Pugh's Dream is to Pursue Career in Civil Rights

Currently in her second year at California Western, Catherine Pugh’s involvement as a student has been significant. She is the Appellate Chair on the Moot Court Honors Board, the Vice President of the Black Law Student Association, and a member of the Law Review. Pugh, along with five other California Western students, participated in the 2008 Judicial Courtship Program, which took place in Los Angeles in February.

In March, 2008, Pugh was awarded the Justice Howard B. and Mrs. Joan C. Wiener Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a second year student who, in addition to demonstrating academic performance and exhibiting leadership skill, shows commitment to a democratic society consistent with equal rights under our State and Federal Constitutions. In addition, the scholarship recognizes someone who shows sensitivity and concern with human rights and the fair administration of justice.

During the summer of 2008, Pugh will participate in two prestigious internships.
She was chosen as one of two students in the nation to hold an internship in the Office of Civil Rights. She was also chosen as one of four people in the nation to intern in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

Pugh's dream is to pursue a career in civil rights, focusing on women’s rights as well as the rights of the poor and ethnic populations.

Pugh says she always knew she wanted to attend law school. When she visited California Western for the first time, she describes, “it just felt like the right place for me to be.” Part of what Pugh appreciates about the school is that, rather than there being a sense of competition between students, there is "the experience of being in it together.” She also appreciates how accessible and helpful California Western professors are.

Pugh will graduate from California Western in 2009.