ELJ Editorial Board
Susann M. Bradford, Ed.D., Editor-in-Chief, GGU Spring ’21
Susann is a third-year Honors student with Environmental Law and Public Interest Law Distinctions at Golden Gate University School of Law. She is currently a Summer Law Clerk at Earthjustice and previously worked as a Legal Intern at the Golden Gate University Environmental Law and Justice Clinic. Susann’s legal studies are focused on environmental advocacy and her written work appears in the most recent issue of the Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal. She competed in the 2020 National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, served on the coordinating team for the 2020 California Water Law Symposium, and served on the Board of GGU’s Public Interest Law Foundation and Environmental Law Society. Prior to commencing her law career, Susann taught mathematics and liberal arts at the University of Montana, where she earned advanced degrees in Environmental Studies and Education after completing undergraduate studies at St. John’s College, Santa Fe.
Jude Diebold, Managing Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Jude is a fourth-year evening student at Golden Gate University School of Law. Jude’s background is in labor and employment law, with a focus in anti-discrimination and labor organizing work. As a transgender individual, Jude is interested in the intersections of identity and socio-economic status, and their impacts on both the individual and society as a whole. In Jude’s spare time, he hangs out with his rescue dog and cat: Pisces and Sponge.
Victor Gonzalez Jr., Web Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Victor is a third-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. Victor completed his undergraduate studies at California State University, East Bay where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Latinx Studies. Victor also earned a Paralegal Studies Certificate from California State University, East Bay. Following graduation, Victor worked as a Business Immigration Paralegal for Weaver Schlenger LLP. He spent one week in the South Texas Family Residential Center, where he assisted immigrant women prepare for their credible fear interview with Asylum Officers. Victor is the first in his family to attend college and pursue a graduate degree. He participated in the 2020 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Victor loves public speaking. He was awarded a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Appellate Advocacy and currently serves as Co-Chair for the Moot Court Board. Victor is also honored to compete in the Golden Gate University School of Law National Trial Team in the Spring of 2021.
Associate Editors & Staff Writers
Raneen Al Sayegh, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Raneen is a third-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. Raneen completed her undergraduate education at the University of Houston and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Business Foundation. She has made Dean’s list every semester and received a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence given her exemplary academic performance. Raneen has interned at private local law firms in San Francisco – and most recently – at a law firm in Amman, Jordan. Raneen hopes to practice internationally as soon as she becomes licensed by the California Bar Association.
Annissa Allen-Gore, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Annissa is a third-year law student from New Jersey and graduated magna cum laude from the illustrious Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. Annissa taught middle school and high school special education for two years prior to attending law school. Annissa is a graduate of the prestigious Honors Litigation Program (1st Summer Trial and Evidence Program) at Golden Gate University School of Law. In addition, Annissa successfully litigated two cases at the Golden Gate University Women’s Employment Rights Clinic, and was a McCarthy Institute research fellow during her first year. Annissa currently serves as the treasurer of the Intellectual Property and Privacy Law Association.
Carmen Wierenga, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Carmen is a fourth-year evening student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of Minnesota. Carmen worked as a public transit policy advocate and a community organizer, as well as in a bicycle shop and as an ecology research intern. She moved to the Bay Area in 2013, where she earned her Paralegal Certificate from San Francisco State University, and then decided to enroll in law school. Currently, Carmen works full-time as a paralegal for Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers in San Francisco, where she helps fellow bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians recover from serious accidents. She hopes to provide legal services to underserved communities in her free time after law school. Carmen loves bicycles, aerial silks, and her dog, Ocho, Attorney-at-Paw.
Michael Sly, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Michael is a third-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Prior to law school, Michael worked in the Victim Services Department of the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. After four years serving victims of violent crime, Michael developed an interest in policy, criminal justice reform, and social justice. Michael is a graduate of the Honors Litigation Program (1st STEP), an active member of the Society of Litigators, and competes in the Golden Gate University School of Law National Trial Team. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, brewing beer and going on road trips.
Kristen Tabone, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Kristen is a third-year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She graduated magna cum laude from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a concentration in Criminal Justice (in three years). Kristen is a first-generation college and graduate student. She received a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Legal Writing & Research I & II and in Business Associations. Kristen also received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Evidence and in the Golden Gate University School of Law Women’s Employment Rights Clinic. Recently, she interned for a criminal defense firm, a family and civil law firm and the Contra Costa County Bar Association. Kristen hopes to figure out what area of law she would like to practice by the time she graduates.
Ciara Muñoz, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Ciara a third-year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She graduated cum laude from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a focus on Criminal Justice. While in law school, Ciara has received several awards for excellent academic performance, participated in the Golden Gate University School of Law National Mock Trial Team, and served as a teaching assistant. In addition, she has interned at Modern Family Law Firm, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office, and served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Commissioner Bentrish Satarzadeh. Ciara believes there is a direct link between the criminal justice system and environmental issues that should be illuminated. She hopes to work in criminal law and explore the many impacts of the system on other societal issues.
Lauren McCaffrey, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’21
Lauren is a fourth-year evening student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in English American Literature from San Francisco State University (SFSU). In 2015, Lauren returned to SFSU to earn her Paralegal Certificate and start her career in law. Lauren now works as a full-time paralegal at Winter & Ross, a family law firm in downtown San Francisco. She is a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence and volunteers with the Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic, a San Francisco non-profit dedicated to providing legal services and assistance for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Lauren hopes to continue practicing family law and advocating for survivors of domestic violence after law school. She enjoys spending time at home with her dog, Crixus, working out at her local pole and aerial studio, and reading fantasy novels.
Nicolás (Nico) Bachicha, Staff Writer, GGU Summer ’21
Nico is a second-year student of the Honors Lawyering Program at Golden Gate University School of Law. He is interested in pursuing a career in public office and hopes to run for Congress someday soon! Nico believes environmental issues are extremely important, and supports advocating for environmental justice in law school and in our field of study. He supports a Green New Deal and studying and researching the ways in which we can combat environmental racism and the disproportionate negative effects pollution has on communities of color.
Vidhi Bhatia, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’22
Vidhi is a second-year student of the Honors Litigation Program (1st STEP) at Golden Gate University School of Law. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California, Irvine. Vidhi is interested in entertainment law, litigation, and intellectual property law. She is a strong believer that robust environmental policies and laws will preserve the Earth for many years to come. In her little time of recreation, Vidhi enjoys playing and watching basketball and cooking.
Caesaria (Ari) Kim, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’22
Ari graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in English and Cinema Studies. Outside of academics she is an advocate for accessible healthcare and education, and is an avid consumer of all things art and media. Reach out to her for any Netflix recommendations!
Maximo (Max) Lacerca-Desrosiers, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’21
Max is a second-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. He graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business: Global Operations Management. With a background in business, Max has worked for various Silicon Valley startups and is passionate about the use of technology in business operations. Most recently, Max was a law clerk for the Merit Systems Protection Board, an administrative agency that adjudicates federal employment appeals. Max is the Academic Chair for La Raza Law Students Association and the Public Relations Chair for the Student Bar Association.
Summer McDonald, Staff Writer, GGU December ’21
Summer McDonald graduated with an Associate of Science in Business from John C. Calhoun College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama. Her primary focus is creation of a new field of law – International Environmental Space Law. Summer currently works in the GGU Environmental Law and Justice Clinic. Prior to law school, Summer worked two years for Boeing Corporation as a Staff Analyst for the Space Launch System Program in Huntsville, Alabama. Locally, she has worked with the WaterNow Alliance, a water conservation non-profit. Summer enjoys spending her free time hiking and playing with her dog, Freya.
Mujghan Ahmad Hassanzadi, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’22
Mujghan a second-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She was born in Iran as an Afghan refugee and emigrated to the United States at the age of four. Mujghan grew up in Southern California and attended University of California, Irvine where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in International Studies. She is deeply passionate about human rights, specifically women’s educational rights because in Iran, Afghan refugees are not allowed to attend university. In rural areas in Afghanistan, women are forbidden from attending any school at all. Her parents moved to America so that Mujghan could pursue higher education. Mujghan hopes to embark on a path that would ultimately allow her to advocate for such cause. As a Staff Writer for the Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal, Mujghan hopes to focus her article on the detrimental impacts of environmental racism on people of color. Her hobbies include photography and hiking. Mujghan bought her first camera at the age of 15 and has never put it down! A proverb that she loves is, “Birds born in a cage think freedom is a crime.”
Nikolas (Nik) Thompson, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’22
Nik is a second-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. Most recently, Nik completed a judicial internship under the Honorable Socrates P. Monoukian at the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. Nik is interested in many areas of law and is passionate about helping people and the environment. In his free time, Nik enjoys spending time with his wife and sweet dog Finnegan, wine tasting, yoga, and sports.