Andrew Grossman (JD and Honors Lawyering Program 08)

Tell me something special or interesting about your background before you went to law school?

Andrew majored in both political science and history at Kentucky University and originally planned to become a doctor. Andrew worked throughout his career as a student at the University Emergency Room. In the summer of his junior year, he interned as the only assistant for a Kentucky state senator. The focus of this internship was to strengthen the political voice of the local, political minority, and this required intellectual and emotional strength from Andrew. The challenges and opportunities he experienced in Kentucky politics motivated him to become actively involved in the 2004 presidential election. When looking back on these experiences, Andrew explains, "I learned the power of grassroots politics, the importance of coalition-building, and an appreciation for the difficult job of representation."

Why did you decide to go to law school?

During his first year of college, he realized that medicine would not be his way to create social change. He developed an interest in diplomacy and civil rights, which led him to GGU School of Law. He describes it as an opportunity for him to put together a toolkit to understand the country's power system - how laws work and what goes into them. Andrew writes: "I came to law school to attain the tools I need to assert my rights, the rights of others, and to bring about policy changes in an effective way."

Tell me something special or interesting about your law school experience?

Andrew's law school experience includes lots of participation in the community. His involvement includes: Co-Chair of the Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA), the GGU Westlaw representative, a member of the National Lawyer's Guild and a member of the Intellectual Property Law Association. As Co-Chair of the JLSA he has worked with the local San Francisco Hillel to coordinate many events including bringing Hersh Goodman from Jerusalem to speak for their event. Andrew was honored with two Special Scholarships, the Martin S. Cohen Endowed Memorial Scholarship and the Joseph and Ruth Zukor Memorial Scholarship. Andrew explains that he was drawn to GGU by its supportive and cooperative attitude among students and faculty, and he is proud of its socially progressive history. Note that since this interview, Andrew was elected President of the GGU Student Bar Association.

What is your greatest source of motivation/support as you work towards your JD?

Andrew was married this past December. Andrew and his wife's story is reminiscent of "When Harry Met Sally:" they attended the same high school and then the same college, but did not meet until after Andrew graduated. Andrew's wife, Ashley, studies character animation at Academy of Arts University yet still finds the time to participate in his legal studies. She helps him by having him explain and debate legal concepts with her. During GGU orientation this spring, Ashley spoke to the significant others of the entering class about her experience supporting Andrew. Andrew credits their differing academic interests with balancing his law school experience.

What is your favorite thing you do when you are not at law school?

Andrew has stayed very involved in his political interests. He maintains a blog on dailykos.com and constantly researches different political races. He created an election guide for his friends and family to use in the November 2006 elections.

If not at GGU, where can we find you?

When he is not on campus, Andrew might be found exploring the bay area - specifically Marin because he has memories of frequent childhood visits. Andrew impressively juggles a strong extracurricular life. He releases his law school stresses by playing soccer with a team of GGU law students, reading novels, playing the guitar, and playing video games (which he terms his one enduring vice).

Raphaella Bennin wishes to thank Andrew for sharing his time and enthusiasm. It was a pleasure to learn his story and understand some of his many passions. Raphaella joined the GGU community in the fall of 2006 as the Disability Services Coordinator. "Because of my interest in disability rights, I celebrate the opportunity to work with students who undoubtedly will bring about social change," Raphaella says.