Nydia Johnson

Nydia Johnson is a Lecturer and Dean at Southwestern Law School, where she provides leadership for the Academic Success and Bar Preparation Department and oversees support programming for first-generation students.

• Education: B.A. in Communication and Political Science from the University of Southern California (2007), J.D. from Southwestern Law School (2010).
• Experience: Joined Southwestern in 2012. Previously served as Dean of Students and Diversity Affairs. Co-supervised the Youth Offender Parole Clinic. Worked at a boutique criminal defense firm and as a Legal Consultant at Universal Music Group.
• Teaching: Courses include Foundations of Law and Practice, Remedies, Advanced Topics in American Law, and Fresh Perspective (bar support course).

Research and Practice Focus: Her work centers on legal education reform, bar exam readiness, and supporting underrepresented student populations. She integrates clinical experience from her time in criminal defense and entertainment law into academic programming.

Administrative Roles: Currently chairs the State Bar of California’s Law School Council and leads initiatives to foster student confidence and preparedness for legal careers.