Ashleen Herrate, Editor-In-Chief

Ashleen is a 3L interested in Entertainment Law and intellectual property law. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor’s in Political Science – International Affairs and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy. She has previously worked in lemon law, personal injury law, and criminal law. She has been the  Vice President of Entertainment for the Entertainment & Sports Law Society for the past two years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, doing yoga, and baking!

 

 

 

Madison Motsenbocker, Editor-In-Chief

Madison is a 3L interested in International and Constitutional Law. She graduated from San Diego State University in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR). This past summer, Madison worked as a Law Clerk for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego’s Fair Housing Team and is currently the Junior President of the International Law Society. She joined The Commentary because she believes bettering your community begins with giving those around a platform and a voice.

 

 

 

Madison Smith,  Senior Editor

 Maddy is a 3L interested in Entertainment and Sport Law. She graduated from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA with a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA. She has worked with Neighborhood Legal Services, providing pro bono and low-cost legal services to families and victims of domestic violence, and at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office as a certified intern. She is currently working in the New Media Rights Clinic on campus and serving as treasurer for the Homeless Outreach Legal Society. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling with her dog, reading, and spending time at the beach! 

 

 

 

Ariana Lara Bonilla, Editor

Arianna is a 2L interested in landlord-tenant law, criminal law, and bankruptcy law. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a double Bachelor’s in Political Science and Chicano/Latino Studies. She has interned in intellectual property, non-profit, and criminal law fields. She is currently the Vice President of the Latinx Law Student Association, the junior community liaison for Women’s Law Caucus, and the community service chair for First Generation Law Student Association. In her free time, Arianna enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew, baking, and spending time with friends. 

 

 

 

Katherine Palma, Editor

Katherine is a 2L interested in Trusts & Estates, Immigration, and Property law. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She works as a Law Clerk in the Trusts & Estates department at Sheppard Mullin. In her free time, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family (including her dog, Uzi), trying new coffee/food, and taking trips.  

 

 

 

Mackenzie Rivera, Editor

My name is Mackenzie Rivera, and I’m a second-year law student at California Western School of Law. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and previously worked as a legal assistant at a trust and estate firm. During the Summer and Fall of 2025, I had the opportunity to clerk with the Community Law Project, and this Spring I’ll be externing for Federal District Judge Battaglia. Outside of school, I love going for walks with my husband, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with friends.