Student Q&A: Rod Mahoney, 3L
Q: What motivated you to pursue a law degree and why did you choose UC Irvine Law?
I have always been inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels community growth, and I want to guide local businesses, especially minority-owned enterprises, through the legal complexities of forming, expanding, and sustaining their ventures. By serving as a corporate attorney, I hope to foster greater minority participation in the local business sector. I chose UCI Law for its collaborative, innovative environment that values both academic excellence and social impact. As an aspiring Black attorney, I recognize how important visibility and representation are in a field where we remain a small fraction. My goal is to build a more inclusive corporate landscape while inspiring the next generation of legal professionals in Southern California.
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment at UC Irvine Law?
One of my proudest achievements at UC Irvine Law was having my Student Note accepted for publication in the UC Irvine Law Review. Titled Abolitionist Community Economic Development: Dismantling Racial Capital and Forging Black Sovereign Futures, my Note explores how Black communities can harness cooperative and solidarity-based economic practices to resist and transform oppressive structures of racial capitalism. Writing this piece was both challenging and rewarding, as it required extensive research, critical analysis, and invaluable feedback from my faculty advisor, Professor Sameer Ashar. Additionally, I've been very proud of my involvement in pro bono efforts that provide essential legal support to individuals who would otherwise lack meaningful representation. Through programs like the Innocence Rights of OC and the Clean Slate Expungement Clinic, I’ve helped clarify legal rights and procedures in ways that are both accessible and empowering. It is rewarding to see how even small efforts can create a transformative impact on people's lives.
Q: What has been your favorite class at UC Irvine Law?
I enjoyed taking Constitutional Law with Professor Mario Barnes during my 1L year. The course opened my eyes to how the Constitution underpins so many aspects of our day-to-day lives and influences broader societal issues, especially concerning civil rights and equal protection. Professor Barnes brought an energy and perspective to the classroom that made the complex material both engaging and relevant to current events.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking about going to law school?
I would encourage prospective law students to hold on to the excitement, curiosity, and inspiration that first drew them to law school. Once classes start, it can be easy to lose sight of the ambition and career goals that motivated you in the beginning. With daily readings, assignments, and other obligations, your focus might shift to simply trying to get through each day, forgetting your original motivation and purpose for wanting to become an attorney. Always remember your “why,” and let that serve as your guiding light whenever you feel overwhelmed.