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Cara Laursen attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on an academic and Miss America scholarship majoring in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. While attending UNLV, Cara served as a product spokesperson representing major corporations including Sony, LG and Sharp. She also appeared in several Las Vegas theatrical productions.
While serving her community as Miss Las Vegas 2011, she raised funds for local and national charities, made public speaking appearances encouraging the youth to “Find a Passion—Make a Difference.” Her philanthropic work also included six years with National Charity League volunteering throughout the Las Vegas Valley where she received many awards for her contributions.
Cara’s experience in the entertainment industry lead her to law school where she is pursuing a career focusing on entertainment and media law. She is now in her second year at California Western School of Law. Cara is a member of the Dean’s Academic Honor List 2015, recipient of Academic Excellence Awards, and was selected as an Academic Tutor for incoming 1L students.
Her favorite past times include training for and running marathons.
Diana is a former entertainer, producer and advertiser, currently in her second year at California Western. She is the new Student Ambassador for the National Jurist and pursuing a career in entertainment law.
Diana began playing music and doing theatre as a kid. Born and raised in Reno, NV, she began playing saxophone in a professional setting at 15. She studied Journalism and Theatre at UNR, where she also studied abroad in Torino, Italy, joined Alpha Psi Omega, co-founded the UNR Broadcast Club, and worked in costume design and set construction for the Nevada Repertory Company. She graduated in 2007.
Upon graduation, some of her jobs include working as a TV producer; singing and playing saxophone in cover and original bands and recordings; acting and assisting production on a feature film; commercial acting and promotional modeling; and as an account executive for a high-end commercial photography studio. Diana also co-owned Guerilla Productions, which produced and promoted art and music festivals, fundraisers, rock concerts, fashion shows and helped bands book gigs and go on tour; she was also an amateur MMA fighter, studying the art of Krav Maga, jiu jitsu and boxing.
Stephanie studied International Relations at Florida International University where she was member of Amnesty International. Her sense of justice and love of law led her to work for Rubenstein Law in Miami, FL for two years before embarking on her own journey to become a lawyer.
Beginning her second year at California Western School of Law, Stephanie is the Vice-President of the International Law Society and student member to the Intellectual Property Law Association. Her love of technology, entertainment and social media has driven her to study intellectual property law. This past summer she interned for INAPI, the Chilean National Institute for Intellectual Property, where she was able to learn foreign intellectual property law and compare it to our own rules and regulations.
Outside her studies, Stephanie enjoys cooking, traveling and exploring her new home, San Diego.
Daniel studied international relations at Florida International University, where he developed an interest in the legal field. Daniel has always had a passion for technology, and the entrepreneurial spirit of musicians, software designers, game developers and more.
After his first semester of law school he was part of the dean’s list for his academic success. As a second year law student he has been an active member of the international law society, and the student intellectual property law association. His passion for technology, entertainment, music, and software development has driven him to pursue a concentration on intellectual property. Daniel started the journey into the intellectual property field at the beginning of his second year when he began working at the Intellectual Property Tribunal of Chile for his summer internship. Furthermore he has written an extensive research paper on e-Sports, as that is one of his major areas of interest.
Upon graduation Daniel wants to pursue a career in intellectual property law. Specifically he would like to work for a video game company, software developer, or a startup that he believes in.
Outside his studies, Daniel enjoys playing guitar and bass, working with his brother in developing a YouTube channel, reading, and when time allows play video games.
Ray attended the University of San Diego where he majored in environmental studies. As much as he loved the field work involved in his major, he developed an affinity for the social implications related to environmental forces. In order to one day become a liaison between people and the environment, he decided to obtain a legal education at California Western School of Law. Now as a matured second year student and because of his fascination with social entrepreneurship, Ray's interests have broadened to include the legal aspects of intellectual property and business law alongside his environmental focus.
In school, he currently acts as the social media chair for both the Environmental Law Society and the Middle Eastern Law Student Association. He is also a competitor for the school's Alternative Dispute Resolution team. As a tutor, he teaches first year students the basics behind contract law. Outside of school, Ray tries his best to keep active by joining pick-up Frisbee and Basketball games (#ballislife), hiking the various landscapes around San Diego, or jogging around Mission Bay.
Erin P. Murphy joined New Media rights in January, 2016. After a fast-paced sales career at a pioneer internet company, she decided to pursue a legal degree. Tired of the cold winters in Boston, Erin headed west for San Diego and is currently in her 4th semester at California Western School of Law.
Erin is extremely interested in internet law and how it can protect works without stifling technological and creative advancement. She is specifically concerned about how the law can better keep up with technology.
When Erin is not working or studying, she is likely spending time with her new husband. She loves dogs, poker, and the New England Patriots.
Zayde received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology with honors at Western New Mexico University, and was inducted into the Western New Mexico University student Hall of Fame in 2015. During his time at Western New Mexico, Zayde played college football, and was the Senior Student-Athlete of the year in 2015.
Zayde is entering his second year at California Western School of Law, where he is an active member of both the Middle Eastern Law Student Association and the Entertainment and Sports Law Society. During his first semester in law school, Zayde earned the American Jurisprudence award in Property I for having the highest grade in the class.
Zayde is specifically interested in contract law and the legal aspects of copyright and trademark issues. Zayde is passionate to intern at New Media Rights so he can give legal assistants to artists, filmmakers, photographers, and entrepreneurs, because he comes from a family background of self-made entrepreneurs.
Outside of work and school, Zayde is an avid moviegoer, sports fanatic, and enjoys hiking throughout beautiful San Diego with his dogs.
Prior to entering law school, Danasia Neal received her Bachelors of Art and Sciences in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University. Leaving the Motorcity, she decided to pursue her dreams as an attorney here in San Diego, California. Although Danasia loved Criminal Justice, she took a turn in her career interests focusing on her true passion: Music and Media/Internet law.
As Danasia enters her 3rd year of law school, she has gained interests in not only Entertainment Law but also Business and Employment Law. She plans to begin her own Firm one-day practicing in the mentioned areas, specializing in Employment/Entertainment Law.
At Cal Western, she currently sits as the President of the Student Intellectual Property Law Association and the Vice President of the Employment and Labor Law Society.
When Danasia is not working or studying, she mentors younger adults, reads success books, and catches up on new music.
Camille studied Political Science, French, and Spanish while as an undergrad at California State University San Marcos. Before entering law school, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the West African Republic of Benin, where she was posted as an English teacher for two years. Camille had an amazing experience there and was able to do some cool activities like teaching students about malaria and proper hygiene, hosting an English radio show, and learning the basics of a few local languages.
Now entering her second year at California Western School of Law, Camille is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in various areas of the law, including intellectual property and international law.
When Camille is not in class or interning at New Media Rights, she is fond of listening to electro swing, binge watching shows on (some) weekends, walking around Balboa Park, and spending time with family.
A Texas native, Maresa graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics. After graduation served as a Senate aide and Legal Assistant at the Texas State Capitol for two years. Subsequently, Maresa came to San Diego after joining the U.S. Navy, and currently serves as a naval reservist.
Maresa is fascinated with the mainstream emphasis on a “brand,” ranging from the choice to purchase Kellogg over Post cereal to sending a Kimoji text message. Because of her fascination with the IP infiltration into everyday life, Maresa desires to specialize in Copyright & Trademark Infringement and Licensing. Now in her third year at California Western School of Law, Maresa is looking forward to working with small businesses and start-up companies to help them establish their own brands and protect their creativity.
Outside of class or work, Maresa enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
