May 13, 2021

Meet our 2021 Commencement Student Speaker and Singer

3L Traditional Day student Andy Hyman ’21 has been selected to deliver the student commencement address at Southwestern’s 106th Commencement Ceremony on May 16th at the Rose Bowl. Joy Lakin ‘21 will perform the national anthem.

Meet Andy Hyman '21

Andy is pursuing an interest in criminal appellate and post-conviction litigation. Andy spent his 2L year as a certified law clerk in Southwestern's Youth Offender Parole Clinic and his second summer as a Judge Harry Pregerson Public Service Fellow working at the California Appellate Project – Los Angeles. At CAP-LA, he drafted opening briefs for clients appealing their felony convictions in the Second Appellate District.

Andy has served as a Dean's Fellow, teaching assistant to Professors Kathryn Campbell and Beth Caldwell, and research assistant to Professor Michael Dorff. Andy just wrapped up his duties as a Southwestern Law Review Notes and Comments Editor and an extern at the Office of Staff Attorneys for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, working in both the immigration and civil divisions.

“Being a Southwestern student has really been a life-changing and life-affirming experience, particularly under the unique circumstances of this last year.  There’s a lot to be grateful for, and I can only hope to share that perspective and the excitement of being part of this fantastic class at this time, as we all get ready to take the next step.”

- Andy Hyman '21

Meet Joy Lakin '21

Prior to law school, Joy Melanie Lakin earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami, where she studied Classical Vocal Performance and Music Education. Joy has sung around the world at venues including Canterbury Cathedral and Carnegie Hall, to name a few. 

After teaching music and singing professionally post-undergrad, Joy pivoted to the entertainment law path and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her J.D. at Southwestern. Joy is thrilled to begin her career in entertainment law and looks forward to combining her passion for the arts with her love for the law! 

She says, "The honor of singing the National Anthem at Commencement brings my law school journey, and my time at Southwestern, to a meaningful close. Music is the reason I came to law school in the first place, and the Southwestern community has allowed me to focus on relevant issues in music and entertainment law, while also gaining real-world experience in the industry."

"Southwestern has pushed me to grow professionally and personally, offering endless support and resources that were especially important during COVID-19. I am beyond grateful to pay tribute to my 2021 graduating class and their incredible dedication. Music and the arts are more important than ever, and I feel honored to further those interests while celebrating my fellow classmates. Go Bison!"

- Joy Lakin '21