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Among the many high-achieving graduates of Chapman University, Brianna Denbo stands out for her exceptional dedication to both legal scholarship and business leadership. As a JD\/MBA candidate, Brianna has immersed herself in the rigorous dual-degree program at the Fowler School of Law and the Argyros College of Business and Economics, balancing academic excellence with campus involvement, mentorship, and career advancement.<\/p>\n
Throughout her time at Chapman, Brianna made the most of every academic and leadership opportunity. One of the most transformative parts of her journey was serving on the Chapman Law Review<\/em>, where she held the role of Executive Production Editor. This experience sharpened her legal writing and editorial skills and connected her with leaders in the legal profession. \u201cIt was incredibly rewarding,\u201d Brianna said. \u201cI was able to meet so many influential attorneys and judges, work on groundbreaking legal scholarship, and further develop my skills as a leader and legal researcher\/writer.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to her work on the Law Review, Brianna also served as a fellow for 1L Legal Research & Writing and took on the role of President of the Corporate Law Society, demonstrating her commitment to mentoring others and building professional communities on campus.<\/p>\n This balance is reflected in the advice she would give her first-year law school self: \u201cDon\u2019t compare yourself to anyone else\u2026 Focus on yourself and you will succeed. And don\u2019t forget to have fun!\u201d<\/p>\n Her words speak to a philosophy that has carried her through the intense demands of a dual-degree program: work hard, play hard, and stay grounded in what brings joy.<\/p>\n Academically, Brianna embraced both sides of her JD\/MBA. One of her favorite classes was Strategies for Competitive Advantage<\/em>, a foundational course in the MBA program that exposed her to diverse teaching styles and helped her connect with fellow students from day one. She also credits Argyros professors like Professor Rayson and Professor Sinha with making a lasting impact on her education.<\/p>\n Outside the classroom, Brianna pursued internships at a variety of law firms, tackling areas such as sports law, bankruptcy, insurance, and labor and employment defense. One of her most formative experiences came during her second year, when she externed for a federal judge and gained hands-on insight into judicial decision-making and legal writing.<\/p>\n As she approaches graduation, Brianna is already preparing for her next chapter. After taking the bar, she will begin her career as an Associate Attorney at Jackson Lewis, P.C. in Orange County. It\u2019s a goal she set from the beginning and has worked tirelessly to achieve.<\/p>\n \u201cMy main goals were to make connections, learn a lot, and secure a position post-bar at a big law firm,\u201d she said. \u201cChapman set me up for success and I have accomplished all of my goals and so much more.\u201d\u00a0 As she reflects on her journey, Brianna emphasizes the importance of staying connected to one\u2019s identity outside of academics. For incoming graduate students, her advice is simple but powerful: don\u2019t lose sight of what makes you you<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen school gets tough, it\u2019s easy to fall into burnout. Make sure you\u2019re doing things that bring you joy,\u201d she advises. \u201cBesides, in most interviews, they ask what you do outside of school\u2014what will your answer be if you haven\u2019t done anything for yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n Through hard work, balance, and a deep commitment to growth, Brianna Denbo has not only achieved her goals\u2014she\u2019s defined what it means to thrive as a graduate student at Chapman University.<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-at-12.27.45\u202fPM-e1746473873282-580x520.png\")
<\/p>\nCreating Balance and Cherishing Moments<\/h3>\n
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Despite the demands of graduate school, Brianna prioritized finding balance. She fondly recalls MBA GBA Formals as some of her favorite Chapman memories, where she could unwind and celebrate achievements with her peers. She also found comfort in campus spots like the law school balcony, the second floor of the library, and the campus Starbucks\u2014spaces that offered either focus or relaxation depending on the moment.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-at-12.27.31\u202fPM-580x768.png\")
Academic Highlights and Lasting Mentorship<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/IMG_1424-580x382.jpg\")
Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/IMG_6288-e1746473839574-580x767.jpg\")
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