Shauna “Sean” Young Gaskey

I received my B.A. from University of Texas at San Antonio and I earned my J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where I was intentional in aligning my education with my values, identity, and lived experiences. As the daughter of a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, I’ve always felt a deep sense of duty and respect for those who serve. That’s why I dedicated over 100 hours of pro bono service to veterans as a Student Attorney with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Law Clinic — work that allowed me to directly support the community that shaped me.

My cultural heritage has also played a meaningful role in my journey. In honoring my Korean roots, I served as both Vice President and President of the Korean Law Students Association and was an active member of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. Through these roles, I helped build community among Asian-American law students, creating space for support, camaraderie, and shared cultural pride in a rigorous academic environment.

One of the most intellectually fulfilling experiences during law school was contributing to the Syrian Accountability Project — a collaborative effort between Syracuse University College of Law and the University of Michigan Law School. I was part of the research and drafting team that co-authored the white paper The 2022 Winter Olympics and Genocide: A History of Enabling Atrocities and the Path Forward, which examined international complicity in ongoing human rights violations.

My decision to pursue law was sparked by my time on the policy debate team at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I was honored to be named a Skip and Judy Eno Debate Scholar. Debate taught me the power of language, the necessity of precision, and the responsibility that comes with advocacy — lessons I carry with me every day in practice.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy in bodybuilding, classical piano, going to concerts, and experimenting in the kitchen. I stay grounded by keeping close ties with my family and friends — and one of the roles I’m most proud of is being the godmother to Amajah Paige. That title reminds me daily of the importance of love, legacy, and living with intention.