Dykema Partners with Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s Quattrone Wrongful Convictions Appellate Clinic

Dykema is proud to serve as the inaugural legal partner of the newly launched Quattrone Wrongful Convictions Appellate Clinic with the Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. The Clinic, established through a generous gift from Frank Quattrone and Denise Foderaro and housed within the Ken Starr Institute for Faith, Law, and Public Service, is dedicated to fighting injustice while also training the next generation of appellate advocates.

Through this partnership, Dykema attorneys will collaborate with Pepperdine faculty and law students to provide hands-on appellate advocacy on behalf of wrongfully convicted individuals.

“Dykema is honored to partner with the Quattrone Wrongful Convictions Appellate Clinic to work side-by-side with Pepperdine’s renowned faculty and students and help equip the next generation of lawyers for lives of purpose, service, and leadership,” said James Azadian, Leader of Dykema’s Appellate and Critical Motions Practice.

Heidi Naasko, Member and Leader of Dykema’s Pro Bono Practice, added, “This partnership reflects Dykema’s deep commitment to pro bono service and advancing justice for the wrongfully convicted. The Clinic’s mission aligns perfectly with our dedication to providing high-quality representation to those without access. We are proud to support Pepperdine in offering students meaningful, hands-on experience while making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

The Clinic will be featured at the Caruso School of Law Dinner on September 27, 2025, and will host its inaugural conference, The Science of Justice: Evidence, Error, and Exonerations, from October 2-3, 2025.

Learn more about Pepperdine’s Quattrone Wrongful Convictions Appellate Clinic.