The legal halls of Southern California fell silent on December 9, 2025, with the sudden passing of 23-year-old Jade Kouretchian, a promising J.D. candidate at the University of San Diego School of Law.
Known for her academic excellence and unwavering dedication to justice, Kouretchian’s death has left mentors and peers reflecting on her bright potential cut short. The cause remains undisclosed, respecting family privacy amid this unexpected tragedy.
Hailing from Encinitas, California, Kouretchian graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, San Diego in 2024 with a bachelor’s in political science, laying a strong foundation for her legal pursuits. Her sharp intellect and empathy shone through in moot court competitions, where she advocated for civil rights cases with precision and passion.
Last summer, Kouretchian joined Klinedinst PC’s prestigious 2025 Summer Law Clerk Program, selected among seven elite candidates for her drive and potential. At the San Diego firm, she immersed herself in real-world litigation, drafting motions and shadowing trials with an eagerness that impressed senior attorneys. Her professional trajectory pointed toward specializing in public interest law, blending empathy with rigorous analysis.
Family life centered Kouretchian’s world as the eldest daughter in a Armenian-American household, where she balanced studies with weekend hikes in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Her parents, both educators in the Encinitas Union School District, instilled values of resilience and service that guided her path. Siblings often joined her for beachside reading sessions, fostering bonds rooted in shared cultural traditions.
Kouretchian’s lifestyle reflected a harmonious blend of discipline and joy, rising early for yoga along the San Diego coastline before diving into case briefs. Hobbies included volunteering at local animal shelters, where her nurturing side emerged, and journaling reflections on legal ethics. She cherished quiet evenings brewing Armenian tea while discussing global justice with friends.
Funeral arrangements remain private per family requests, with a memorial service tentatively planned for December 16 at USD’s Founders Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to the USD Law Pro Bono Fund honor her commitment to accessible justice. The community rallies in support, ensuring her legacy of empathy endures.