SWLAW Blog | Events

Image - 2020 Commencement Speaker and Singer

May 28, 2021

Meet our 2020 Commencement Student Speakers

For the first time ever, there will be two student speakers sharing the stage at commencement. Dante Paul '20 and Brandon Salumbides '20 have been selected to deliver the student commencement address at Southwestern’s 105th Commencement Ceremony on May 30th at the Rose Bowl.

Meet Dante Paul '20

Image - 2020 Commencement Speaker Dante Paul '20

Dante Paul is from South Central Los Angeles. He is a 2020 Southwestern graduate and passed the California Bar Exam in January 2020. Dante is currently working in the entertainment industry as an attorney and consultant, and also works in the employment law field with Angel City Law, PC. He is a former President of the Southwestern Black Law Students Association chapter and was a standout member of Southwestern's award-winning Negotiations Honors Program. 

Throughout law school, Dante interned in the Business and Legal Affairs Office at Universal Music Publishing Music Group.  Despite being interested and eager to practice law in sports, media, and entertainment, he is passionate about social justice issues. 

Dante remains true to his community and hopes to provoke action on inequality and fight for the liberation of oppressed communities.

“Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” 

- Dante Paul '20

Meet Brandon Salumbides '20

Image - Brandon Salumbides Commencement Speaker 2020

Brandon was a traditional day student, a member of the Latino Law Students Association, and served as Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. 

Brandon was a member and an Associate Editor of the Southwestern Law Review.  Brandon was also a member of the Trial Advocacy Honors Program, where he served as Alumni Relations Chair, winning a national championship at the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice mock trial competition, where he received the honor of Best Advocate.  Brandon now serves clients as a civil litigation plaintiff’s attorney.

He says, "As a student, Southwestern gave me the resources to challenge myself to grow as a professional and explore different areas of the legal community.  As a graduate, I am thankful to join the ranks of successful Southwestern alumni and be a part of a network that has a tradition of excellence." 

"The class of 2020 has been through so many unique challenges and each one of us has a story about their experience.  I am glad that after all this time, we will be able to celebrate our graduation.  To be able to share my thoughts and my words on such a special day is truly an honor." 

- Brandon Salumbides '20

Watch Dante and Brandon deliver their inspiring speeches at our 2020 Commencement at the Rose Bowl on Sunday, May 30th, 2021. 

Watch the Livestream Here