Online Program

Online Program

In addition to its successful, traditional in-person program, San Joaquin College of Law is now offering a remote J.D. option.

Besan Farra

“San Joaquin has offered me the opportunity to pursue a law degree while still being able to maintain a full time job to support my family. Working with several SJCL alum and witnessing their success in the community has inspired me to continue my work locally after graduation.”

Besan Farra
Biochemistry
University of California, Davis

Gurjot Brar

“Having completed my law degree in India, I am glad I chose this law school over other schools because professors are so helpful in preparing me for the bar exam."

Gurjot Brar
Bachelor of Law
Panjab University, India

Jesica Gonzalez

“I chose SJCL because the students and faculty here are very supportive and are always willing to provide help if needed, which makes the success rate much more achievable."

Jesica Gonzalez
Criminology
California State University, Fresno

Landon Sciacca

“I chose SJCL because of the Alumni networks that open the doors to opportunities for externships and for the numerous jobs available once I graduate.”

Landon Sciacca
Psychology
University of Southern California

Jaymie Eaton

“SJCL is home to an invaluable team of faculty and staff fully committed to ensuring our academic success as we enter into the community as advocates of justice. I feel supported, heard, and connected. I wouldn't have wanted a law school experience anywhere else.”

Jaymie Eaton
Art
California State University, Fresno

Jocelyn Stevens

“Injustice is both systemic and a choice, and I choose not to perpetuate the problem. I see the unification of our differences as a necessity. The powerful influence of a law degree at San Joaquin College of Law will equip me to be the voice others need.”

Jocelyn Stevens
Political Science
Azusa Pacific University

Online Program

Online Program

In addition to its successful, traditional in-person program, San Joaquin College of Law is now offering a remote J.D. option.

Diana Malcolm

“As a mother of two young children, it is very important to balance my law school schedule with my personal life. I chose SJCL for the flexible class schedule.”

Diana Malcolm
Bachelor of Law
EW HA Woman's University, Seoul, Korea

James Proctor

“SJCL is very welcoming to Veterans and the admissions staff is very helpful with the application process.”

James Proctor
Business Administration
Fresno City College

Gabrielle Grieser

“SJCL offers an environment of excellence that provides ample opportunity to gain experience in a multitude of areas of law.”

Gabrielle Grieser
Criminology
California State University, Fresno

Dusty Nunes

“I am a first generation college student who grew up in a small town. Choosing a law school in a region where the job market for attorneys is promising is the primary reason I chose SJCL for my legal education.”

Dusty Nunes
Political Science
University of California, Merced

Ashley Simpson

“As a student advocate for the New American Legal Clinic, SJCL’s on campus clinic, I have gained invaluable experience both in learning immigration law and interacting with actual clients and their families.”

Ashley Simpson
Criminal Justice
Fresno Pacific University

Rosie Palomino

“Higher education has set me free from the cycle of poverty, crime, and family violence. I am no longer imprisoned by the stereotypes and stigmas. I have chosen a different life and created opportunity here at SJCL.”

Rosie Palomino
Criminology
Fresno Pacific University

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Events

Law School 101

March 20, 2024 | 6:00 - 8:00pm

Our free informational monthly law school forum will help prospective students learn about law school, from courses offered to admission requirements.

Learn More

LSAT Prep Class

April 18, 2024 | 6:00 - 8:00pm

Join us for a free session on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), led by San Joaquin College of Law's Professor Andrew Kucera, to develop strategies to approach the analytical thinking questions on the LSAT.

Learn More

Mock Law Class

May 22, 2024 | 12:00pm

Our mock law classes are a series of classes designed to bring the law school experience to life to give prospective students a taste of what law school is like.

Learn More
In the News

ABC 30 - Central Valley attorney shortage

ABC’s Channel 30, Corin Hoggard interviews students at SJCL's Career Fair.

Central Valley Today Show Interview

Academic Dean Justin Atkinson and current student Cindy Arrendondo discuss legal career options in the Central Valley.

Serving the Central Valley

Choosing a law school in a region where the job market is promising is a primary reason to attend SJCL. San Joaquin College of Law has produced talented graduates who hold prestigious and influential positions both locally and throughout the State. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Joaquin College of Law is the only law school in a 100 mile radius. The population in the San Joaquin Valley area is one of the fastest growing in the United States.

Learn more about our unique location
Inter Alia Cover

The new issue of Inter Alia, our quarterly magazine, has been published. Get a sense of San Joaquin College of Law through its' amazing alumni and students.

See all the back issues here.

Arthur Baggett (Law ’93) has been appointed by Governor Newsom to the Central Valley Regional…

We are thrilled to congratulate Arthur Baggett (Law ’93) on his appointment by Governor Newsom to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.  Arthur, a resident of El Portal, has been a Partner and Counsel at AG Baggett and PJ Weber Inc. since 2011, and an Adjunct Faculty member at SJCL since 1997.  He is also a member of the elite class of alumni in the SJCL Hall of Fame. Arthur’s career includes having served on the State Water Resources Control Board and as its Chair from 2000 to 2005. 

Lonzetta Hightower

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of our own Lonzetta Hightower, a long-time member of the SJCL team.  Lonzetta was with SJCL for 32 years, beginning in 1990 when she served as receptionist/secretary and the law school was located in a strip mall on Shields Ave.

James Keller Herbert, Jr.

SJCL announces with sadness the passing of one of the law school’s early major financial and academic supporters. James Herbert, Jr. (February 16, 1938 – December 5, 2023) was a graduate of Stanford University and Boalt Hall, Berkeley. He practiced law at a firm in Los Angeles and spearheaded the legal work for the fight to “Save Our Coastline” by the city of Palos Verdes. 

Beyond the J.D.

Benjamin Thomas Greer (Law ’08) is an overachiever by anyone’s definition. He has been an Emergency Management Coordinator/Instructor II with the California Office of Emergency Services, Homeland Security/Human Trafficking training division since 2017. In addition to his law degree, he graduated from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security master’s program in 2022.

Championing Justice: A Journey from Law School to the Frontlines of Social Equality

With a passion for social justice and a commitment to making a difference, Jason Crockford (Law '18) embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to the forefront of the legal system. Through his father's involvement with the ACLU and other social justice organizations, he was deeply influenced by his early exposure to issues of race, class, and poverty. Today, as a dedicated public defender, Jason continues to champion the cause of equality and justice for marginalized communities. Learn more about Jason, including the impact his law school education had on his career and his passion for representing the underrepresented in the Central Valley.

From Tragedy to Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of an SJCL Alumna

With a goal of transforming her personal traumas into her law firm’s mission, Shanna Hesketh (Law '17) founded Trauma Law California, a personal injury and criminal defense law firm that provides single point of contact, education and support throughout the legal process to its clients. Her journey, marked by the emotional murder trial of her brother and a series of life-altering accidents, not only shaped her legal career but her perspective on the very essence of justice. Learn more about Shanna, including the impact personal experiences have in shaping your career, the importance of empathy in the courtroom, and the undeniable strength that can be forged in the face of adversity.

Community Voices featuring 4L Ann-Marie Padilla (she/they)

Finals season always causes a tremendous amount of stress, understandably so considering the entirety of a semester of study comes down to a single two- or three-hour exam. This past semester, I fell into the same routine as my peers when finals rolled around, locking myself in a quiet room to revise outlines, whiteboard rules, and drink way too much coffee. But since it was the end of my 3L year, I suppose I figured, why not mix it up and throw in a full-blown identity crisis?

Professor Miiko Anderson Wins Congressional Award

SJCL’s Professor Miiko Anderson has been awarded the Suzanne McDaniel Memorial Award for Public Awareness, by Congressman Jim Costa. The award honors individuals who have used their voice to support and bring change at the national level, for crime victims. Professor Anderson was recognized at the annual Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus awards ceremony in Washington D.C. during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 23-29, 2023).

Graduates urge others to reach for the stars (and a J.D.)

Professor Peter Wasemiller (Law ’82) has referred or recommended several students to law school.  Among them: Raquel Chavez (3L), Maranee Forsyth (2L), Darren Stemwedel (Law ’12), Kelly Campbell (4L), and Samuel Kyllo (Law ’97).

Peter Wasemiller (Law ’82) has for 40 years fulfilled a lifelong desire to work in higher education.  He has served as both an administrator and college professor throughout his career.  His decision to enroll in law school was based on the hunch that a robust academic background (right up there with medical school) could help him to realize that goal.

On the Move...

Have you moved? Changed firms? Opened one of your own? Gottern married? We’d love to hear from you!

Fill out the SJCL Alumni On the Move Form or email Diane at dskouti@sjcl.edu

Yvette Estrada

Yvette Estrada (Law '18) is now an Associate Attorney at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, & Romo.

Virginia Madrid-Salazar

Virginia Madrid-Salazar (Law '16) is now a Deputy City Attorney II for the City of Fresno. Virginia is part of the litigation team for Labor and Employment.

Tomas Ross

Tomas Ross (Law '13) has been promoted to State Managing Attorney and now oversees the California staff counsel operation of Loya Casualty Insurance Company. The company is expanding and opening a legal office in northwest Fresno in 2023.

Stephanie Landeros

Stephanie Landeros (Law '22) is now an associate attorney with White Canepa of Fresno, where she practices Civil Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law.

Sean Quint

Sean Quint (Law '21) is now an Associate Attorney with The Caine Law Firm, of Fresno, where he practices Criminal Defense Law.

Ryan Heller

Ryan Heller (Law '22) is now a Deputy District Attorney with the Merced County District Attorney's Office.

Richard Placido

Richard Placido (Law '17) is now an Intellectual Property Attorney at Peterson Watt Law Group in Roseville, California.

Rena Harrison

Rena Harrison (Law '19) is now an Associate Attorney at Berliner Cohen in Merced.

Rena Harrison

Rena Harrison (Law '19) moved recently to the Mariposa County District Attorney's Office.

Ramon Nava

Ramon Nava (Law '14) is now Chief Executive Officer at Ramon Nava Law APC.

Matthew Hamilton

Matthew Hamilton (Law '22) is now a Deputy District Attorney with the Fresno County District Attorney's Office.

Mario Mella

Mario Mella (Law '21) is an Asylum Officer with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).