Hazel Nikoo
2L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
Tehran, Iran
Professional Interests:
Business Law
Student Organizations:
Iranian Law Students Association, Consumer Law Society and MESALSA
Clinic:
9th Circuit Appellate; Intellectual Property Arts and Technology; International Justice
Pro Bono:
text
Housing:
Off campus
Meet Hazel:
Hi everyone! I was born in Iran and moved to the United States when I was 8 years old. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. My passions include figure skating, cooking, hiking, line dancing, and reading—I love staying active and creative outside of law school.
During my 1L year, I volunteered with Innocence OC, an affiliate of The Innocence Project. That work led to a full-time summer internship where I gained valuable experience on multiple post-conviction cases, advocating for individuals who are actually innocent. I drafted habeas petitions and appellate briefs and attended several depositions.
I also serve as a Community Fellow, mentoring incoming 1Ls and helping them adjust to the demands of law school. In Spring 2026, I will join the Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology (IPAT) Clinic, working on the Press Freedom Project—advocating for transparent journalism and pushing for censorship reform. I am also in the process of starting a campus organization for Iranian and Afghan law students. Next summer, I will be a summer associate at a large firm in Orange County.
UC Irvine Law has been an incredibly supportive community, and I’ve met some of my closest friends here. I especially enjoy connecting with prospective students—please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!