Student Spotlight: Luke Turner '25

Advocate, Leader, and Problem-Solver

For 3L Luke Turner, the drive to pursue justice is as much a part of who he is as the South Florida sunshine he grew up under. “I’ve always been the person to speak up when something isn’t right,” he says. “It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being the one who stands up when it matters.”

Luke’s passion for advocacy was ignited during his teenage years. At 13, he joined the 4-H Mock Legislature program, an experience that opened his eyes to the tangible power of the law to shape lives and create meaningful change. “That was the first time I saw how words and ideas could become action,” he recalls. “I realized I wanted to use that power to help people, to make their voices heard.”

After earning both his B.A. and M.A. in Political Science and Government from Florida Atlantic University, Luke returned to California in 2022 to begin his legal studies. At California Western, he has built a reputation as a thoughtful, determined, and collaborative leader. As President of the Student Intellectual Property Law Association and the Business Law Society, Luke has worked to create opportunities for his peers, connecting them with mentors and resources to help them excel in law school and beyond.

His dedication to advocacy is evident not only in his leadership roles but also in his commitment to real-world legal experiences. During his time at law school, Luke has clerked at a personal injury firm and externed for a federal magistrate judge. These opportunities allowed him to apply his skills in practical settings, refine his legal reasoning, and develop a deeper understanding of the law’s impact on society.

Luke’s involvement in California Western’s Competitive Advocacy Program (CAP) has also been a transformative experience. As a member of the Trial Team and CFO of the Moot Court Honors Board, Luke has honed his litigation skills, learning how to present evidence effectively and craft compelling arguments. But for Luke, CAP is about more than winning cases. “It’s about collaboration and mentorship,” he explains. “Being part of this program has taught me how to be a better advocate and a better teammate.”

Looking ahead, Luke is focused on a career in business litigation, a field where his problem-solving abilities, tenacity, and work ethic can shine. “I want to help people navigate complex challenges and find solutions,” he says. “Whether it’s resolving disputes or protecting someone’s livelihood, I’m motivated by the idea that I can make a difference."

Luke credits his success to the encouragement of his community—friends, mentors, and family—and to his own resilience. “Law school isn’t easy,” he says. “But I’ve learned that success comes from persistence and a willingness to grow. I’m not the same person I was when I started, and that’s something I’m proud of.”

As Luke prepares to graduate and sit for the bar, he is looking forward to the opportunity to serve others as an attorney, combining his passion for justice with the skills and experience he has gained. For Luke, the journey isn’t just about achieving his own goals; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. “At the end of the day, it’s not about the recognition,” he says. “It’s about doing the work—and doing it well.”