My name is Ryan Mazzilli, and I am a 3L at UCLA School of Law. I grew up about an hour north of Atlanta, Georgia and attended Vanderbilt University for my bachelor’s degree where I majored in communication studies and minored in managerial studies. After graduating in 2017, I spent one year working in sales for an ad-tech company out of their Boston office before making the cross-country move to Los Angeles in 2018. From then until I returned to school, I worked in the Page Program at Paramount Pictures.

When the pandemic struck, I decided it was time to fulfill a goal of mine that I had been putting off for far too long — attending law school. As someone already living in Los Angeles with a serious interest and experience at the cross-section of business and entertainment, UCLA School of Law immediately became my top choice. Since arriving at UCLA, I have mainly taken classes within the Business Law and Entertainment Law Specializations. From reviewing business school case studies regarding corporate governance malfeasance in “Business Strategy and Corporate Governance” to assisting independent documentary filmmakers on a pro-bono basis on issues ranging from copyright to contracts at UCLA’s Documentary Film Legal Clinic, I’ve been able to both learn key legal doctrine and apply it in practical cases to provide support to those who need it.

During my 2L summer, I worked as a summer associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in Century City, about 15 minutes down the road from campus. While there, I had a chance to do substantive work within the corporate, entertainment, and asset management realms. I’m excited to be returning to the firm after graduation.

I can confidently say that UCLA School of Law has prepared me to practice post-graduation. The curriculum is intellectually stimulating, and it is only enhanced by a faculty of world-class professors that make class an exciting place to go to on a daily basis. However, it is the intelligent, kind, and diverse student body that truly sets UCLA apart and has contributed to a law school experience that I wouldn’t want to change. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about UCLA, and I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Contact Ryan at studentambassador5@law.ucla.edu.

For questions related to the application or admissions, you can email admissions@law.ucla.edu.