Work Experience

Reed Smith LLP - 2007-2013
Cuyler & Tufts LLP - 2013-present
I specialize in technology-related transactional law (draft, revise and negotiate agreements around technology, such as software licenses, technology-related services agreements, and telecommunications arrangements; particular experience with healthcare and other regulated sectors)

Why did you choose Comm Studies as your major?

I found it interesting! Specifically, it was broad enough to encompass my wide range of interests (media-observing, psychology, technology, law, politics, etc.) - which meant I would always have something new and interesting to learn, and similarly that after graduation I'd have a wide range of potential opportunities.

Favorite UCLA memory and/or professor

Not sure I can pick just one -- this will sound strange, in a way it was one of the return trips that is my favorite memory, because it's a compilation of many memories. After graduating and moving up north to go to law school, I didn't get back to UCLA for nearly 4 years. When I finally did make it back to LA, walking through the campus on that first trip back brought all the many classes, projects, places, professors, friends/classmates back…

How has Comm Studies empowered you in your professional and personal life?

It's given me a really good groundwork and base principles to apply to a variety of situations. For negotiations, being able to spot behavioral dynamics is really helpful, as is tracking how the conversation is progressing (or going off-point). Knowing what to look for in both cases is really helpful.

What was the most valuable or applicable lesson you learned from a Comm Studies class?

Generally speaking, to be proactive in what you do - whether it's listening to music, watching films, reading the newspaper - step back from the easy-to-see message and learn about what's behind it.

What advice would you give to a current Comm Studies student?

Take the courses that interest you and dive in wholeheartedly. Take advantage of the various opportunities that you have to take courses (within and outside of your major) that interest you and that you view as most relevant to your world. Also, I highly recommend taking language courses - stepping outside of the English-speaking world is such an opportunity to learn more not only about other countries/cultures, but also to learn more about your own; and to improve your communications skills, even in English. It's also a great way to make a large college seem a lot smaller.

Fun facts, interests, hobbies

Hobbies / interests: Travel, music, musical theatre, watching and playing sports, practicing foreign languages, and exploring gadgets and technologies.

Significant Achievements

Mainly just academic ones:
• From UCLA / college years: summa cum laude, College Honors, Phi Beta Kappa.
• From UC Berkeley School of Law: American Jurisprudence Award in Information Privacy Law; Publishing Editor, California Law Review.

From work experience, have led or participated in negotiations for a variety of agreements ranging from small arrangements to large (million- or billion-dollar) transactions.

Additional Pictures