USC Law Alumni Profile
Lorna Hennington, Class of 1994
The law school provides me with the amazing resource of our alumni, from whom I receive immense inspiration.
Where do you work? What are you up to?
After practicing for seven years at a Foley & Lardner in the areas of Medicare and Medicaid fraud and with partnership looming, I realized I needed more life balance, specifically more time with my husband, Marshall, and our daughter, Allegra. With children and family on my mind, I left the firm and opened a successful children’s activity and enrichment center in Westwood, Child’s Play, which I sold in 2006, after planning approximately 2,000 children’s parties. Event planning was still a passion, but now I was interested in planning events for adults, and with that intent I started a social and corporate event planning company in 2006, The Ultimate Planners. This endeavor allows me to stretch myself creatively and to meet some fascinating individuals, including a number of high profile clients, some of whom have required me to learn French! My company also provides me with enough flexibility in my schedule to consult with my husband’s trial and jury consulting firm, as well as partner with him on various real estate development projects, and to raise our amazing daughter, Allegra, who is now nine.
How has USC Law had an impact on your career?
USC Law provided me with the distinct advantage of an excellent legal and business background which gave me the confidence to successfully open and run several companies in various industries. The law school also continues to provide me with the amazing resource of our alumni, from whom I receive immense inspiration from what they have achieved and ever growing ideas about what is possible for my life.
What is your fondest memory of law school?
My proudest memory of the law school is of being a part of the largest group of African American students to attend the law school up until 1991. With the numbers of African American students we had in the Class of 1994, we were able to significantly strengthen the Black Law Students Association, and to reach out to potential students and alumni like never before. My fondest memories involve all the friends I made for life during our three years in the law school, all of whom have provided me with understanding, support, and laughter through the years. I am also so grateful to have continuing contact with many classmates while serving as Class Reporter for 1994 and as a member of the USC Law Publications Advisory Board.
What advice do you have for current students?
Given the path that I am taking, I would give the following advice to any new law student: know that you don’t know where your road is going to lead you. Every life and career will be full of surprises. Be open to what you can learn from every class, situation, and person because you never know when you might use what you have learned. Above all, follow the path that brings you satisfaction and joy, even if it is not going in the direction you planned!