 2004
Scientist |
Berry College
B.S., Chemistry
University of North Carolina
Ph. D., 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 McSweeny
Class of 2004
Broadcasting Executive |
Boston College
B.A., 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 Pettway
Class of 2005
Businessman |
State University of New York
B.S., Business Management
Troy State University
M.B.A., 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 Wilson
Class of 2005
Foreign Exchange Student |
Rice University
B.A., 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 Francis
Class of 2006
Advertising Executive |
Howard University
B.A., 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 Mertz
Class of 2005
Patent Examiner |
Bombay University
B.S., Microbiology/Biochemistry
M.S., Biochemistry
S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo
Ph.D., 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 Kymn
Class of 2006
Economist |
University of Michigan
B.A., Economics
George Mason University
M.A., Economics
A.B.D., 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 Fiske
Class of 2006
Military Retiree |
University of California, San Diego
B.A., Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.S., 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."
copyright © 2004
last updated:
Jun 15, 2005
