Alumni Success

From a young age, Scott gravitated toward law in order to help people who would otherwise not have representation. He clerked during law school for Perez, Makasian & Williams, then was hired on after passing the bar exam and worked with the firm for a total of 17 years. His focus was personal injury, product liability and Workers’ Compensation. He was trying cases within 60 days of passing the bar and learned a great deal about trial preparation. In 2006, he joined Craig Davis’ (’88) firm, ultimately purchasing the firm from Craig. He now represents plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice, and Workers’ Compensation cases, employing a staff of eight paralegals and support staff. “In first year of law school, I could not understand in Torts why anyone would care about what color banana peels were on the floor and had no idea what Judge Wanger was talking about in Civil Procedure until I began studying for finals. Now, ironically I use both areas of law in practice every day.”

Having volunteered at Rape Counseling Services of Fresno, Kim thought she wanted to be a sex crimes prosecutor, but during law school civil classes piqued her interest. Her practice now is business litigation with emphases in real property and probate litigation and contract, partnership, and commercial lease disputes, as well as civil appeals and accessibility defense. “I remember trying to juggle full-time work, night classes, weekend study, and family. I made such great friends and have met so many fellow alumni through being on the Alumni Association Board and attending SJCL events. There is always a connection with other alumni throughout the Fresno area, whether it’s a judge, a long-time colleague, or a recent SJCL grad.”

Flora wanted a career to be of service to her community. Her first goal was to be a college French teacher, but there was a year wait to enter the program for a teaching credential at CSUF. In the interim, she studied linguistics, the Theatre of the Absurd, and ultimately the Paralegal Program at SJCL to attain a skill to support her graduate education. After working as a paralegal for a year, her husband suggested she undertake something that would use her full potential to better serve. Law school followed while she continued to work as a paralegal/law clerk, then with Lang, Richert & Patch. Upon graduation, Flora began her career as a Research Attorney with the Fresno County Superior Court. After a brief child-raising hiatus, Flora did contract work. In 1998, she opened her own office, handling probate, estate planning, and conservatorship matters. As to law school, “I remember all the love – from friends and professors. It was all a big family.”

Jennifer worked as a paralegal for many years before becoming an attorney. Immediately upon being sworn-in in 1999, she opened her own practice. Her first client had waited a month for her to be licensed to represent him in a custody dispute, which was such an honor for her, and that client sends her an annual Christmas photo of he and his now grown son. Jennifer initially thought she wanted to be a real estate litigator because she had so enjoyed Sally Perring’s Real Property class, but very quickly her practice transitioned to family law, and so it has remained. In practicing family law, she has learned that “All people are generally caring and ultimately want the same things in life. I try to guide them through what can be a very difficult time with hope and positivity regardless of their circumstances.” As to law school, “Fear was a big motivator. You live an experience only another law student can understand, but going to SJCL forever changed my life in a positive way.”

Leila represents school districts in a wide variety of situations, including labor, employment, student, and facilities issues. “The teachers and students at SJCL were all so collegial – welcoming and encouraging. We were all in it together. That worked better for me than the highly competitive environment of larger schools. Because there are so many SJCL graduates working in the Fresno area, that attitude carries over to the entire legal community.”

Francine worked for 10 years as a dental hygienist before enrolling in law school. As the Supervisor of the City Attorney’s Office Litigation Unit, she supervises eight in-house litigators and the staff that responds to Public Record Act Requests. The City Attorney’s Office represents and advises the elected officials, administration, and City run departments like municipal utilities, police and fire departments, airports, and public transportation systems. “My favorite class in law school was civil procedure, which is probably why I still love the litigation process and have worked as a litigator ever since.” 

When Treanna entered law school, she planned to be a Public Defender. Upon graduation, she worked for a year and a half as a Public Defender in Madera and Fresno Counties. She then joined Grancell, Stander & Ruebens doing Workers’ Compensation defense for a year, then transitioned to Bradford and Barthel in the same field for three years. As of the end of March, 2019, she works with Chernow & Lieb, continuing with Workers’ Compensation defense, handling cases from depositions to settlement or administrative hearings. She remembers law school having a sense of community with everyone stepping up to help – almost like a family.

A love of reading and writing led Aaron to law school. After graduating, he first clerked for Judge Gary Austin (79’) then worked with William Schmidt where he was exposed to a wide variety of cases. In August of 2015, he joined Berg Injury Lawyers in Alameda and gained vital deposition, trial and mediation experience. In June of 2016, he returned to Fresno to join Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey, LLP where he handles insurance defense, family law, and DUI cases. Aaron remembers constantly studying during law school and is grateful to his family for understanding, and to his study partner, Alicia Hinton, for all the time they spent working through the law together.

Upon graduation, Michelle worked at Lang, Richert, and Patch and then for Riley Walter. She then operated her own practice for 8 years, representing trustees in bankruptcy proceedings and doing creditor collections. In 2010, she joined the Small Business Administration. The mission of the SBA is to help small businesses grow, a mission that is near and dear to Michelle. The SBA has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, loans to purchase commercial real estate, and other assistance to small businesses. As to law school, Michelle says “I absolutely loved law school, although it was incredibly challenging (and I was often sleep-deprived!). It makes me so happy that SJCL has become a family affair, with my sister Suzanne Golden (Class of 2001) and my daughter Jennifer Oleksa (Class of 2016) being proud alumni.”

Jim was working as a police officer when he decided he wanted to be a Deputy District Attorney. During law school, he interned with the Madera District Attorney’s Office under Charlie Hoffman and was given highly responsible opportunities such as doing preliminary hearings in major felony cases, including murder. Upon passing the bar exam, he joined the Merced County District Attorney’s Office where he worked for 12 years. In 2007, he had an opportunity to purchase a house in Monterey County and work for the District Attorney’s Office there, so he grabbed it. He has worked the entire rotation in the District Attorney’s Office, including general felonies, gang prosecutions, homicides, and currently welfare fraud. “Like everyone else, I had a rude awakening with my first Torts exam score. Judge Wanger preaching Civil Procedure from the pulpit at the church next door to the old building was amazing. Great memories of study partners – Brian Alvarez, Peter Cabbiness, Ron Parvanian, and Cynthia Frost (now Wales).”

Joe did Mock Trial in Boy Scouts which was led by Magistrate Dennis Beck. He enjoyed the intellectual challenge and the feeling he could help people with law. “Also, I flunked Calculus, so I couldn’t be an engineer.” From his first year of law school, he worked full-time as a law clerk at Cole Fisher, appearing in Workers’ Compensation Court 3-4 days a week. Upon passing the July bar, he became an associate with the firm and a partner in 2005. Joe became a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist in 1998. The firm represents injured workers and works to dovetail benefits and Social Security rights to maximize injured plaintiffs’ resources. “I remember Jan teaching us in Torts how to think through exam writing. Our study group – Albert Ramirez, Mario DiSalvo, Dennis Gaab, John Rorabaugh and I took law school very seriously and met regularly.”

Mike’s service on a long, high-profile homicide jury convinced him to go to law school. During law school, he interned with the Fresno District Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the bar, he was immediately hired there. He handled homicide cases along with major financial crimes. In 2012, Mike opened his criminal defense practice, continuing to focus on real estate fraud, financial crimes, and serious felonies and murders. Mike worked 50-60 hours a week through law school, so he had to manage his time closely. During the first year, he briefed every case, which made the second, third, and fourth years easier.

Megan grew up in an agricultural family and majored in Ag Science at Cal Poly. She went to work at Maricopa Orchards almost immediately after graduation. Maricopa grows primarily almonds and pistachios, along with citrus, blueberries, and cherries. Megan handles farm property purchases as well as all types of contracts, leases, easements, and license agreements. “Law school took a lot of hard work and dedication. I kept my focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.”

From the 6th grade when Rene’ met a local female judge she knew she wanted to be a lawyer. During law school, she clerked with Dwayne Zinkin in real estate law, but when she took the Trial Practice class taught by Judge Lawrence O’Neill she knew that was what she wanted to do. Upon graduation, Rene’ worked with McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte and Carruth, doing insurance defense for 8 years. Five years followed as in-house counsel for Allstate Insurance. In 2000, Cornwell & Sample was formed. Rene’s cases are primarily plaintiff personal injury. She has been a member of ABOTA since 2010 and has tried over 40 jury trials. Rene paid it forward by teaching the Trial Practice class at SJCL for 10 years. Last year when Darryl B. Freedman, another SJCL graduate, passed away, Rene’ and her law partner Stephen R. Cornwell, took over as owners of his firm to help continue his legacy. Rene’ and her family are also active in the local recovery community. Their oldest son has been sober for 5 years and together they opened My Time Recovery where they help families struggling with addiction.

Peter hoped a law degree would lead to a college professorship and it did! In 1983, he was hired into the new position of Alumni Relations at Fresno Pacific University. A year later he was teaching Business Law to undergraduates. For many years, he ran the Grants and Research Office at FPU while continuing to teach. After a two-year stint as the head of human resources, he taught full-time in the School of Business for both undergraduates and graduates, as well as being the sole undergraduate business advisor. In August of 2015, Peter became the Program Director and Chair of the Paralegal Studies Program at Fresno City College, but still teaching! “It’s fun communicating law to non-lawyers!” As to law school, Peter says “I developed very close relationships with my classmates. You can’t survive law school without that!”

Five years as a middle school teacher led Ramon to heed the advice of a former college professor and enroll in law school. He clerked at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office during his last two years and then joined the Yarra Law Group upon his admission to the bar. Ramon worked in immigration law there for three years before joining Lazaro Salazar Law, Inc. Ramon continues his focus on immigration law with cases ranging from naturalization to removal defense against the ever-changing backdrop of immigration law. He has also begun to work in criminal defense, which he says allows him to play a small role in helping hard working individuals achieve their goals. Ramon says graduation from SJCL was one of his most memorable moments as he was able to finally share the rewards of all the hard work with his family and classmates.

Todd entered law school because he didn’t like the accounting work his father did, his uncle was an attorney, and aptitude tests pointed him in the direction of law. During law school, he interned with the United States Attorney’s Office and loved the trial work. After graduation Todd worked with Blanco, Tomassian & Pimental doing personal injury and civil litigation. From 1999 to 2005, he and a partner continued that type of work. Finally, in 2005, the Law Office of Todd J. Armas was born. His practice consists primarily of family and landlord-tenant cases as well as estate planning. “My best memory of law school is the helpful relationships I had with the SJCL staff – especially Joan Lassley, Lonzetta Hightower, Jill Randles, and Jackie Margritz.”

Bill enrolled at SJCL soon after returning from his second deployment as a Navy strike-fighter pilot in the Vietnam War; and continued flying as a Naval Aviator through law school. He clerked as a certified law student for two firms and tried several jury trials. His early years of private practice included use of his aerospace engineering background in products liability and aviation law, other plaintiff's and defense litigation, and eminent domain law. He then served as Assistant City Attorney for five years handling condemnation trial and appellate work, together with land use and environmental litigation. In the mid-80’s he joined the Motschiedler firm where he has remained for 32 years. He received a Presidential appointment in 2004 and served as a member of the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. Currently he represents agricultural, commercial, and industrial enterprises whose properties are being taken and damaged by the high speed rail project. Bill also farms red sweet cherries on the Kings River. He and Linda, married 48 years, have three children and five grandchildren. At SJCL, he enjoyed the comradery among students, winning the Moot Court with study partners Gary Austin and John Dicks, and studying under the exemplary mentors of the Central Valley legal community, including the late Hollis Best and Oliver Wanger.

Lisa wanted to have a career that would be stimulating and provide her with an opportunity to make a positive difference in her community. In her role as Deputy County Counsel she practices Dependency law and works alongside several fellow SJCL grads. Lisa likes the fact that the field of law provides opportunities to learn something new every day. She says the unique status of her alma mater as a small but mighty law school makes for terrific, and rare, comradery among peers. “I don’t think you see this level of reception and co-operation among legal communities a lot.”

For 22 years after graduating from SJCL, Randy worked in agricultural businesses in the Reedley area. From 2005 to the spring of 2016, he served as Professor of Entrepreneurship at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, ultimately as Associate Dean of Business and Economic Development.  Randy’s passions are education and small business entrepreneurship.  He says, “small enterprises transform peoples’ lives quickly.”  Randy works with a number of for-profits and non-profits, notably through serving as President of Friends of Portugal which operates a co-space business incubator, vintage stores, and other micro-enterprises near Lisbon.  He also is on the Board of CURA Coffee which brings dental care to low-income farmers and their families in Nicaragua. 

Marla was working for the State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento when she became intrigued by the legal issues involved in their hearings. Beginning at the end of her third year, she clerked with Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez and became an Associate in December of 2013. “One part of law practice that I really enjoy is seeing how Civil Procedure applies and works in real life situations.” Marla represents plaintiffs in personal injury, employment, wage and hour, discrimination, retaliation, and elder abuse cases. “I miss the study groups in law school. It was fun to sit around arguing about concepts like how many causes of action we could find in an old Torts exam. I don’t miss the heavy books.”

Since he was a small child, people told Mark he should be a lawyer. During law school, he clerked for David Milligan working on personal injury cases, but didn’t particularly like that field. Upon admission to the bar, he immediately opened his own practice. In fact, he was sworn in as quickly as possible as a potential client was waiting for Mark to represent him. Mark’s practice is exclusively criminal law. He accepted some family law cases early on, but quickly learned that criminal defendants are much nicer than people going through divorce. As to law school, “I would have paid extra for Dean Pearson’s Torts class. Whenever I was asked to brief a case, I would act out the action of the case in the aisle. Plus, you really got to know all the professors at SJCL. They really care.”

Ella was always fascinated by the law and its continuous evolution: she always wanted to go to law school. She clerked at Dias Law Firm and ultimately became an Associate. Personal injury litigation was her initial focus, but now her work encompasses a wide range of civil litigation, including employment, family, real property, and high-speed rail issues. She does a great deal of research and writing. “I love the firm and the variety of the work I do.” As to law school, her immediate memory was of the great people she worked with in the Library – Jonette Montgomery and Spencer Gong.

Melanie’s mother started her career as a legal secretary in Sacramento, CA. That experience prompted her to encourage Melanie to apply to San Joaquin College of Law. As a Superior Court, Judge O’Neill taught Trial Practice at SJCL. Upon her admission to the bar, when Sam Speake (’87), was limited by vocal surgery, Judge O’Neill suggested Melanie do Sam’s appearances for him in Juvenile Court. She then was hired to handle Dependency and Delinquency conflicts. From 1996 – 2010, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office hired her to represent minors in the foster care system. When that position was privatized, she continued with the D.A.’s Office handling general felonies, then domestic violence cases. From Fall 2015-2019 she helped develop the Attendance Matters truancy intervention program with the Fresno Unified School District. Currently, her assignment is Workers’ Compensation and In-Home Supportive Services fraud. She enjoyed “jumping over the wall to the donut shop at break and the wonderful sessions with my study group – Jane Woodcock, Gil Fleming, and Wesley Hammond.” She resides locally with her husband, Nick, and their four adult children, across the street from her mom and dad.

Nick’s father is a lawyer and had a tremendous influence on his decision to go to Law School. Nick clerked for Georgeson and Bellardinelli and Myers & Overstreet during law school. Nick joined Myers & Overstreet as an Associate upon passing the bar. In 2002, Nick opened Zinkin & Bruce with classmate Danny Bruce (’01). Since 2008, Nick has operated as in-house counsel for family owned businesses focusing on real estate and business transactions, along with entertainment law for his brother’s Sports Agency/ Entertainment Company. “I remember studying my butt off in law school. I really did enjoy it, but it required a lot of sacrifices and hard work. And I love what I do now.” Nick serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin College of Law.

In the late 1980’s, Rose immigrated to the United States from Armenia and was fascinated by the TV show, “L.A. Law.” From then on she did everything possible to become a lawyer. Upon graduation from SJCL, she opened her own practice for about two and a half years. In 2004, she joined Wilkins, Drolshagen & Czeshinski LLP. In early 2018, she joined Borton Petrini where she focusses on insurance defense, real estate, estate planning, and business litigation. She is grateful for the connections she established with other law students during her three years at SJCL. With her J.D. she was able to take the Real Estate Broker’s exam. For the last fifteen years she has owned and operated her real estate business. Currently, Rose is the Treasurer of the SJCL Alumni Association.

Sue was working at Bank of America when a co-worker suggested they take a Business Law class together at College of Sequoias. Sue loved it and later became a paralegal/law clerk for the instructor, future judge Howard Broadman. When Broadman joined the bench, his firm became Farley, Alldredge, & DeSantos. Sue continued working there as an Associate in a general civil practice for five years. Sue then joined Marderosian, Swanson & Oren where she did civil litigation defense and administrative cases, first as an Associate, then as a Partner, for a total of 20+ years. In November of 2015, she joined the Liebert firm where she does employment law, representing primarily public entities including school districts. Sue remembers “the people connection” in law school, especially her study group – Janet Maus, Rick Monge, Randy Long, and Chuck Magill.

While in school, Judge Young switched his career path from Electrical Engineering to law because he thought it would be more versatile and geographically flexible. He worked full-time, in addition to being married and serving in the National Guard, throughout law school. Upon graduation, he worked briefly as a Contracting Officer on the Fresno National Guard base. In 1997, he became a Staff Attorney for the Social Security Administration in Fresno. In 2008, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee as a Senior Attorney. He was appointed an Administrative Law Judge in 2010, which included a move to Macon, Georgia, then to a similar post in Moreno Valley, California in 2011. A move to Ft. Myers, Florida as the Chief Judge in that office followed in 2015. Finally, for family reasons, he returned to a judgeship in Fresno in 2019. “As a U.S. Administrative Law Judge, I have gotten to live where others go for vacation.”

Having litigated cases as an insurance defense attorney, in 2000, Warren began exclusively representing plaintiffs in personal injury actions, including wrongful death, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful termination. He has litigated over 55 jury trials to verdict throughout California, including nine verdicts in excess of $1 million. He has been named one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Northern California every year since 2009. In 2008 he was awarded the Consumer Attorneys of California Trial Lawyer of the Year. In 2017 he received the America Board of Trial Lawyers of California Trial Lawyer of the Year. Warren is one of only a handful of lawyers in California ever to have received both awards. Warren has always said that SJCL gave him the opportunity to fulfill his dreams.

Sherrie always wanted to go to law school, but life first sent her to Carnegie Mellon University where she earned a degree in mechanical engineering. After practicing mechanical engineering for many years, she ultimately did enroll at SJCL. She clerked one summer for Baker Manock & Jensen, and then worked as an associate there for five years doing litigation in employment, intellectual property, insurance defense, and general business fields. Sherrie passed the Patent Bar in 2008 and really wanted to focus on intellectual property. She moved to the Law Offices of Andrew Fortney where she engaged in patent practice for three years. Sherrie joined Coleman & Horowitt, LLP six years ago. As a partner, her practice is now almost entirely intellectual property, obtaining patent, trademark and copyright protection for her clients as well as litigating infringement matters. “Law school was fun! I wanted to learn. I appreciated that many of the professors were actively practicing in the subjects they taught.”

Rissa has worked continuously since graduation at KSC in Hanford, where she is a partner. Her practice has evolved to be primarily civil and complex litigation, including business, agriculture, employment, land use and wage and hour defense. She has advocated for clients before various appellate courts, the California Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Rissa says working at KSC has been a wonderful opportunity because the firm’s work is so diverse, enabling great learning and a fabulous career. No day is ever the same. The lawyers in the firm are highly collaborative, as well. As to law school, Rissa says “I have lifelong friendships with my law school study group – Carla Kahl and Mary Jarvis O’Leary.”

Since the 7th grade, Jason wanted to be a lawyer. During law school he clerked for the Fresno County Public Defender, in civil law with Joseph Uremovic, and for Federal Magistrate Judge Dennis Beck. Upon graduation, he worked for a year with the Public Defender on an extra help contract, but the death of his mother led him to a more permanent position. He worked with Emerson, Corey & Barsotti in insurance defense and subrogation, then with Lang, Richert & Patch in construction and contract litigation. In 2005, Jason finally made his way back to the Public Defenders’ Office. He joined the Major Crimes Team in 2010 and became its Chief in 2017, managing 13 attorneys. “Law school is a blur for me but I remember the great people I met.”

When Michael was in college, he worked at the T.W. Patterson Building covering the front desk after normal business hours. There, he met Paul Staniford of Staniford, Harris & Loomis. (Yes, John Loomis, SJCL Founder) Staniford’s passion about practicing law inspired Michael to enter law school. Michael took the train to Fresno every day to get to SJCL. Over time, he became friends with the porters on the train who would open a separate car just for him so he could study during the trips. Starting in his second year, Michael clerked at Superior Farming Company in Bakersfield, becoming their Corporate Counsel until the business was sold to Mobil Corporation. Michael then joined Young Wooldridge where he has remained for 32 years. His practice covers a wide range of business and transactional cases.

Brandon spent seven years with the Department of Homeland Security during and after law school. His role as an attorney for the city is dynamic and ever changing, which fulfills his desire for work that is intellectually interesting.

“What I love most about my career is that every day I use my education, knowledge and experience to help the residents of the City of Fresno. I am so grateful for the education I received from San Joaquin College of Law.”

Jarrett admired his father, Phillip Cline, saw how seriously he took his job, and wanted to do the same. In law school, he clerked with Bourdette & Partners in Visalia on plaintiff personal injury and criminal defense cases and with Myers & Mayfield, doing insurance defense. With that diverse background and wanting trial experience, he joined the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, where he has remained. He has worked everything from agricultural crimes to home invasions, now doing major narcotics and asset forfeiture cases. “My study group in law school of Joe Arnold, Kim Madayag, Darin Powell, and Steve Koch camped out in a classroom and went over and over Joe’s flashcards.”

Carla was a high school teacher looking for a more challenging career when she entered law school. She clerked for Wilson, Altschule & Wittig, on a thrilling death penalty case, but stayed upon graduation to do family law. Four years later, when the Tulare County Family Law Facilitator’s office was formed, she was drawn to it because it incorporated teaching and law practice. Carla ran that very successful program for 20 years. After “retiring” from the Court, Carla worked with C.D. Harbottle’s (‘90) office in Visalia. In July of 2019, she joined Kahn, Soares & Conway continuing her family law involvement. Carla remembers their study group (Rissa Stuart (’93), Linda Bacon (’93), Mary Jarvis(’94)) and watching Mary waive the three of them off to take the bar exam. Carla was a member of the SJCL Tax Law Moot Court Competition team that won 1st Place Brief and Carla won 1st Place Oralist at the competition in Florida in 1993. Carla raised six children, but now that they are grown, she had to fill the empty nest somehow. Now she has six-plus goat-children that make her laugh every day.

Andrea always had an interest in law in hope of making a difference to individuals and her community. This interest was reinforced during her service in the United States Navy. While in law school she clerked first with Hammerschmidt Broughton for a year assisting with criminal defense cases. During her last year of law school, she worked with Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd, & Gin in municipal law. Upon graduation, she worked with Niklas Hugosson in real estate matters. In July of 2019, she joined the Dias Law Firm. Her focus there is civil litigation, but she also practices a significant amount of criminal defense. Her true passion is juvenile delinquency law which practice she hopes to develop. Law school was an incredibly busy time for Andrea. Her husband was deployed overseas most of the time, so she was effectively a single mother to their three children, working, AND going to law school. “I made some of the best friends of my life in law school.”

Kris started working in the legal field at the age of 16 with Kahn, Soares & Conway. She then decided to be a legal secretary, then became a paralegal in 1988. In 1993, she joined in establishing the Dooley & Herr firm and set her sights on law school. She completed the three-year program while working 50 hours a week and promptly passed the bar. She continued working with Dooley & Herr as an Associate. To keep life from becoming boring, in 1999, she gave birth to triplets. Six years ago, as her children were entering their high school years, she opened a satellite office of the firm in Hanford. Her practice consists of trust litigation, estate planning, wills, trusts and probate, conservatorships, and adoptions as well as a wide variety of transactional work. As to law school, Kris remembers late night studying with her best law school compadre, Melissa White. The two of them did cartwheels in the parking lot when Professor Artenian posted their passing grades in Remedies, as it meant their law school days were done! Kris sits on the Board of Directors of CASA of Kings County.

Melissa is responsible for the work of the U.S. EEOC for the 10 counties of the San Joaquin Valley, developing employment discrimination cases. Together, she and her staff work to promote equality in the workplace through rigorous enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws and community education. Melissa is a national trainer for new investigators. She has also trained agency staff on negotiation techniques and class action case development. Melissa’s work has always been in fighting housing and employment discrimination, first with the Fair Housing Council of Fresno County, then with California Rural Legal Assistance, and, since 2006, as the Local Director of U.S. EEOC. “Law school was like learning a foreign language. It was very challenging, but I always thought about all the marginalized people I could help once I became a lawyer.”

Marriage and children caused Leah to postpone her interest in attending law school. Her father was a lawyer, so she was attracted by the versatility of the degree. During law school she was a summer associate with Baker, Manock & Jensen working in medical malpractice defense, but ultimately joined her father’s firm. She is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, on the plaintiff side. She also handles Social Security Disability cases. Early in her career she served three years on the California Applicants Attorneys Board of Directors. Apart from practicing law, Leah now runs the Law Firm of Cole, Fisher, Cole and O’Keefe, along with her partner and fellow alumni Joseph O’Keefe (Law ’96). They employ 15 people including her daughter, Rachel Mahoney (Law ’11), who will soon be a partner as well. Leah enjoyed law school, the teachers, and the classmates who all pulled together to succeed. “SJCL definitely prepared me for passing the bar and left me well connected in the Legal and Judicial community. Thanks for everything!”

Even as a small child, Jim wanted to be an attorney. He worked as a paralegal in both plaintiff and defendant personal injury litigation firms for 20 years. In October of 2014, he joined the Law Office of Darryl B. Freedman as an Associate where he does exclusively plaintiff personal injury cases. These include automobile accidents, premises liability, sidewalk defect, and an eclectic mix of other cases, even intentional torts. On the walls of his office are pictures of the people he has helped so that he remembers to help one person at a time. Law school was a matter of survival – working, studying, raising four children, and enduring two surgeries. “The opportunity now to work with Steve Cornwell and Rene Sample is extraordinary.”

After forming a successful real estate corporation, Harry completed his studies at SJCL, passed the bar, and opened a practice that focused on all aspects of real estate and business law. In addition to serving as an instructor at SJCL, Harry has served on numerous real estate boards. With a thriving practice he has enjoyed for over 30 years Harry says attending SJCL was life changing.

Charlotte clerked for Bob Cassio, Roger Litman, and Sal Sciandra during law school as well as being a mediator in the SJCL Family Mediation Clinic. In practice, she worked for Marderosian, Runyon, Cercone & Lehman for five years doing insurance defense personal injury litigation. Thereafter, she worked as a Deputy City Attorney prosecuting cases for various departments, but primarily for the Code Enforcement Unit and Police Department. Later she was with Zurich North America, handling construction defect cases. Charlotte then worked for a period with Erickson, Arbuthnot, and has been with Yempuku, Wetters & McNamara for the last 4 ½ years, doing Workers’ Compensation defense and civil litigation. As to law school, she remembers being a stressed single mom and working full-time, but still served on the Student Bar Association Board that initiated the Golf Tournament and “Race Judicata”, and fondly recalls time spent with her study partners.

John’s first career was as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army working in Military Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and System Integration and Maintenance. A desire to be his own boss, inspired John to use his G.I. Bill benefits to attend law school. “When you wake up at 6am in a war zone, getting shot at, and getting paid minimum wage, it really puts the stress of law school into context. I never really stressed about law school.”

Maria entered law school with the intent to practice family law. She interned with the Fresno County Superior Court with Judge Fransen and Research Attorney Dan Annino, then with the Kings County District Attorney through awaiting bar results. As soon as her passing bar results were received, she worked first for the Tulare County D.A. and then the Kings County D.A. When her two-year old granddaughter came to live with her, she opted to open her own office handling family law, criminal law, civil restraining order cases, juvenile delinquency and dependency cases, and unlawful detainer cases, as well as working as an extra help attorney at the Kings County Minors Advocate Office. She then took a full time position with the Alternative Defense Office Dependency unit. In 2015, she became the full-time Supervising Attorney of the Minors’ Advocate Office. “I love this work because I help children and young people facing very difficult situations.”

Nancy was working as a legal secretary when her boss said, “You better go to law school rather than constantly saying how bored you are.” So she did. Upon graduating, Nancy worked with the Tulare County Counsel’s office for four years in dependency and environmental health cases. After two years in her own practice, in 1997, she joined McCormick, Kabot, Jenner & Lew, where she has now worked for almost 22 years. She does municipal and employment law for Porterville, Exeter, and Dinuba as well as defending most litigation against those cities. As to law school, she remembers getting home really late and then getting up really early to go to work.

Brent says his appreciation of his SJCL professors continues to grow with time. “Like your parents, you learn just how good they are as time goes on. The list of great instructors (that have taught at SJCL) is impressive, among them: Christine Goodrich, Judge Conklin, Magistrate Boone, Judge Chittick, Sally Perring (retired), and Rich Cartier (retired).”

Holley was a single parent working as a clerical assistant at CSUF when she started college. She dove into law school four years after obtaining her undergraduate degree while employed by State Compensation Insurance Fund as a sales representative. While waiting for Bar results, she worked as a legal assistant for the Fresno County Counsel “tackling” piles of probate files that no one wanted to handle. She was hired as a Deputy County Counsel immediately upon receiving Bar results. She handled probate and employment discrimination defense cases, as well as creating and presenting sexual harassment and discrimination trainings. In 1998 after promoting through the ranks, she was promoted to Chief Deputy County Counsel supervising 11 attorneys and several support staff servicing multiple county departments. In December 2002, Holley was recruited to work at Cal State San Marcos reporting directly to the University President and the Vice President for Finance and Administration. As Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Legal Compliance and Interim Director of Human Resources, Holley was responsible for all employment issues, developing policies and employee training. After retiring Holley returned to Fresno in May 2004 and briefly continued working for the CSU before joining the Perez firm. She handles the firm’s Probate matters. She also writes briefs and motions. Additionally, Holley has been a real estate broker since the 1980’s.

Jennifer started kindergarten the same day her mother, Michelle Oleksa (’99) started law school at SJCL and decided that day she wanted be a lawyer too. Beginning in the summer after her 2L year, Jennifer interned with the California Attorney General’s Office. After the bar exam, she worked full time as a Graduate Legal Assistant there and, with November bar results, was promoted to Deputy Attorney General. Her work is entirely criminal appeals, writs, and trials. In two and a half years, she has argued before the Fifth District court of Appeal 10 times and expects to argue a death penalty appeal before the California Supreme Court in the coming year. She feels very lucky to have fallen into her dream job, stating: “I have an amazing career here and here I shall stay until they drag me out.” Jennifer will begin teaching first-year Legal Methods at SJCL in August, 2019.

At a young age, Josh saw law as a noble profession and a powerful way to impact others’ lives. During law school, Josh was employed full-time, a law student, husband, and father. At the urging of classmate, Jorge Gallegos, Jr., Josh interviewed at Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey LLP. He began working there as a law clerk in August 2018, and has been an Associate of the firm since his swearing-in on January 31, 2019. He tried a civil insurance defense case about six months later. Josh describes law school as a roller coaster of emotions from “This is great.” to “What am I doing here?” He was impressed by the quality of the teaching including many professors in active practice. “Professor Artenian was superb at teaching Contracts in a conversational manner.”

Deborah was operating her own public relations firm when she developed the overwhelming desire to go to law school. She dove in, interning at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Kahn, Soares & Conway in Hanford. She remained at KSC until joining Walter Wilhelm in 2005. Her practice is trusts and estates, probate, conservatorships, and business transactions. Deborah says, “I received everything I wanted out of law school.”

While awaiting bar results, Marissa externed with U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Beck. She then worked on defense of a major criminal case with Nuttall & Coleman. In August of 1999, she joined Wilkins, Drolshagen & Czeshinski LLP where she has remained. She handles a wide range of civil litigation, primarily insurance defense, including premises liability, motor vehicle, employment, and insurance bad faith cases. As to law school, Marissa remembers A LOT of reading. “I wasn’t a reader when I entered law school, but now I love reading!”

Cheryl went to law school because she was tired of the family businesses being sued. They were hit twice by serial ADA lawsuit attorneys who swept through Fresno filing suit, then asking for payment to dismiss the suits. “Since I went to law school, the businesses have never been sued again for any reason.” Upon graduation and passing the bar, Cheryl worked briefly with several firms, but ultimately opened her own practice. For the last 15 years, she has exclusively handled family law and estate planning matters. “Dean Pearson warned us the first night that we would be lost for some time during the first year. One day in the second semester, I was staring at the negligence flowchart for Torts and suddenly everything fell into place.”

Bill was just named the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney of the Year by the California Lawyers Association! To think he went to law school just to find a job in a building with air conditioning. Upon graduation, Bill first worked for Eldridge, Anderson & Weakley handling insurance defense cases. From 1997 to 2003, he served as in-house counsel for A&L Products, Inc. doing transactional and corporate compliance work. In 2003, he joined Mullen & Filippi as an Associate, becoming an Associate Partner in 2007. He defends businesses, public agencies, and schools in Workers’ Compensation cases. “I loved law school, the students, staff, and faculty. Purvis was my favorite.” At SJCL, Bill also met his wife, then Michele Creighton, who was the MCLE Coordinator for several years and made the mistake of feeding Bill.

In college, Raquel became interested in social justice and felt law school was the way to effect change. In September of 2006, she began working for the firm that would eventually become the ERISA Law Center - first as a secretary, then paralegal, and now lawyer. Raquel’s practice focuses on ERISA and bad faith litigation, helping individuals obtain the disability and life insurance benefits they are entitled to under their employer-sponsored plans. Future plans include incorporating work on prisoner civil rights cases through the Eastern District of California’s Pro Bono Panel. Raquel is proud of being one of the founders of Law Students for Community Advancement, a student organization at SJCL that seeks to empower the student body and local community through speaker presentations and community action events.

Judge McGuire entered law school while she was working for Eldridge, Anderson & Weakley, now Weakley & Arendt, PC, as a paralegal, helping to prepare cases for trial. Upon passing the bar she stayed with the firm as an associate doing insurance and public entity defense. Within a year she was second chair on a major trial. When the firm won the case, she knew she was hooked on civil litigation. Thereafter in practice, she primarily represented public, business, and religious entities, and was widely recognized as an outstanding litigator. In December of 2010 she was appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court. For five and a half years, she handled a family law assignment but now has an unlimited civil assignment which she loves. “Law school initially was very intense. I was working full-time, going to school, and had a family, but by the end of the first year I had pretty well figured out how to balance it all.”

While working for the California State Legislature, Allie realized she had become more interested in how laws are implemented than how they are passed. She worked with Sara Hedgpeth-Harris (’86) in environmental law for four years as a law clerk and then as a lawyer. In November of 2013, she joined Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC, practicing in the areas of labor and employment defense, including employer education. A majority of the lawyers in the firm are SJCL graduates. Allie says she and Ian make a good team. She loves to write, so she does appeals and motions, while Ian prefers to be in court. Allie spends most of her time advising employers on employee workplace issues.

Jeff is the principal land use attorney for the City of Sacramento. He advises the City Council and the Planning and Design Commission on all land use matters, including CEQA, floodplain management, historic preservation, assessment districts, and other public financing. He is an updates author for the CEB book California Land Use and Practice. “I was a farm boy, but got tired of lifting heavy objects. I felt I could make better contributions by using my brain and am grateful to SJCL because I could go to law school and keep farming.”

Upon returning home after graduating from USC, Vanessa went to work as a secretary/paralegal with Robyn Esraelian. Vanessa found she was interested in the estate planning and probate work Robyn was doing. During law school Vanessa clerked with Kimble, MacMichael & Upton and became an Associate there upon entering the Bar in 2005. When the firm closed, five of its attorneys opened a new firm – Moss, Tucker, Chiu, Hebesha & Ward – which Vanessa joined. When that firm closed in March of 2018, Vanessa joined Richardson, Jones & Esraelian. Her work has consistently been in estate planning and probate. “I entered law school dreading school, but found I enjoyed engaging with the professors. In particular, I loved Professor Purvis’ Constitutional Law class even though we had widely differing opinions. Law school had a long-term impact on my life: it refined my analytical mind.”

David chose law school because his father practice law and after enjoying an undergraduate class in media law at Fresno State, he discovered that he too had an aptitude for law. Upon graduation, he joined the law firm of Henry, Logoluso & Blum where he practiced business litigation and public agency representation. He joined the Atkinson firm in 2006 working for a brief period in their Sacramento office. The firm was looking to expand into the Central Valley, so David returned to open their Fresno office. The Firm’s Fresno office now has 10 attorneys. David’s practice is roughly 70% assisting large public education institutions in election law, contracts, and reorganization issues, along with 30% in private litigation. He remembers his study group with Shelli Pepper and David Moreno. He will never forget the time he had to abruptly leave Rene Sample’s Civil Trial Practice class one evening to attend the birth of his oldest son. He is taking that same son to BYU to start HIS undergraduate education this fall.

“As far back as I can remember I wanted to be a lawyer.” During law school Carey was on Law Review and went on to serve as the Managing Editor. She also clerked for two years with the United States Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the bar in 2010, Carey started at State Compensation Insurance Fund. Counsel there handle any insurance claims for which State Fund requires legal representation. Carey likes the variety her position offers, including research, depositions, and court appearances. “It is a fast-paced environment but also provides a good work/life balance.” Carey liked the close-knit, more personal environment of SJCL and the great friendships she made while in law school.

Gayle has long conducted her own criminal law practice, but at least as much of her time is spent serving on the Board of Directors of P.E.O. – Philanthropic Educational Organization. This 150-year old organization of women is dedicated to helping women reach for the stars by funding loans, grants & scholarships for women at all levels advancing their education. They have given more than $325 million in scholarships, for which Gayle is very proud.

Christine came to the legal field looking for a challenging and fulfilling third career. As an Administrative Law Judge she holds hearings in prisons to determine the possibility of parole for individuals who have been incarcerated. “Once I passed the bar exam I could say that becoming an attorney and now a judge was the best decision I ever made.”

Sung Bae says that after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, he realized daily lives and business depend upon law. He decided to go to law school to be a necessary person. After finishing his J.D. and a Masters, he returned to South Korea. In order to work as an US licensed attorney, he had to work for an industry with overseas businesses. In 2014, he joined Daewoo Engineering & Construction, handling construction projects in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. In 2016, he moved to Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction where his work focused on power plants. Currently, he works with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the largest construction company in South Korea and in the top 15 in the world. He moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE to join a nuclear power plant project, a joint venture of Hyundai and Samsung, building the first nuclear power plant in the Middle East.

Maria worked as a Legal Assistant with Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez for seven years before entering law school. She felt she could do more to help people with a law degree and get to finish her cases. She clerked at the firm during law school and became an Associate upon passing the bar. Her work is primarily plaintiff’s personal injury cases, often automobile accidents with significant injuries or deaths. She does a significant amount of pro bono work. “I met so many interesting people in law school. They grow up so much. I saw them as stressed students in law school and now I see them suited up in court and arguing so well.”

Rachelle wanted to make the world more accessible by pro-actively working with businesses to make every aspect of their operations available to all clients and legally compliant. That is exactly the work she does with the Hatmaker Law Group. Rachelle helps businesses to fix as much as possible immediately and develop strategies to attain full compliance. Immediately after graduation, she first pursued this vision for private entities through consulting work with the Civil Justice Association of California which overlapped with her public entity premises liability cases while working for Overstreet & Associates. Since June of 2018, she has returned to educating and advising in the private sector at Hatmaker Law Group. “At SJCL I felt I was part of a community. At a larger school, I would just have been a number. I would not have had the contacts and opportunities elsewhere to succeed as I have.”

Jon grew up in the Central Valley and was involved in both the production and business aspects of agriculture. A chance business meeting with a helpful attorney sparked his interest in the law and led to his attending SJCL. Soon after admission to the bar, he opened the Law Office of Jon P. Adams. Services include estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, estate litigation, personal injury, real estate, business transactions, as well as general civil litigation. He recalls fondly the comradery and helpfulness of his instructors, classmates and study groups. On his first night of Justice Ardaiz’ Evidence class nobody would volunteer to brief a case. Resorting to the student roster “Adams” was first. “After due grilling by the Justice, I was told that my application of the law to the facts was entirely incorrect, but he respected that I held my ground with the argument.”

Tom worked for Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey for 24 years, first as a law clerk, then Associate, Partner, and ultimately, Managing Partner for 10 years. His work was general civil defense, mostly insurance defense and business transaction litigation. In 2014, he became General Counsel for HealthComp, a third-party administrator for self-funded ERISA and other plans with offices in Fresno and Chicago. His responsibilities include negotiating and reviewing contracts, managing outside litigators, and handling employment related issues. When not in class, you could often find the Class of 1990 at The Copper Pot around the corner from the Shields Avenue building.

Corina has wanted to be a lawyer since she watched Matlock at the age of 6. She became affiliated with Sawl Law Group (then under a different name) while in high school. She briefly left Fresno to get her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UC Davis. After graduation, she returned to Sawl Law Group as a legal assistant. She was motivated after starting her family and began her legal education at SJCL. Within minutes of learning she had been admitted to the bar, Sawl Law Group made her an offer to become an Associate with the firm. Initially, her practice was plaintiff personal injury, but it now includes criminal defense. “I love my job! The firm accommodates me and my family. I also enjoyed every moment of law school and being a student. I miss the people and the old building smell.”

Jane entered law school because she was always disturbed about the unfairness in the world and wanted to help. Upon graduation from SJCL, she did not immediately take the bar exam, becoming instead the Director of the Fresno Needle Exchange program. When she finally took the bar in February of 2000, she passed on the first attempt and went to work with Fresno County Legal Services. When she discovered she wanted to be in court more, she joined the Fresno Public Defenders Office. She retired from that position in March of 2019 after 17 years, and now operates her own criminal defense practice, taking only the cases she really wants to defend, some of them pro bono. Jane says she made dear friends in law school, ones she with whom she is still in contact today.

Amanda’s passion for research and writing led her to law. During law school, she was a judicial Extern for U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence O’Neill and Magistrate Judge Gary Austin. She also clerked for a local civil litigation firm, where she obtained experience in employment law, personal injury matters, and class actions. Amanda served as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and wrote a published law review comment. Amanda worked for Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel, PC as a law clerk and as an associate upon passing the bar. There, she represented self-insured employers and insurance companies in workers’ compensation matters. In April of 2017, she joined Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, PC where she represents employers on labor relations and employment law matters, including wage and hour violations, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination. She serves on the Fresno County Women Lawyers Board of Directors as the Philanthropy Chair.

Suzanne obtained a BA in Criminology from Ohio State University. Following in her sister’s footsteps, Michelle Oleksa (Law’99), she moved cross-country to attend law school at SJCL. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles. With clients such as San Bernardino County, CALTRANS, and Frontier Oil, she embarked on a 15-year career focusing on environmental/toxic tort issues in litigation. As time passed, Suzanne became interested in unlawful detainer law and spent a few years protecting the legal interests of landlords/income property owners. Fast forward to the present and change has occurred again. Suzanne recently helped open a law office concentrating on insurance defense. Her next goal is to become a master peacemaker and mediator, resolving human conflict outside the courtroom.

Nickie always wanted to be a lawyer, but life got in the way.  She worked for five years in commodities trading, then owned her own Quiznos stores for 12 years.  Finally she returned to a long ago dream and completed law school.  “My third career has been the most rewarding.  I finally found the right fit.”  At Gillett Green, she specializes in special education law, representing parents and children.  “I loved law school – every minute of it.  Read and write all day – perfect!”

Elizabeth went to law school so she could help make a positive impact on the agricultural industry. While at SJCL, she clerked for three years as a certified law clerk at Hammerschmidt Broughton Law, where she gained valuable courtroom experience. Upon passing the bar, she joined Emerson Church Law. The firm’s primary wheelhouse is insurance defense. Elizabeth handles cases ranging from simple auto collisions to large multi-million-dollar personal injury and property damage cases. A large portion of her practice consists of agriculturally-based litigation, including crop loss, tractor and equipment-related accidents, big-rig accidents, and animal injury cases. She is the sole handling attorney on all construction defect and habitability cases in her office. Elizabeth has served on the Fresno County Women Lawyers Board of Directors, including as Vice-President. She is grateful to Rayma Church, a 2018 SJCL Hall of Fame inductee, for giving her the opportunity to grow rapidly as a lawyer. As to law school, she fondly remembers the hard work it took to get her law review comment published in the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review.

Nicea worked in the Legal Department of Community Medical Centers during college, which prompted her decision to go to law school. While attending SJCL, Nicea published an article in the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and served as Notes and Comments Editor for the journal. She also externed for Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. Upon admission to the Bar, she worked in criminal defense for three years, first with The Caine Law Firm and then with Cuimmo & Associates. In 2015, she went back to the Legal Department of Community Medical Centers, this time as an attorney. As part of Community’s Legal Department, Nicea provides legal guidance to Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Medical Center, Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital, Community Behavioral Health Center, and a number of outpatient clinics. She finds this work exciting because it includes a variety of legal areas including patient privacy, consent and mental health law, EMTALA, physician contracting, business transactions, and policy review. She recalls that she made friendships in law school that will last a lifetime.

Darcy always wanted to go to law school but family came first. She settled down in the Valley and law school didn’t seem feasible until she discovered SJCL. While in school, Darcy balanced her coursework with motherhood and an internship at a local law firm. She has always been drawn to public service, so she joined Central California Legal Services in February, where she is a member of the Housing Team. “Law school was the time of my life. It was fun because it challenged me. It gave me the tools to participate effectively in making my community and country a better place.”

Erick credits the SJCL alumni network in helping him to secure hard-to-get internships with a local judge and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during law school. He says work in correctional law is fascinating as it takes him into prisons and, once in a great while, death row. “I have often referred to my coursework on constitutional law while working to defend correctional officers and occasionally the governor’s office.”

Gary immigrated to the U.S. from England in his late teens and served in the US Navy as a member of the exclusive Triple Threat Company. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gary entered college and worked as an investigator for several law firms. His investigations assisted in the dismissal of hundreds of cases. He then enrolled in law school where he received awards for academic excellence and gained accolades in both State and National Moot Court competitions. Gary joined his father’s firm upon passing the Bar Exam in 2012 and has practiced Criminal Defense ever since.

Jeremy’s father, Keith Lusk, is a graduate of SJCL from 1978, so Jeremy was always exposed to law. He, and two of his undergraduate study group members, studied at McCormick Barstow, leading Jeremy to conclude he should just go on to law school. He clerked for his father doing Law and Motion work on civil litigation cases for a year. Upon, graduating himself, Jeremy worked with several workers’ compensation firms before opening his own office in 2008. His office handles both plaintiff and defendant Workers’ Compensation cases, along with some debtor-creditor work. SJCL graduates Spencer Gong (’03) and Richard Fritsch (’08) are part of the team of eight. “I thoroughly enjoyed Professor Purvis’ classes, while many seemed to be nervous about them.” Jeremy liked to relax right before an exam would begin, by asking unsettling questions to other students – such as, before the Torts exam – “Now, exactly what does UCC 2-207 say?”

Kathy worked in the State Attorney General’s Office in Fresno while in law school and awaiting bar results. In December of 1999, she was hired as an attorney. She became Supervising Deputy Attorney General in Fresno in 2009, then moved to the same position in the Sacramento Office in 2016. She does primarily criminal appellate and federal habeas corpus cases. She has argued a number of cases before the California Supreme Court and the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. Kathy taught first year Research & Writing, Advanced Research & Writing, and Moot Court at San Joaquin College of Law.

Sally brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Madera County District Attorney.  Her election to the position brought the number of SJCL alumni in County District Attorney roles to eight.  In addition to many years of service in the Madera and Fresno County District Attorney’s Offices, Sally is an Army Desert Storm Veteran, and former Los Angeles police woman.  “There’s a rising tide of women D.A.s if you look across the nation.”

David works with the law firm of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost a statewide education law firm. He has been the managing partner of the Fresno office since 2010. His practice focuses primarily on labor and employment matters and advising school districts and governing boards on governance issues. Prior to joining Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, David worked at another education law firm as a paralegal, law clerk, and attorney. He recalls his first day of law school began in Hanford where he was providing support for a civil trial and that he rushed back to Fresno to make it on time to Torts class. “It was challenging to work full-time and go to school, but I’m glad I did it. I have many positive memories from that time.”

Jackie joined Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey in September of 1992 while she awaited bar results and became an Associate when those results were posted. In 1997 she became the first female partner in the firm. Her practice was primarily insurance defense with a small percentage of family law work. After 22 years at Stammer McKnight, Jackie joined Hartsuyker, Stratman & Williams-Abriego, counsel for Farmers Insurance in May of 2014. Of law school, Jackie remembers BARF statements, a Constitutional Law exam in which a giraffe was hooked up to execution electrodes, and making lifelong friends.

Michel is a host and commentator for the Law and Crime Network, a live trial streaming channel produced by Dan Abrams and the A&E Network. Law and Crime can be seen on Hulu, Apple TV, many other outlets and the Law and Crime App. Living in New York State, he is involved in real estate and represents clients seeking to reduce their property tax liabilities. This is crucial in a county with tax rates close to three times that of California. Michel is also a writer, producer and has done TV and radio voice-over work for McDonald’s, Sprint, Traveler’s Insurance and others. “Law school was a shared challenge that bonded my class. It was a unique adventure with some great people. I am proud of SJCL and all that experience has given me over the years.”

Upon graduation, Allison worked with a local litigation firm until Deloitte & Touche hired her as a Special Projects Coordinator. That entailed doing what no one else could figure out how to do. She was invited to Deloitte’s national management development program. During that time, she met and married her husband and moved to North Carolina where he maintained a law practice. Allison went to work for Wachovia Bank (later merged with Wells Fargo Bank) where she headed their Estate Tax Department. Four years ago, Allison opened her own consulting business. Having heard the variety of what she does, some law, some not, Jan says, it’s back to: We have a project we have no idea how to do! Call Allison! She can do it!

Governor Jerry Brown appointed Kerri to the bench in June of 2018.  As a Visalia girl, she is especially happy to be able to give back to the community where she grew up.  Kerri began her legal career as an intern at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office while attending SJCL.  She was later hired as a Deputy D.A. and ultimately Assistant District Attorney. Kerri follows in the footsteps of her father, retired Tulare County Judge Ronn Couillard.  “SJCL was a great place to go to school, for sure.”

Since the time his sister (Rachel Mahoney) and brother-in-law (Michael Mahoney) were in law school at SJCL, Mario heard many discussions about the law. At first, he was just annoyed, but as time passed he became more interested and finally took the law school leap himself. During law school, he clerked with Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi LLP doing Workers’ Compensation defense for a year, then in the civil litigation arena with Peel & Garcia. A good friend rekindled his interest in Workers’ Compensation. Mario joined Michael Sullivan Associates in that field in November of 2018. “I find it tremendously rewarding. Law school was anxiety and never really sleeping. But the SJCL students and faculty were very encouraging and supporting. It was just what I needed to succeed.”

Judge Diaz always wanted to be a lawyer. During law school, she clerked with the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office. For a year after admission to the bar, she worked with what is now Ciummo & Associates, as well as the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office. Then she began a career of nearly 18 years with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and loved it. The last two years were spent supervising many new attorneys in the Misdemeanor unit. Judge Diaz was sworn in to the Fresno County Superior Court in December of 2017. She spent the first year on the limited civil calendar, including unlawful detainers, law and motion, civil harassment, and Labor Commission and Small Claims appeals. Effective January 2019, she handles a family law calendar. As to law school, Judge Diaz appreciated the comradery amongst the students and the helpfulness of staff and faculty.

David went to law school at the encouragement of college professors and then Deputy District Attorney, eventual Magistrate Judge Gary Austin. During law school he clerked in the Family Support Division of the Fresno District Attorney’s Office, with Dominic Mushines, and finally with Eldridge and Newman. Upon admission, he stayed with the latter firm practicing public entity and insurance defense until opening his own office in 1984. David now defends public entities in litigation with a practice emphasizing roadway design cases. “Law school was lots of perspiration to gain the insight and inspiration. Professors like Judges Best and Wanger demanded great discipline from us. I was inspired by the effort put forth by other students.”

Grace wanted to be a lawyer since she was five years old watching Perry Mason. She worked for Baradat & Edwards, then Baradat & Paboojian, for a total of sixteen years. She began as a file clerk, then a paralegal during her undergraduate education and law school, and finally as an Associate. In 2011, she joined Walters & Moshrefi until opening her own practice in 2013. Grace’s practice is 60% plaintiff personal injury work, including auto accident, slip and fall, and some product liability cases. The other 40% of her practice is consumer bankruptcy. “Law school is not memorization and regurgitation. In Torts, I learned the analysis process which helped my learning process throughout the rest of law school”

Although she told her high school counselor she wanted to be a judge, Beth became more motivated to study law when she worked for the Rape Crisis Hotline. During law school, she clerked for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office in homicides and rape prosecutions. She became a Deputy District Attorney immediately upon admission to the bar. In 2002 Beth was elected District Attorney in which capacity she served for three terms, discovering the challenges of limited funding. Currently, she provides counsel to her husband’s business. The business tracks data for candidates for political office, enabling them to be in compliance with all campaign financing laws. Beth still wonders “WHY does Professor Perring so love Real Property law?”

Judge Sims was working as a paralegal at McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte and Carruth LLP when attorneys there encouraged him to go to law school. He graduated in the mid-90’s when the job market was very tough, so he opened his own general practice for several years, but did not enjoy the isolation of a solo practice. He accepted a position with Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi, LLP. He was their subrogation expert and had his first exposure to workers’ compensation law. In 2001 he joined the State Compensation Insurance Fund and became a judge in February of 2012. Judge Sims likes the field because of its subtle complexities and constant flux. “SJCL faculty delivered the law in manageable chunks and cared about getting you through law school and on to a career.”

Allen’s career has always been in real estate. Upon graduation, he initially worked for McCormick Barstow, and later, as a Director of Land Acquisition for Centex Homes. In 2009, he joined Union Community Partners, which became Benchmark Communities, and in 2013, the company went public under the name UCP, Inc. At the time of going public, Allen was General Counsel. In 2017, UCP merged with Century Communities. Allen is now General Counsel for Century Communities, a top 10 public homebuilder in the United States with communities in 15 states across the West, Mountain, Texas, and Southeast regions of the United States. Allen enjoyed the comradery of his classmates and the willingness of so many great practitioners to give of their time to teaching at SJCL.

Upon graduation, Karen worked with Baker, Manock & Jensen doing exclusively medical malpractice defense. In January of 2016, she joined White Canepa LLP as a partner, continuing to defend hospitals and doctors. “My SJCL education prepared me well for the bar exam. I appreciated the small classes and the fact that many classes were taught by local attorneys who were in active practice in the subjects they taught, but very approachable.”

Richard was the Director of Transportation and Marketing Services for the California Grape & Tree Fruit League when he observed a labor law attorney in a packing house and was intrigued. He graduated in 1992, passed the bar, and immediately opened his own office in an entirely different area of law. Richard practices estate planning and estate and trust administration, while his wife, Susan Hemb (’04), now handles the family and bankruptcy law that helped begin the practice. Four years ago, they moved the practice to Old Town Clovis where they are quite happy. “Law school was a long hard four years. But by opening my own practice, throughout my professional life, I have never had to look for a job.”

Administrative Law Judge, California Board of Parole Hearings. In her final year of law school, Mary interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fresno, prosecuting federal misdemeanors. That experience cemented her goal of being a prosecutor. Mary worked for almost 10 years at the Madera and Kings Counties District Attorney’s Offices before becoming an Administrative Law Judge in January of 2018. “Many prisoners work long and hard to undo the damage they have done and become better people. It is amazing to witness that transformation, and to be part of that process.”

Rob and his fellow staff attorneys are responsible for all legal issues involving the Fresno County Office of Education, including personnel and employment issues, facilities, board governance, and contracts. His Department also provides legal services to local school districts. He has worked continuously in education law since graduation, seven years for Stroup and de Goede and over six years for Lozano Smith before joining the Fresno County Office of Education. Rob has just returned from the East Coast from which he worked remotely for five years. He said it was cold, cold, cold!

Chester took the LSAT as an undergrad while finishing his Civil Engineering degree. He had to work for two years as a Civil Engineer to get his license, so law school was not an immediate option. When he and is wife moved to Clovis, “lo and behold there was a small law school here that made becoming a lawyer possible.” Chester started at Peel & Garcia while awaiting bar results, then worked successively with Ericksen Arbuthnot and McCormick Barstow until he found the perfect opportunity with David Overstreet in January of 2019. His work is primarily the defense of public entities in cases involving dangerous conditions of public property, inverse condemnation, contract claims, and police matters. His Civil Engineering background has proven highly useful, enabling him to speak the same language with his clients. Chester was published in Volume 20 of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and served as Production Editor for Volume 21.

Pahoua was motivated to go to law school to help others. She opened her own office immediately upon passing the bar exam but felt very isolated, so she joined Central California Legal Services for several years, working in the Housing Unit in the Merced office. In 2015, she re-opened her practice, initially doing primarily family law. In 2019, she has transitioned her practice to civil litigation, focusing on personal injury, employment and housing issues. She is also one of the very few Hmong attorneys in private practice, so provides a great service to her community. According to Pahoua, she would not have survived without the constant support and encouragement of her family, fellow classmates and professors.

Surrounded by a family of lawyers, having loved government and history classes as an undergraduate, and finding corporate marketing boring, Jeffrey finally entered law school and fell in love with law on day 1. During law school, he clerked with the Days Law Firm, Judge McCabe of the Merced Superior Court, and his brother. In 2017, upon being sworn in, he joined the family practice of estate planning and business transactions. Slowly he branched into criminal law which he found much more interesting. He continued with civil litigation with the firm, along with taking on a criminal law contract with Ciummo and Associates. “I love the theory of the law. The professors at SJCL were fantastic. All the students encouraged each other to be the best that they could be.”

Diana was appointed Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency and Chair of the Board of Covered California in 2011. Before that, she served as president and chief executive officer of the California Children’s Hospital Association, and as general counsel and vice president of Valley Children’s Hospital. Her appointment to the state’s top administrative post ended with the end of Governor Brown’s term, at which time Diana says she will reflect on what comes next. “I enjoyed SJCL’s academic rigor, but I really appreciated the pragmatic approach to using the law to solve problems.”

Denise had always thought about law school, so decided to give it a try. “I loved it.” Upon graduation, she worked as a Research Attorney at the Fifth District Court of Appeal with Judge Donald Franson from 1983 – 1985. Four years at the Fresno City Attorney’s Office followed. In fall of 1989, Denise was hired part-time at SJCL. In March of 1990 that became a full-time position and Denise discovered she had found the niche she loved. Denise has taught in the SJCL Paralegal Program and in the Law Program - Professional Responsibility, Advanced Professional Responsibility, Legal Analysis, Legal Research & Writing, Advanced Research & Writing, and Civil Procedure. “I was a part of the smallest SJCL graduating class – 1983 – so we had a special closeness.”

Roberta went to law school because she was looking for a profession with a better long-term future. In law school, she clerked for Sarah Schmidt for two years doing insurance defense for fraud cases. Upon passing the bar, she first handled insurance defense cases for school districts with Auchard & Stewart. The next six years were spent doing school law for Stroup & DeGoede. For the last 15 years, she has worked with Lozano Smith LLP representing schools in labor, employment, and student issues, as well as advising on board governance. “Law school was a very good and challenging experience. I made lifelong friends. I’m very glad I did it.”

Jesse went to law school because he initially wanted to get into land use planning law. During and after law school he clerked at a land use planning firm and a personal injury firm. Upon passing the bar, he worked for eight years at a 13-attorney firm in Sacramento handling immigration and personal injury cases. Atwal & Company opened in 2016 continuing Jesse’s practice in immigration and personal injury law. Today Jesse continues to operate his family’s almond orchards in the Central Valley. He thoroughly enjoyed Professor Artenian’s contracts class, since he ignited Jesse’s passion for civil litigation and Ferragamo dress shoes.

Devon interned for Madera Superior Court Judge Moffat while a student at CSUF and knew immediately she wanted to pursue a career in law.  She worked as a paralegal at McCormick & Barstow while in law school and was immediately hired there as an associate upon passing the bar exam.  In November of 2018, she became a partner with Whitney Thompson & Jeffcoach, a firm where five of the seven partners are women.  Devon has always specialized in business litigation defense and professional liability.  She teaches Pre-Trial Civil Litigation at SJCL.

Vong served on the Clovis Planning Commission for 10 years before becoming a member of the Clovis City Council in 2017. The time he spent on the commission helped him realize he wanted to make his career in the non-profit sector. Vong has also served for the past five years as Solar Director of Fresno’s Economic Opportunities Commission where he oversees a grant totaling $10.5 million. “Civic service is important, we need more people to see that.”

During law school Scott interned at the Fifth District Court of Appeal and the Federal Defender’s Office. He was clerking with Cuimmo & Associates when he learned he had passed the bar. He was acting as second chair during a homicide trial. The judge suspended the proceedings long enough to swear Scott in and the trial proceeded with Scott officially a lawyer. Thereafter, Scott worked with Gilmore, Wood, Vinnard, & Magnus for five years doing civil litigation and appellate work. When his wife, Teresa Petty-Jones, needed help with her practice, Scott worked with her for another five years. Currently he represents low-income wage earners who have denied compensation, trying cases as well as handling appeals throughout the appellate process. “I loved law school and l love my current work helping people.”

Gabe has worked in the District Attorney’s Office for nearly 15 years with assignments in Juvenile Hall, Felony Trials, Identity Theft, Sexual Assault-Child Abuse, the Gang unit, and Homicide, among others. During law school he worked as a Certified Law Student with the United States Attorney’s Office, where he realized he wanted to be a prosecutor. “My time at SJCL involved a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but I believe that the faculty more than prepared me to pass the bar and find success in the real world.”

Diane practiced with several private firms, including her own, and the Fresno County Counsel before joining the Board of Parole Hearings where she served for 15 years. As to law school, she vividly remembers Hon. Oliver Wanger’s opening remarks observing that you don’t have to be a genius to be successful in law school, but you do have to have perseverance. That comment carried her through.

“I always wanted to be an attorney since I was a little kid. It was attorney or astronaut.” During law school he clerked for Tom Boyajian in family law. Upon admission to the Bar in December 2008, Ben opened his own office handling family law and contract cases. In December of 2011, he joined State Compensation Insurance Fund as a State Contracts Services attorney defending state agencies (i.e. Cal Fire, CalTrans, Corrections Department, etc). in Workers’ Compensation cases. Ben supervises and supports 10 attorneys, including several other SJCL graduates. “Law school was a lot of fun – knowledgeable people and a lot of friends.”

Watching juries on TV, Robert thought it would be challenging to convince 12 diverse people to agree on a criminal case. As a part of his law studies he had the privilege to clerk for Judge Hollis Best. The Fresno District Attorney was not hiring when Robert graduated however he finally secured a full-time position in August of 1995. Robert has worked through the gamut of specialty team assignments at the D.A.’s Office. He became Chief Deputy D.A. for the Homicide team in July of 2008, took a break from the administrative side of the practice for a while, then returned to head up the same team in January of 2018. He presently supervises a team of seven attorneys handling murder cases. As to law school, Robert recalls many memorable times, the nature of which cannot be put in print. One specific routine was where he would write comments on the class sign in/roll sheets next to the typed names of class students. Class highpoints included watching Justice Ardaiz giggle to himself while reviewing the sheet commentaries.

Ann worked in law enforcement for 20 years and always wanted to go to law school. Finally in 2004, she was able and ready to do it. She clerked throughout with Bennett & Sharpe and became first, an Associate, and later, a partner there. Ann represents employees in labor law matters including wrongful termination, discrimination, and disciplinary cases. She handles contract negotiations for union bargaining units, EEOC and DFEH complaints, and disability retirement cases for public employees. “I really enjoyed law school. It was a big advantage going back to school as an adult because my life experience meant I had a better understanding of the importance of the principles I was studying.”

Mike always wanted to go to law school but had not the opportunity nor the right timing. During law school he worked as an EEOC Investigator and decided to continue with that work after graduating and passing the bar exam. In his work, he deals with Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act every day. He enjoys helping people facing civil rights violations and employment discrimination. “Law school is a blur – working all week then trying to complete the course work on weekends. I made great friendships that last to this day.”

As a youngster, Ann was inspired by Matlock but thought she wanted to be a research attorney at a court. Instead, she always wants to be in court. Upon graduation, Ann first worked with Silveira, Mattos & Lewis in Merced doing civil litigation. When that firm dissolved, Ann was hired by the Merced County District Attorney where she worked for two years. She then moved to the Merced County Counsel’s Office where she handled and loved the Juvenile Dependency calendar. On January 1, 2019, Ann joined Berliner Cohen, the largest firm in Merced. She is part of the litigation department, handling anything civil. Ann likes having the smaller-town atmosphere coupled with access to all the resources and dynamism of the main firm in San Jose.

The Wright family was already involved in financial planning. They (Judy and son, Robert) went to law school to add estate planning expertise to help their clients. Judy opened the law office immediately upon passing the bar in November of 1997. The practice is limited to drafting wills, trusts, and ancillary agreements, as well as probate. “The best part of our practice is fixing things before they become a problem. We get to be proactive while most lawyers are limited to being reactive to a problem that already exists.” Judy remembers the wonderful change of environment when SJCL moved from the cramped quarters at the Shields and Bond building to the new building in Clovis.

Joy’s interest in law began when she volunteered as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for foster children. She saw that the kids served by this department deserved more good attorneys and enrolled in law school with the sole purpose of becoming a lawyer in the Dependency Unit at the District Attorney’s Office. When, during her last year of law school, the Dependency Unit went from the County to a private firm, Joy joined the Health Team at CCLS. As a former EMT, she had a terrific foundation to build on and she has remained in that department since. Joy says she most enjoys working outside of “Big Law” where a client’s ability to pay has no impact on the assistance she provides. “I can take the knowledge and skills I’ve learned and use them to make a real difference in the lives of people who otherwise would not have any help or representation.”

Judge Penner says it was either law school or seminary for him when he graduated from CSUF. He heard a law school was opening in Fresno and took it as a sign. Upon law school graduation, Judge Penner began his career as a trial lawyer for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. For 6-7 years, he routinely worked long hours trying cases as a deputy district attorney. The next 25 years were spent in administration in the D.A.’s Office. In November of 2006 he was appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court bench. With nothing but criminal law experience, he spent his first year handling a limited civil calendar. Thereafter, however, it has been exclusively a criminal calendar. Judge Penner described law school as misery - working 30-35 hours a week, attending classes, studying, and eating a lot of McDonald’s. However, looking back, he appreciates that his professors were either practicing lawyers or members of the bench with everyday experience in the law.

Whitney went to law school simply to help people. She lived with her grandmother in Hanford during the week and commuted to home in San Luis Obispo every weekend. During the summer after her first year, she clerked for John Hodges, Esq. in San Luis Obispo. During her second summer, she clerked for the Honorable Charles S. Crandall of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. In January of 2017, she joined Hodges as an attorney and the firm became Barnick Hodges. Her practice is general civil litigation with an emphasis on construction issues, primarily transactional and alleged B&P Code violations for both general and subcontractors. She is also building a significant State Court appeals practice. “I remember that most of the professors really cared. They wanted us to succeed.”

Upon graduating from SJCL Linda began her legal career as a research attorney at the Fifth District Court of Appeal. After working for five different appellate justices she was promoted in 2011 to her current position of Managing Attorney. Her responsibilities include overseeing a staff of attorneys, performing specialized legal work, and serving on the Executive Management Team. Linda enjoyed combining law school and motherhood, as her first child was born between her second and third years at SJCL.

George was inspired to go to law school by his two uncles who were lawyers. During law school, he clerked with Michael J.F. Smith. As a graduate, he was an Associate with Lozano Smith, LLP for a year, serving as counsel for the City of Clovis. Working with Ty Kharazi thereafter inspired him to open his own practice, something that had always been his goal. Since 2016, George’s practice has focused on business and real estate litigation, with some personal injury and bad faith insurance cases. George and his teammates, James Mugridge and Amanda DeHart, won the statewide 2013 Roger Traynor Moot Court Best Oral Advocate Award. This fall, George is co-teaching SJCL’s Moot Court class with James. George expressed appreciation for his San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review experience as well, saying “It engrained in me the legal research skills that have been invaluable in my practice.”

Tim went to law school to help people that would otherwise be taken advantage of by our legal system. Upon passing the bar, he immediately opened his own practice. First, he rented space from Blanco & Tomassian. In 1995, he opened his own office, building out space for himself and Darryl Freedman (’93). His practice has been almost exclusively personal injury, including automobile, dog bite, and construction site cases. Tim says “Law school was very challenging, rewarding and a great beginning to the study of law. I continue to learn and be challenged by the practice of law. San Joaquin College of Law continues to provide me with many opportunities in the legal field.”

Traci first worked in the D.A.’s Office through an internship during law school. While awaiting bar results she was an Executive Fellow in the California Department of Food and Agriculture under Secretary Ann Veneman. Upon passing the bar, she returned to the D.A.’s Office as a Deputy, then as the Chief Deputy D.A. of the Juvenile Unit. In 2018, she became the Assistant District Attorney, overseeing the Chiefs of the Misdemeanor, Financial Fraud, and Juvenile Units. This is a management level position entailing personnel issues and procedures and policy creation. Traci remains directly active in court as she staffs the juvenile human trafficking court. Traci was SBA President at SJCL and remembers picking out the furniture for the new Student Lounge in the Clovis building. She attributes the personal connections with students and faculty with helping her to pass the bar on the first try. 

Michelle works as a neighborhood problem solver, assigned to one of 21 divisions in the City of Los Angeles. Her job is to work to resolve any issue that deteriorates the living conditions in the neighborhoods to which she is assigned, including illegal dumping, abandoned buildings, homelessness issues, or illegal sales of alcohol to minors. The work is designed to build relationships in the community. (Jan’s note. What a great job to have!) Michelle said “I loved law school. It was one of the happiest times of my life.” Her study group members have become life-long friends, including Linda Richardson, Nancy Stegall, and Gitta Merrill (deceased). They studied for the bar for a week on Nancy’s boat in the Oakland Harbor.

Mario’s stepfather was an attorney. The work looked interesting and Mario thought he had the aptitude for it. While in law school, he clerked with the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office as well as a worker’s compensation defense firm. Upon graduation, he and a classmate, Jason Kerlan, opened a partnership, with Mario focusing on bankruptcy law. He remembers he was so eager to get started, he asked Judge Caeton to swear him in in the underground parking lot of the state courthouse. In 2002, Mario opened his own office, continuing to work on Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases. “Law school was more difficult than I expected, but I enjoyed the faculty and classes and made lifelong friends.”

A Veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Judge Alvarez worked in the Bureau of Investigations at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office while attending night classes at SJCL. He was appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009. Judge Alvarez additionally assisted in the creation of the Veteran’s Treatment Court and its mentoring program for former military service members involved in the criminal justice system.

Eddie has worked with Quinlan, Kershaw & Fanucchi for 23 years, doing primarily plaintiff personal injury work. Because of his accounting background, a corporate practice has also grown over time. Four SJCL graduates, including Eddie, work at QKF. Eddie enjoyed the relationships he made with friends and professors at SJCL. In 2008, Eddie was appointed the Honorary Consul of Italy for eight counties within the San Joaquin Valley. In that capacity, he manages visas for U.S. citizens planning extended stays in Italy and Italian citizens with issues that arise for them while visiting the U.S.

David knew he wanted a career in criminal justice. Interning at the District Attorney’s Office while in law school cemented his career. In December of 2014 he became a Deputy District Attorney. David has handled misdemeanors, juvenile court cases, and general felonies. He has served on the general trial team and the violent crimes unit. For the last year and a half, his assignment has been the domestic violence unit. David remembers the great friendships he made and the studying sessions for Professors Cartier and Purvis’ classes. Moot Court was one of his favorite classes. “Conklin and Boone in Moot Court taking shots at each other made it really fun.”

“Discussions with my sister-in-law, Linda Rousse (’83), coupled with my delight in arguing, piqued my interest in going to law school.” Ken worked with Michael Berdinella for five years after passing the bar exam. In 2000 he became a Research Attorney for the Fifth District Court of Appeal. When funding for the position ended, he served on the appellate criminal appointment panels for the First, Third, Fifth and Sixth District Courts of Appeal. In 2005, Ken became a Research Attorney at the Fresno County Superior Court. He handles primarily pre-trial motions and other motions up to trial. “I have always enjoyed research. Law school was long and hard but now I am doing what I love to do in the law.”

Erin became the 41^st alumni of SJCL to serve as a bench officer upon her hiring as a Commissioner by the Fresno County Superior Court in 2016.  Having worked for over a decade as a family law litigator in her own practice, Erin says her knowledge of and love for family law gave her an affinity for the clients she serves. In January of 2017 Erin took over the post of a retiring commissioner from the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.

Sara worked for 14 years as a Research Attorney at the Fifth District Court of Appeal.  She left to devote her time to serving on the Fresno County Board of Education.  She then worked for Sagaser, Franson & Jones, until she opened her own practice where she specialized in CEQA cases, appellate cases, civil rights litigation, and foreclose defense.  She has been counsel on a number of published cases including a recent win before the California Supreme Court. In May of 2016, she became the Director of Litigation and Advocacy at CCLS and now serves as the Supervising Attorney of the Housing Team.  As to law school, Sara remembers adopting Ms. Palsgraf - a dog Jan found, competing in the statewide Traynor Moot Court Competition with Joby Dupuis, having a baby, and jumping the fence at the Shields building to get to the doughnut shop on breaks.

While attending law school, Quentin did externships with then Magistrate Judge, now Judge, Lawrence O’Neill and the local U.S. Attorney’s Office. He joined Wilkins, Drolshagen & Czeshinski LLP immediately upon being admitted to the bar. His practice is civil litigation, primarily personal injury and insurance coverage and bad faith cases. “Law school was a challenge. It taught me how to think and process information in a new way.” When he is not playing chauffeur for two children who ski race and play club soccer, Quentin is a PSIA certified adaptive ski instructor for the Central California Adaptive Sports Center.

With the encouragement of her father, Jonette knew since she was a freshman in high school that she wanted to be an attorney. During law school, she clerked for two years for Hagop Bedoyan at Caswell, Bell & Hillison in bankruptcy law. She remained with that firm for a year after passing the bar exam. In 2006 she joined the Dias Law Firm, becoming a partner in 2011. Jonette handles all of the estate planning and estate litigation for the firm as well as probate and trust administration, with a little family law and general litigation. “I love it!” Aside from her degree, she says the best thing coming out of law school was her friendship with her study partner and now work partner, Ella Floresca (’04). “We are quite a team.”

The Paralegal Program was so much fun, Mike figured law school would be, too – and that it would continue to be less painful than his previous vocation as a welder. He clerked throughout both programs with Myers & Overstreet doing insurance defense. In 1992, he became a litigation associate with the firm, shifting over time to an exclusive focus on law and motion and appellate work. In 2000, Mike opened his own practice doing contract research and writing and appellate work for other attorneys in civil cases. Mike has argued before the California Supreme Court once and before the California Court of Appeal several times, most recently in March 2019 in a case permitting the recovery of treble damages for theft from a business by one of its owners. Mike remembers the old Shields building, the donut and video shops, the parking lot student lounge and meeting his wife, Gwen, at a Paralegal Forum at SJCL.

Rachele practices public entity and employment law. She feels her firm sets high standards for legal competency and teaching new attorneys, and values family. “At SJCL, there was the same sense that people genuinely cared as there is in my firm. Law school changed my life in so many great ways.”

Judge Simpson’s undergraduate degree from Fresno State was in Political Science. Before enrolling in law school he served as an eligibility worker for the Fresno County Department of Social Services, and later joined the District Attorney’s Office as a Welfare Fraud Investigator. His career as an attorney included serving as a Deputy District Attorney and then an insurance defense litigator and on occasion, plaintiffs’ counsel. Appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court in 2000 by Gov. Gray Davis, Judge Simpson has served as Supervising/Presiding Judge of both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. He was elected Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in 2018. In addition to his service on the bench, Judge Simpson works with the court executive officer to lead the court, establish policies, and allocate resources.

David always wanted to be a lawyer but conducted his own civil engineering business until graduating from SJCL in 1992.  He initially was a sole practitioner until he joined then Dowling, Aaron & Keeler in April of 1999, where he became a shareholder and ultimately served as President of the firm for three years.  Since September of 2014, David has been an equity partner at Coleman & Horowitt, sitting on the Management Committee.  As Head of Litigation, he handles and supervises major business litigation.  David has served on the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin College of Law since June of 1999 and was one of the founding students of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review.

David joined Dowling Aaron in January of 2001 and has been the Chair of its Business Litigation Department since 2014. He says he has learned a great deal in the position, which he describes as intellectually challenging, like law school. An owner in the firm, David manages his own practice, oversees the workloads of the firm’s litigation lawyers, and leads the firm’s recruiting efforts. David’s Fresno roots run deep so his plan was always to stay local. He met his future wife and found his inspiration to attend law school at Fresno State. For David, SJCL made sense in every way. 

Ever since he was seven years old, John wanted to be a lawyer. He enrolled at McGeorge School of Law but was pulled out by the draft in the 1970’s and became an intelligence officer. Eventually he was readmitted to McGeorge, but when he and his wife married, he transferred to SJCL. While in law school, John was operating a private investigation business and a document shredding business, while also helping to run the family farm. He says it was challenging, with no social life and no study group. The businesses grew rapidly, so John never got to actually practice law, but “his law degree was invaluable, particularly in the investigations business.” He became a full-time partner in the farming business in 1995 and sold Loss Protections and Investigations in 2018. John began The Mill at Kings River in 2015 producing olive oil. Look for Cullen Creek or Sprouts’ California Olive Oil.

After working for a large corporation, RJ Reynolds, Mike went to law school to start own his own business and be his own boss. Upon graduation, he worked for Barker & Associates and the Law Office of Nicholas Reyes, practicing criminal defense. In 2007, he opened his own office. His practice is focused on criminal law – trials, appeals, writs – everything from tickets to homicides. He enjoys alleviating the fear and anxiety of clients facing criminal charges. He credits his legal education at SJCL for much of his success, “My legal training has given me a life even better than I could have imagined.”

As General Counsel for an international technology company, Jesse handles privacy, employment, corporate and contract issues. He works as a problem solver, promoting collaboration, but defending FocusVision’s departments and roles when necessary. FocusVision has offices and entities in London, Bulgaria, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Shanghai, Portland, New York, Stamford, Fresno, and Atlanta. Jesse supports a global sales team that covers 8 time zones. He always wanted to be a lawyer. He felt his business and corporate experience would meld well as in-house counsel. “My relationships with other students helped make my law school experience a positive one. They wanted me to succeed and not only supported me but my family too.”

Tim always wanted to be a lawyer. While in law school, he clerked for Smurr & Henry, then became an Associate there when he passed the bar in 1987. Tim became a partner of the firm which changed its formation and name to Henry, Logoluso & Blum. His practice consisted of all forms of corporate/business representation and litigation. Tim also enjoyed representing public entities and police departments in employment and discovery matters. When his original partners decided to retire, all agreed to close the firm in 2015. Tim thought about retiring, but ultimately decided to join Gilmore, Magnus & Janisse and continues his practice in the aforementioned areas. Tim had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Renee Logoluso, at SJCL, and has two beautiful daughters with Renee.

Even while working for his Father’s construction company, Kendall says he dreamt of being a Federal Agent. His J.D. from SJCL provided the opportunity after he served at the Fresno District Attorney’s office for three years. As one of only 48 chosen from 8,000 applicants for a position with the DEA, Kendall says his training in law school helped to hone his analytic and writing skills. “My job provides a real pro-active, hands-on impact by taking out major narcotics distributors.”

Raj was working with the Fresno County Family Behavioral Health Court when observation of those proceedings and conversations with Judge Gottlieb convinced him to enroll in law school. Upon graduation he remained with the County for 1 ½ years as a Senior Staff Analyst in the Registrar’s Office, using his legal skills in election law. Thereafter, he began his career in legal practice with Grancell Stander, then worked with Bradford & Barthell, learning Workers’ Compensation law. In March of 2017 he accepted an offer to open the Fresno office of Albert & Mackenzie. “Law school helped me grow as a person. If you put your mind to it, you can get anything done.”

Devika earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice.  Mentoring at-risk youth was part of that program, which lead Devika to pursue a career that combined care and compassion with creative problem solving; in other words, law.  Her first position as an attorney was in juvenile dependency defense.  She then ventured into personal injury, and later had the opportunity to move to her current position where she works in Trust and Estate Law.  Devika especially appreciates her ability to help clients plan for incapacity or death, or in comforting clients who have suffered a loss of a loved one and are unable mentally to deal with the legal implications.  Devika says her law school experience was pleasantly surprising.  “I never encountered any of the cut-throat competition that we hear about (at other law schools)”.  Her most enduring memory is of her very first torts class with Dean Pearson.  “For me, it symbolized a big step in the right direction.”

Ivan began to think about law school in his high school AP Government class. He had seen numerous injustices, particularly discrimination, he felt law could redress. During law school he worked at Centro La Familia as a Human Trafficking Victim Advocate and in a criminal defense practice. In December of 2018, he joined Stockwell, Harris, Woolverton & Helphrey as a paralegal. Upon his admission to the bar in December of 2019, he became an Associate there, focusing on Workers’ Compensation defense. “I really enjoyed the professors who included practical advice about the practice of law as well as teaching the law.”

Prior to attending law school, Tiffany worked as a paralegal for 10 years. She decided she wanted to be able to do the entire job and wanted to be a role model for her children. After going through law school as a single mother, Tiffany was committed to passing the bar on the first attempt. She studied 12 hours a day for three months and completed more than 6000 MBE questions to reach that goal. As to law school, Tiffany found it challenging but she felt supported by her fellow students, the faculty, and staff. Upon passing the bar in November of 2018, she worked first for Peel & Garcia, then moved to Quall Cardot. Her practice is exclusively in creditors’ rights. Her goal is to eventually work in dependency law or juvenile justice.

Debra is uniquely qualified for her role as a Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge due to her many years of experience as an attorney, and her medical degree from U.C. San Diego. She worked with the State Compensation Insurance Fund for ten years before her appointment as an ALJ in 2015. “I love the variety of issues, the high volume, and the opportunity to negotiate settlements in my job. I use the skills I learned at SJCL every single day.”

Jay works for Celanese, a Fortune 500 company based in Dallas, Texas. Jay is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for one of Celanese’s two divisions – the Materials Solutions Core. This division produces plastics for manufacturing purposes. For example, your car contains 9½ pounds of Celanese plastic pellets. It also produces materials for 90% of the world’s orthopedic implants and pacemakers. Over the years since graduation, Jay also worked for Motschiedler, Michaelides, Wishon, Brewer & Ryan, LLP, Mercer Advisors, Honeywell International, and Bell Helicopters. “Going to law school was one of the best decisions in my life. There has never been a better financial investment. I love being in-house and part of a team. Lawyers are incredibly valued by business leaders because they don’t jump to conclusions. They take a problem apart to examine its components.”

Sam was always interested in practicing law. He clerked with the Fresno Public Defender’s Office during law school. Upon admission to the Bar, he worked with John Barker & Associates (now Richard A. Ciummo & Associates) as a public defender. In 2013 he transferred to the Ciummo office in Alturas, California to be closer to family. In 2018 he ran for District Attorney of Modoc County, challenging the incumbent and won! “There was a need for a change. It was fun knocking on doors and participating in debates.” Sam remembers starting law school at the Shields campus, an old strip-mall office building, but graduating from the Clovis campus.

Rod thought he wanted to be a CPA but had issues with credits and debits. During law school, he clerked for Wagner & Jones in civil litigation. Upon passing the bar, he continued to work there for a few years, followed by short periods with Craig Davis, Hanna, Brophy, and Bradford & Barthel. From 2003-2012, he operated his own practice. For the last six years, Rod has been a partner at Yrulegui & Roberts doing Workers’ Compensation defense and subrogation cases. Rod describes the workers’ compensation practice as “narrow, but deep”. Rod remembers the great professors at SJCL that gave him a solid preparation for the rest of his life (Caeton and Purvis, in particular) and the wonderful friends he made in law school.

Lazaro went to law school to help one person at a time rather than trying to take on the world. He clerked for Robert Perez during law school then became an associate at Perez, Williams and Medina upon graduation. In 2007 he opened his own office to emphasize immigration. His office handles 700-750 varied immigration cases a year, as well as 10-20 personal injury cases. “When I help people, it makes a profound change in their lives. Deportation cases, in particular, are difficult but gratifying. You can’t put a price on the emotional payoff for the client and yourself.”

During Law School Scott worked exclusively in the Criminal Defense field with an emphasis on Driving Under the Influence. Upon graduation, Scott worked under a Pro-Tem judge for a few years and then opened his own practice specializing in Driving Under the Influence cases. Upon reaching his 1,000th client, Scott plans to donate the entire retainer fee to a non-profit of his choosing that helps Fresno County fight against their ongoing substance abuse problems. Scott’s favorite quote from Zig Ziglar is, “You can have anything in life that you want if you are willing to help enough other people get what they want.”

Bob was in the Army Reserves when he learned of SJCL. On his return from summer duty he called the school on a Thursday and enrolled on Friday and started class on Monday. He wasn’t going to continue into the second year until Dean Eymann called him to tell him he finished first in the class. In his third year, as a certified law student, he was doing trials for the Public Defender. That was when he finally knew he wanted to be a lawyer. While awaiting bar results, he clerked with Parichan, Renberg, & Crossman and continued there as an associate for five years after learning he had passed the Bar. In April of 1980 he became a partner with what is now Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez, LLC. His work is 95% personal injury and worker’s compensation with some insurance coverage cases and a rare election contest. In the 1970’s virtually every student was also working full time. Bob says he met a lot of interesting people in law school, but it was all studying…no time for much socializing.

Upon graduation, Judge Bacciarini worked for two years with Morse, Morse & Morse in Merced in a general practice. In 2000 he became a Deputy District Attorney for Merced County. He handled the gamut of criminal matters including unfair business practices cases, consumer and welfare fraud, major narcotics cases, homicides, and felonies. He was promoted to Chief Deputy District Attorney in 2009 and appointed to the bench in 2010. As a judge, one of his most rewarding assignments has been with the Drug Court, seeing the lives of some people turned around. “I actually enjoyed law school. It was intellectually stimulating.”

Amanda wanted a graduate degree that would enable her to contribute to her community. During law school, she worked as a certified law student for Child Support Services in Merced while also volunteering with organizations that support survivors of domestic violence in both Merced and Mariposa. Upon being admitted to the bar, she provided pro bono legal services to those organization. Amanda was in private practice in the family law arena for a couple of years after graduation, then joined the Stanislaus County Counsel’s Office in 2015. Working half-time, she does contract review and advises several county agencies. The other half of her time is spent volunteering with two Buddhist organizations, teaching Buddhist practices in the prison in Tracy and the meditation center in Modesto. “I remember my study partners. I will never again have such interesting and supportive relationships. I learned in law school that I am capable of having an impact on the world.” Amanda and her two partners, George Vasquez and James Mugridge, won the statewide Traynor Best Oral Argument Moot Court Competition in 2013.

Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies is the largest Delta Dental member company, covering 17 states and 30 million enrollees. Yoriko supports strategic business development, pursuing initiatives to provide dental services for both individuals and businesses. Yoriko says law school changed the trajectory of her life and she strives to help others find the same sense of fulfillment she has found.

D’Artagnan attained an M.B.A. and enjoyed an impressive career in international business and retail before enrolling in law school. A few of his notable positions include Senior International Buyer/International Logistics Supervisor for Duncan Enterprises, and Procurement Projects Manager for Schneider Electric in Fresno. During law school he worked as a legal marketing writer for Emerson Church Law, and later as a law clerk at Michael Sullivan before becoming an associate. He now represents self-insured employers, third-party administrators and corporations in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation law.

During law school, Steve clerked first with the Public Defender’s Office, then with the District Attorney. Upon graduation, he continued working for the D.A.’s office pending bar results. Once being sworn in, the D.A.’s Office was not hiring at that time, so Steve worked for a civil defense firm and then a criminal defense firm for brief periods. Finally in March of 1998, he was hired as a Deputy District Attorney I. He worked the typical succession of cases from misdemeanors through homicides. In January of 2015, Steve became an Assistant District Attorney overseeing the Homicide, General Felony, and Violent Crime Units, in addition to coordinating the Officer-Involved Shooting/In-Custody Death Team and being the office’s “unofficial” PIO. As to law school, he remembers a very diverse group of students and faculty where “everybody wanted everyone to succeed.”

Mary says the law was her calling. “I had always tried to standup for the underdog.” Upon graduation, she first worked with Joe Arnold with whom she had clerked as a law student. A year and a half with the Public Defender’s Office followed. In 2009, she and Jennifer Walters opened Walters & Moshrefi, which became Moshrefi Law in 2016. Since entering the private sector her practice has focused on family and criminal law. “I remember the comradery between students and faculty at SJCL. We felt like we were all in it together, unlike what you hear about other law schools.”

Rebekah knew she wanted to further her education and was looking for a career that would enable her to help people. She worked during law school and for three years thereafter as an Associate at the Immigration Law Office in Clovis. She then worked for nearly two years as Minor’s Attorney at Fresno Child Advocates practicing dependency law. She transitioned to a position at the Fresno County Office of the County Counsel representing the Department of Social Services in dependency matters. Recently her assignment has changed to advising the Elections Office and the Grand Jury. “I remember being stressed out in law school, but the students always helped and encouraged each other.”

Kelsey began working in the legal field during high school, starting out with bankruptcy trustee Beth Stratton. Beginning in college, and for the next 10 years, she worked in the bankruptcy practice of her father, Tom Armstrong. Kelsey subsequently did clerkships with Granville Homes, Magistrate Judge Erica Grosjean, and Hammerschmidt Broughton. In January 2018, Kelsey began clerking with Coleman & Horowitt where she now is an Associate. Kelsey represents clients in creditor’s rights, bankruptcy trustee representation, as well as commercial, real estate and banking litigation. “Law school was more reading than I ever imagined possible, but I grew as a person and made great lifelong friendships. I love bankruptcy because it crosses over to so many areas of the law. It is very complex. I truly enjoy solving complex problems for clients.”

Tim was between careers when his wife said, “There’s a good law school in town.” He signed up for the LSAT the next day. During law school, he clerked for the Fresno District Attorney’s Office and the Tulare Public Defender’s Office. He says he bugged the Public Defender until they hired him as a Deputy Public Defender. Tim worked there for 8 years, then pursued his own practice in criminal defense for three years. He handled cases in 16 counties and federal court. Then, Tim returned to the Tulare P.D. He has worked for that office for a total of 22 years, currently supervising the Juvenile Team and handling death penalty cases. Tim remembers great professors at SJCL and being the last class to graduate from the Shields building.

David’s interest in law came from his father, who was an attorney. He kept the idea of following his father’s footsteps in mind as he tried out other, less satisfying areas of endeavor. After enrolling in law school, David clerked at the public defender’s office and various civil litigation offices in town, including his father’s criminal defense practice. Eventually David joined friend and fellow classmate Ian Wieland at Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, where the specialty is labor and employment defense. David’s practice includes representing employers in civil cases, before the Labor Commissioner, and other forums. David likes the fact that many of his colleagues at the firm are fellow SJCL alumni who became friends in law school well before they became co-workers.

Upon graduation, Carol worked with Michele Belanger-McNair doing plaintiff’s personal injury cases, but was encouraged to practice in the criminal defense arena by the Honorable Hollis G. Best who was the US Magistrate in Yosemite and who knew of her many years as a NPS Park Ranger there. In 1999 she opened her own practice doing exclusively criminal defense, first sharing space with Trudi Manfredo and Dorothy Carroll for 12 years, and then on her own. Carol says, “I love working for myself ~ I am the best boss ever.” Carol helps organize Law Day Yosemite each year where four hundred eighth graders from the rural areas surrounding Yosemite come to the Park to learn about the Rule of Law, participate in an essay contest, and enjoy lunch outside in the scenic splendor of Yosemite Valley.

Kyle joined the Fresno County Counsel’s Office in 2016 and says he enjoys the good will and sincerity within the network of attorneys from SJCL.  “Our alumni have a strong footprint here in government, which is a testament to SJCL and the quality of attorneys they produce.  Local government attorneys with local roots are invested in the outcomes of their efforts, which creates strong communities with strong institutions.”

Michelle Sassano had two young children at home, a three-year-old and a 3-month-old, when she enrolled in law school. She says the help of her study partners and professors helped her make it through. As an Associate Attorney at Weakley Arendt, Michelle represents entities like school districts in areas like negligent supervision, discrimination and harassment, in addition to the areas of business, contracts and real estate disputes. “I loved law school, I loved the learning.”

Steven admired his uncle, George Alfieris, who was a personal injury lawyer who helped many people. Steven worked for 17 years as Vice President/Special Counsel for Pappas Telecasting, helping it to grow from 10 to 27 television stations. Thereafter, he worked as the General Counsel for Stamoules Produce. In 2017, Steven joined the Dias Law Firm, Inc., handling business, employment and real estate matters. “I love establishing and winning the economic arguments for damages in High-Speed Rail cases. It is akin to the evidentiary proofs one makes in personal injury cases – compensating for a loss. Michael Dias and I ensure that the defendant land-owners are made whole.” Last month, Steve launched an app for smart phones called “ToProovIt” to help individuals document harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The ToProovIt app provides time-stamped reports and stores the information in the cloud until the user is ready to go to human resources or their attorney. “I appreciate my legal education now more than ever.”

As a teenager, Phil met a labor lawyer on a picket line in Farmersville. The way the man spoke and carried himself left a lasting impression and left him dreaming of becoming an attorney. After military discharge, Phil attended CSUF, graduating summa cum laude in Literature, and then attended SJCL. After passing the bar, he worked for an attorney in Visalia and encountered District Attorney Will Richmond at a bank opening, pressing him for a job. The following Monday he was interviewed and hired as an entry level Deputy District Attorney. Over the next 12 years he worked in the District Attorney’s Office, including seven years trying homicide cases before being selected as Assistant District Attorney by District Attorney, Gerald Sevier. After Mr. Sevier was elected judge, Phil became District Attorney, serving for 20 years. Since retiring in 2012 he remains active in the law, teaching Constitutional Law at the College of Sequoias and serving as a consultant for companies working with the legislative process. He also writes a blog on Constitutional Law (philcline.com). “I was one of the lucky ones. I had John Loomis for Contracts, Dan Eymann for Torts and Justice Hollis Best for Evidence. They engendered in me a love of the law and how it works.”

While in law school, William worked full-time as a law clerk with Lang Richert & Patch, doing consumer collection work. From 2007–2012, he did commercial collections for Coleman & Horowitt. At the same time, he was attending California State University Fresno obtaining a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. In 2012 he joined Pascuzzi, Pascuzzi & Stoker where he handles real estate and business-related cases. William has been teaching since 2013 in the Department of Finance & Business at CSUF where he also participates in the Laval Mentorship Program. William balances his life by serving on a myriad of non-profit boards – Central California Legal Services (currently President), Fresno County Bar Association, Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, La Raza Lawyers, and Family Leadership. “My non-profit work gives me the satisfaction of helping people who can’t afford lawyers. My teaching lets me directly impact the futures of Fresno youth.”

Ian was active in politics but was inspired to go to law school in part by his father, Hon. Charles Wieland (’83). Ian worked with Atkinson, Adelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo during his last year of law school and accepted an Associate position there upon passing the bar. In September of 2013, Howard Sagaser and Ian opened their firm. Cal Watkins shortly joined thereafter. The firm and Ian represent private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor relations and employment law matters, including employment discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, labor relations, union matters, class and representative actions, administrative agencies, and wage and hour. Ian regularly advises employers regarding human resources policy matters and employee relations issues. Ian’s wife, Allie Wieland (’12) also works in the firm. “We went to law school together. We took the bar together. Now, we practice together.”

Judge Geist got married in college and was pregnant when she graduated. She always had two goals – to be a mom and have a career. The career was postponed until her son was in school. Then she asked “What can I do locally?” and law school was the answer. She says Jan asked if she had an interest in family law as a result of which she interviewed and clerked with Judy Soley. Family law had never been an interest for her, but it proved to be a good fit. Upon passing the bar, she became an associate and subsequently a partner with Judy. In 2005, she became a Commissioner with the Fresno County Superior Court, elevated to a Judge in 2007. She worked in the Family Law Department for 8 years, 5 as the Presiding Judge. Currently, she is the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Delinquency Department. “I love what I do!”

Eddie worked with Barker & Associates for almost three years after graduation doing criminal defense. He found that he absolutely loved being in court regularly. Finally opening his own practice, he moved to his current building in 1999. He handles criminal defense and personal injury cases. He is in court 4-5 days a week and has handled cases in most Central Valley counties and six western states and Georgia. He remembers not having much of a life in his three years of law school but made lifelong friendships. He has reached a point in his life where he is grateful for the career and life he has had and wants to give back to his community. Eddie currently serves on both the SJCL Alumni Association Board of Directors and the SJCL Board of Trustees.

Todd began his career as Associate In-House Counsel for National American Life Insurance Co. in regulatory compliance in 1988. In late 1990, he moved to Hawaii becoming Chief Operations Officer of HMAA, a mutual insurer. In 1996, he returned to the mainland as CEO of NevadaCare and Summerland Life Insurance Companies in Las Vegas, NV. In 2007 Todd accepted a role with Longs Drug Stores to fully develop its Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Upon acquisition of Longs by CVS Health in 2008, as president of its SilverScript subsidiary, Todd leads the largest such plan in the United States. “Law school was the toughest, most rewarding experience of my life and I apply it every day in the heavily-regulated environment of CVS Health.”

Linda always thought about becoming a lawyer, but when she got a traffic ticket and beat it in court, she felt empowered and applied. She planned to practice family law, but NALC was born while she was in law school. Connecting with people who really needed her help resonated with her. In her third year she clerked with Phillip Kim’s immigration firm and upon graduating law school she joined Lazaro Salazar Law, Inc. first as a clerk, and then as an Associate. Linda has also worked for the national non-profit, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). In November of 2018, she joined SJCL’s faculty and was named Director of the New American Legal Clinic. “I am excited about the growth of the Clinic and the ability to assist even more people.” Linda was recently selected as one of the 2019 “40 below 40” to watch by Business Street Online.

Delilah was inspired by her aunt, Irma Edmonds, an attorney in Fresno, to attend law school. Upon passing the bar, Delilah worked in the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for four years, then the Department of Child Support for two. While there, Delilah was surprised to learn she was carrying twin girls. A third daughter joined the team 2 ½ years later. Delilah and her husband decided she would invest in her family, place her career on hold, and home-school the girls. This decision led Delilah to become heavily involved in a national home-schooling organization called Classical Conversations, serving as the San Joaquin Valley Area Representative for five years. Currently, Delilah teaches Criminology and Constitutional Law at Reedley Community College and Business Law at College of the Sequoias. Delilah says the small size and culture of SJCL made her feel connected and grew to lifelong friendships.

Rhea got a taste for how the law positively impacts people when she was working as a sign language interpreter and was exposed to the Americans with Disabilities Act. That triggered an interest in law and she completed the Paralegal Program at SJCL. After working a few years as a paralegal, then taking time to focus on raising children, she embarked on law school. She did an internship with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, then clerked during her last year at the same firm where she has worked as an attorney for almost ten years. Her practice areas include civil litigation, with a focus on research and writing, and business and estate planning. “I loved law school. I enjoyed the collaborative environment, and meeting people from different backgrounds, all focused on the same goal.”

Stefanie worked with the Law Office of Sarah Schmidt (later Schmidt Hubbell LLP) throughout law school. Upon her admission to the bar she continued there for a year and a half as an attorney until her first child was born. In 2009, she opened her own office, emphasizing estate planning, probate, trust administration, and conservatorships. She recently assumed many of Ruth Lind’s (Class of 1986) cases upon Ruth’s retirement. Stefanie fondly remembers her study group, Kristine Kelly and Rod Kodman. “We were inseparable.” Jason Bell joined the group in their third year and she recalls their multiple Mario Kart battles during Bar Exam study breaks. Stefanie has taught Animal Law, Legal Process, and Advanced Research and Writing at SJCL. She is a member of the SJCL Alumni Association Board of Directors.

While working as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist at Valley Medical Center, Julia heard a hardworking young medical resident say he was putting in long hours so that he could one day open his own practice. That resonated with Julia and led her to law school. Julia first thought her career would be in agricultural law. Then she found her passion in Judge Fitch’s Community Property class. Since opening her own practice in 1986, she has worked exclusively in family law. She became a Certified Family Law Specialist in 1993. This work often enables her to give people immediate relief in stressful situations. A big change in her practice has just occurred as she and Teri Ann Kezirian have become partners and are moving to new offices.

Amanda attained a Master of Arts in the Old Testament at Fresno Pacific University, Biblical Seminary. The Hebrew word “mishpat” is translated as “justice,” but a more careful translation is “right relationship.” “Leaders are charged to pursue right relationships within the community.” Amanda felt the best way she could do that was to go to law school. During law school, she clerked for a summer with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and during her last year, with Wagner, Jones, Kopfman & Artenian. Upon passing the bar, she continued briefly on a contract basis with the same firm, before working for Fresno Child Advocates as a Minor’s Counsel in Dependency actions. On October 15, 2019, she joined Borton Petrini where she will focus on civil litigation and family law. In law school, Amanda enjoyed belonging to Delta Theta Phi, including serving as its Dean and attending the national convention.

As an attorney, Natalie first worked for Gerawan Farming for three years doing union and employment law. She then joined Nancy Stegall (‘96) doing family law, estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and guardianships. In March of 2018, she and Nancy joined Borton Petrini LLP. Natalie’s practice now focuses on restraining orders, custody and visitation disputes and serving as minor’s counsel, as well as divorces. She also continues to practice in the areas of probate, estate planning, and guardianships. Natalie went to law school to give back to her community. She handles pro bono restraining orders for Central California Legal Services and Marjoree Mason Center clients. She is Chair of the Fresno Family Law Section, is organizing SJCL’s Senior Law Day, and serves on the SJCL Alumni Association Board.

Juliana worked as a Small Claims Advisor in law school. She was published in and served on the Editorial Board of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review. She also interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Upon graduation, Juliana worked for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office in the Family Support Division for a year. Eight years with Fresno County Counsel followed where she handled subrogation cases for Valley Medical Center, then with the Human Services legal team. For 10 years thereafter, Juliana worked with Maximus, Inc. practicing before the Commission on State Mandates, trying to get reimbursement for public entities for unfunded state mandates. Since May of 2013, Juliana has been with Kings County Counsel and has been the Assistant County Counsel for three years where she represents at least 15 different departments and describes herself as the Civil Legal Jill of All Trades. “During law school, I was exhausted and busy. I thought I wouldn’t be as busy once I had graduated. That has never yet happened.”

Amy was the first of her family to attend college, much less law school. She wanted to set a good example for her two young sons who were five and one when she began attending SJCL. While at SJCL, she interned for two years in the Dependency Unit of the District Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the bar, she immediately joined the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office where she has worked for more than 15 years. She is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Most of her years have been spent prosecuting defendants in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Units which is her passion, but currently she works in the Homicide Unit. Amy says in law school she learned how to study for the first time in her life in order to survive.

Susan was the first woman elected to a County-wide political office when she became the Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters. “Law School changed my life.  It taught me to think differently and was important to my success in politics.  As Clerk, I understood Court procedures and on the Board of Supervisors, I was able to serve as a resource for the Board.”

After completing his undergraduate degree in 1991, Michael intended to enter law school. Instead, he went to work in the family gas station business. It was supposed to be temporary but he became the Manager and ultimately a Master Mechanic. In 1998 he opened his own shop. Finally, in 2011, he made his way back to law school. Overcoming a few hurdles, he graduated in 2016. He worked first in Worker’s Compensation defense for Yrulegui & Roberts, then moved to medical malpractice defense with White | Canepa LLP in 2019. “Law school was more difficult than I ever imagined. It was eye-opening and changed the way I view many things.”

Michelle holds both a Juris Doctor degree from SJCL and Master of Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, the latter of which she attained when she discovered a passion for Human Resources. Two days after she took the California bar exam in July 1998 (which she passed), she drove cross country to New York to attend Cornell. For 20 years Michelle has held numerous administrative and management positions within the Chevron Corporation. In the first three years there, she was the Executive Resources and Leadership Development Consultant, HR Business Partner, and Expatriate Administration and Development Specialist. She developed and implemented the design and administration of the Chevron Contribution Plan. She has served as HR Advisor in Luanda, Angola and General Manager of Human Resources in the Asia South Business Unit in Bangkok, Thailand. Michelle now serves as Vice President of Human Resources, Downstream and Chemicals, of Chevron. She is also Director of the Chevron Federal Credit Union.

Matthew went to law school to effect a positive change in his community. During law school, he clerked with William Delaney doing plaintiff’s Workers Compensation work. During his fourth year, he joined Yarra Law Group where he continued as an Associate for a year after passing the bar exam. In October of 2018, he moved to Lozano Smith. Matthew represents several municipalities, primarily the City of Clovis and the County of Madera, in various capacities including civil litigation, land use issues, contracts, and code enforcement cases. “Law school was a lot harder than I thought it would be. But the faculty were always available and helpful, especially Professor Kucera. I survived law school and now enjoy serving my community through my current practice.”

Upon graduation, Kathi worked with Bennett & Ostroff for a year and half, then in a partnership with Keith Lusk handing wills and trusts and dissolution cases. Thereafter, she shared space with Mary Louise Frampton and Barbara Karshmer further developing her dual practice. After sharing space again with Doris Coleman and Ruth Ratzlaff, Kathi went completely on her own in 1995, doing almost exclusively wills and trusts cases. Kathi has taught Wills and Trusts continuously at SJCL for many years. Kathi says law school was one of the best times of her life because of the comradery amongst the students.

Doug was hired by Ed Hunt as a Deputy District Attorney and worked there for 28 ½ years under three different District Attorneys. He worked in every capacity, including Juvenile Court, sexual assault, major felonies, major narcotics vendor unit, MAGEC, and homicides. In January 2006, he became Chief Deputy District Attorney where he at times supervised multiple units including the felony trial team, domestic violence, rural crime, and prison prosecution units. He has been certified as a criminal law specialist since 1993. Theoretically, Doug retired in November of 2011, but still has been working for seven years half-time as a “retired annuitant”. He routinely teaches at the Police Academy teaching topics like handling drug arrests and giving courtroom testimony.

A.J. completed the Police Academy in 2009 just as the recession hit. He applied for law enforcement jobs throughout the state, without success. He had planned to go to law school when his law enforcement career ended, but then law school became the plan. While awaiting bar results, he worked at Yrulegui & Roberts, becoming an Associate when he got his ticket. A.J. has worked with Yrulegui & Roberts for 5 ½ years, becoming a Partner in December of 2018. His work is exclusively Workers Compensation defense. A.J. feels he was fortunate to join this firm, as it has experienced significant growth. A.J. is married to Faith Driscoll (13’). “My job allows for work/life balance and a sense of satisfaction, a life with two full-time working attorneys with small children gets very interesting.”

Gary always wanted to go to law school. A job offer in his area of expertise, agricultural lending, with Bank of the Sierra, coupled with the ability to attend law school at night at SJCL, brought him home to the Valley and family. His contacts in the ag industry routinely told him Hal Bolen was the person with whom to work, so he applied, and has worked with Bolen Fransen Sawyers LLP ever since. Among other things in a busy transactional practice, Gary prepares the documents for major agricultural loans, his largest having been for $210 million. “I loved every minute of law school. All the professors were unique personalities. The classes were small and everyone helped each other to succeed.”

Jennifer became interested in law school after her father was injured on the job but had difficulty finding an attorney who would work with him because of a language barrier. Both before and during law school, she worked full-time, balancing work, school, and raising a family. She worked for the Law Office of Howk & Downing for a total of 8 years. She clerked with the Visalia District Attorney’s Office and the Fresno City Attorney’s Office. The latter offered her a full-time position the day after she was sworn in. Jennifer is in the Code Enforcement Department, trying to work with property owners by encouraging voluntary code compliance and initiating legal proceedings focusing on the worst violators of housing health and safety laws. She loves the work because it makes a difference in the community, insuring tenants are not living in sub-standard conditions. Jennifer states, “Law school wouldn’t be the same without the love and support I received from my husband, family, and friends.”

Alex worked for Congressman Cal Dooley for four years before attending law school. During law school and upon graduation, he worked for Cal’s brother Dan Dooley at Dooley & Herr which ultimately became Dooley, Herr, Peltzer & Richardson. In 2013, Peltzer & Richardson was formed doing primarily legal work and strategic and policy planning for municipalities and public water agencies. The firm is the City Attorney for Visalia. Alex enjoyed the different personalities of the professors at SJCL and even taught Torts himself for a year. Alex said he went to law school to combine his public policy experience with legal expertise and that is exactly what he is doing.

Greg began his career practicing insurance defense with Parichan, Renberg, Crossland & Harvey. In 2000 he joined Walter & Wilhelm doing bankruptcy work, specially focusing on the intersection of insolvency and intellectual property issues. In 2007 he joined the U.S. Trustee’s Office as a Trial Attorney. He was promoted to Assistant U.S. Trustee in 2014. He oversees the administration of all bankruptcy cases and general office operations. As to law school, he greatly enjoyed his study groups that helped him make it through exams!

After graduating from college, Amy joined the AmeriCorps *Vista program and worked for two years with a non-profit in West Fresno trying to bring a financial institution to the area. After graduation from law school, Amy worked for 11 years as a criminal defense attorney with Richard Ciummo and Associates. Amy was appointed to the Superior Court in October of 2018 and currently sits in family law court. “Divorce is a really hard, stressful time for people. My prior work as appointed counsel in criminal cases really helped me learn to listen to different perspectives and helped me understand the types of feelings and stress people feel when they come into the court system. So often in family court, our cases center on one of the most important parts of their life – their children. I always try to keep in mind that the people appearing in front of me are going through a really difficult and emotional time in their lives.”

David wanted to serve the rural area of southeast Fresno County and northeast Tulare County. He had a degree in Ag Business and had taken the CPA Exam, but a law degree completed the education necessary to serve the rural population. Upon admission to the bar in 1993, he worked for Mick Marderosian for 2 years in insurance defense, learning a great deal about how to practice law. In 1996, he opened his own practice in Reedley, subsequently moving to Dinuba. Michael Karby (’95) ultimately joined him. David’s practice consists of estate planning, probate, trust administration, family law, and real property matters. As to law school, David remembers students being stacked to the walls in the Shields Avenue building. “We were just trying not to get in each other’s way.”

Elizabeth had her eye on law school when she began her undergraduate studies at California State University Fresno. While working on her bachelor’s degree she interned with the Fresno District Attorney’s Office for the summer. After that experience she knew she wanted to be a prosecutor. She interned at the Fresno District Attorney’s Office throughout law school and worked as a law clerk while awaiting bar results. In December of 2017, she passed the bar and was sworn in as a Fresno County Deputy District Attorney. A year later she accepted a position as a Deputy District Attorney in Monterey, California, and packed her bags for the coast. Elizabeth currently handles a misdemeanor calendar, including driving under the influence cases, sexual assault cases, and cases involving firearms. Elizabeth remembers law school as a very long three years. She indicates both Professors Atkinson and Wrest were helpful to her, especially during bar review.

Jason was always told he should be a lawyer. During his military service, there were times when he researched and utilized military regulations and procedures to defend himself and others against supervisors’ abuse of discretion. “I thought, maybe I can do this law thing!” During law school, he clerked with Leah Tuisavalalo and Mark Miller. Upon entering the Bar, he worked briefly with Kahn, Soares & Conway, doing mainly family law matters. Then with the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office, he found his passion in criminal law. In August of 2019, he joined the Caine Law Firm doing the entire panoply of criminal defense. Jason recently obtained a defense verdict in a seven-day vehicle manslaughter trial of which he says, “This was a terrible accident that happened to two good people.” As to law school, “I remember the comradery. We all connected and worked together and now I work with many of them as an attorney. It’s amazing to see everyone working as what we all aspired to be.”

Ron handles all types of taxation issues including property, income and sales tax, as well as the companion business formation issues. Attending law school was serendipitous for Ron. He was going to leave the Audit Division at the Fresno Center to be an IRS Field Agent in 1975 when the IRS instituted a hiring freeze for budget reasons. Some acquaintances at the IRS, Steve Denning and Hon. Jose Banuelos, were already attending SJCL, so he took the LSAT and joined them. Given his expertise, he ended up teaching the Tax research section of his Legal Research class. Ron says the individuals who sat around him at SJCL became his life-long friends.

While working at a law firm as a paralegal representing Workers’ Compensation Applicants, Victoria discovered that she excelled in the process of analyzing the law. During law school, she clerked with civil litigation and immigration law firms. Upon passing the bar, Victoria joined Stockwell, Harris handling Workers’ Compensation defense cases. Seventy percent of her work is agriculturally related. Her objective is to reduce the burden to both Applicant and Defendant and to help return Applicants to recovery and to resume being a productive employee/citizen. “Law school was A LOT of reading. I enjoyed working with classmates to create analytical frameworks and how they relate to different fact patterns.”

Angela always wanted to be a prosecutor and that required going to law school. During law school, she clerked at the California Attorney General’s Office writing criminal appeals. Immediately upon passing the bar in 1997, she joined the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Aside from two leaves for caring for children, she has worked there for 16 years, a good portion of it prosecuting child sexual assault cases. “It is rewarding to seek justice for victims of crime. During my career, I have been fortunate in being able to exercise the discretion to distinguish between those who can benefit from rehabilitation and the really bad actors.” Angela was pleasantly surprised when she entered practice to see that she was often better prepared for practice than individuals from more well-known schools.

David had signed a lease for his offices before he even got his bar results. He opened his own practice immediately and has proudly been on his own since then. David specializes in personal injury litigation including medical malpractice, automobile accidents, and assault and battery. He is a Certified Civil Trial Practitioner and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. “My life now is the best it’s ever been.”

Melissa served as a Deputy District Attorney for seven years. In 2005, she joined the Fresno City Attorney’s Office as the Legal Advisor to the Police Department. For six years, she was on call 24/7. In 2009, she began to do some in-house counsel work for her brother, owner of Trinity Fruit and fell in love with general counsel work. She even got her broker’s license and opened Valley Harvest Properties in order to assist with real estate transactions. In 2016, Scott Leonard persuaded her to serve as Vice President and General Counsel for Guarantee Real Estate. Now she works as general counsel to both entities as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin College of Law. In law school, her favorite class was Torts with Dean Pearson. She will never forget Mrs. Palsgraf and that scale.

Christina always felt a passion for learning and communicating, so her father encouraged her to go to law school. She clerked with law firms throughout law school, the last year for the criminal law firm Hammerschmidt Broughton. She immediately became an Associate there upon admission to the bar in 2012 and worked with the firm for five years. In March of 2017, she became a Deputy City Attorney with the Fresno City Attorney’s Office, working with the Code Enforcement team trying to improve the quality of rental housing in Fresno. This work includes litigation, negotiations with property owners, and providing advice to the Code Enforcement Department. On July 1, 2019, she was promoted to Assistant City Attorney. In her final year of law school, Christina served as the Managing Editor of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review. She met her husband, Kyle Roberson (‘12), while both were studying at SJCL.

Charles had always wanted to go to law school. After working in sales for four years, he felt it was time to do it. It helped that his wife, Julie MacMichael, was starting at SJCL at that time. During law school, Charles clerked at two plaintiff’s personal injury law firms and a business defense firm. Upon entering the Bar, Charles worked with Barsamian & Moody for two years handling business and employer defense cases. Two years ago, he joined Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, PC. Charles represents employers in litigation, including wage and hour issues, harassment and discrimination cases, and administrative actions before the NLRB, ALRB, CalOSHA, and others. “I loved the comradery of our study group including Julie, John Orman, Jordan Penner, Michael Titus, and David Olmos. We stay in touch with each other regularly still today.”

Brooke was exploring career options as an undergraduate when Doug Noll’s description of his mediation practice intrigued her. During law school, she clerked with Cornwell & Sample, but upon passing the bar in 2005, she decided she need more intensive litigation experience. Brooke worked with the Madera District Attorney’s Office for five years. She then spent three years in the civil arena with Jacobson, Hanson, Najarian & McQuillan. In 2014 she moved to the Child Support Office of Madera County, and ultimately in 2015, back to the Madera District Attorney’s Office. She prosecutes all felonies occurring in the mountain areas of Madera County – from car thefts to murders. “The first year of law school was awful, but I made the greatest of friends and survived.”

Frank opened his own firm briefly upon passing the bar, but in September of 1995 joined the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. He enjoyed being in trial constantly. That led him to work with Marderosian, Swanson, Oren & Paboojian in January of 1997. Frank had subsequent stints with the Fresno County Counsel, Farmers Insurance, and the McLaughlin Sullivan firm, before he finally returned to his sweet spot – solo practice – in 2007. Frank’s practice includes plaintiff’s personal injury, ag litigation, business litigation, lemon law cases, and Americans with Disabilities Act issues. He remembers sitting through Constitutional Law with Professor Purvis for almost an entire academic year not understanding a word that was said, until it finally clicked in the last month of class.

Growing up, Scott always had an interest in being a lawyer and participated in Mock Trial while in High School. Later, his work in court as a Deputy Probation Officer for Fresno County refueled his interest, leading him to attend SJCL at night. Upon admission to the bar, he went into criminal defense, beginning his legal career with the Caine Law Office. One year later, he moved to the Alternate Defense Office, where he spent the next four years representing conflict cases. Scott then switched fields to Workers’ Compensation defense and worked with Yrulegui & Roberts for two years before joining Coleman Chavez & Associates in March of 2019, where he currently represents insurance companies, employers, and third-party administrators. Scott worked full-time throughout law school and was a father of two young daughters, so his clearest memory of law school is late nights studying after class so he could save some free time for his kids on the weekends.

Kathy enjoyed law school because it was fun to study late into the night surrounded by friends, and the professors were amazing. During law school, Kathy worked with Bob Gilmore (’78) for 2 ½ years in civil litigation. After passing the July 1993 bar, she became a Prosecutor in the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. With the D.A., she was on numerous teams including sexual assault and major narcotics while also handling all of the animal abuse cases. In 2006, she transferred to the Public Defender’s Office on the major crimes unit handling life top cases, homicides, gang crimes and a death penalty case. Kathy has done over 75 jury trials and is now enjoying her assignment in the juvenile unit. “When I switched sides from prosecution to defense it was very eye-opening. People cannot be defined by their crimes and criminal law is not one-dimensional. In a courtroom the defense attorney has the most information about the case yet the least amount of power. Being a public defender has been extremely difficult but has made me a better person.”

Kristina attained her law degree from SJCL and an MBA from Fresno State in 2015. She worked as a law clerk at Jacobson, Hansen & McQuillan after graduating from law school, where she was hired as an associate after passing the Bar Exam. Kristina is currently employed at CSAA Insurance Group and serves as the SJCL Alumni Association President. On April 18, 2020, she will celebrate the 20th anniversary of ShoeBox Sharing, Inc. a community-based organization that donates to children locally and in Armenia.

Paul entered college with no particular career goal although as early as the eighth grade, his teacher was projecting he would be an attorney. This was also the suggestion of his parents. After getting his BS in Criminology, he completed the Lawyer’s Assistant Program at the University of San Diego and worked in that capacity for about two years. “I might as well do law school.” His paralegal position with the Law Office of Craig A. Davis transitioned naturally into clerking and his first attorney position doing plaintiff’s personal injury cases. Wanting to be in court more, he moved to a small firm doing personal injury and criminal defense. Finally in 2004, he opened his own practice and continues in those fields. “I like to be personally deeply involved in every one of my cases. Now, I do not have to advertise because most of my cases come by referral from previous clients.” Paul says law school was a trying thing, but everybody pulled together, and he benefited greatly from his study group friends.

With an undergrad degree in natural science: emphasis in physics and minor in math, Ryan began his career in law as a patent attorney helping inventors apply for patent approval. After a few years of experience and opening his own patent practice, he applied to join the other side of the field as a patent examiner: challenging inventors to demonstrate why their patent applications should not be denied. For Ryan it’s the ultimate dream job. He’s able to combine his love of science with his knowledge of law for a career in the fascinating world of innovation and design. Whenever he’s in town Ryan stops in at SJCL; “I had such a good experience here. I always try to find ways to participate and come back to my alma mater.”

John had always admired his grandfather who was a respected attorney. After being out of college a few years, John was ready to jump in. During law school, John initially clerked at Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi. During school he also worked for nearly two years at Nuttall & Coleman before eventually returning to Laughlin, Falbo to begin his bar study preparation. John’s practice is primarily insurance defense in Workers’ Compensation cases. He has a fast-paced, litigious caseload with a typical week including 4-5 hearings or trials. John’s first child was born right before his Real Property class final. His wife wisely waited to tell him she was pregnant with their second child until 10 minutes after he learned he had passed the bar exam. John remembers the great times in law school with his study group – Charlie Hamamjian, Michael Titus, and Jordan Penner.

Steve was a consulting engineer but wanted to find a career he would enjoy for the rest of his professional life. While attending law school and after admission to the Bar, he worked for the Kings River Conservation District for five years as their Deputy General Manager of Water Resources. In November of 2014, he started work at the James Irrigation District, a 40-square mile special district in western Fresno County, and now serves as its General Manager. His legal duties include defending the district’s historic water rights, monitoring federal water supply contract issues, representing the district in the Federal Court of Claims, and managing legal work performed by outside counsel. “My combination of an engineering and legal background helps to make our expectations of others clear and avoid unnecessary conflicts.” “I have fond memories of all the professors and my classmates. I enjoy how the law constantly changes and evolves.”

Wes went to work for a labor and employment firm after graduation. He represented clients in litigation and advised on compliance matters. He joined Lozano Smith LLP in May of 2018 and jumped into public entity practice. Wes works with school districts on business and construction matters, local governments in municipal code enforcement, and a variety of other topics from real property matters to board/council governance concerns. “Law school is an immersion study like learning a foreign language. It’s immersion in the language of law. It was a great opportunity to learn from instructors who are fluent in the law, like taking Evidence from Judge Chittick, who deals with the subject every day.”

Shawn worked for the Internal Revenue Service handling Labor Relations throughout law school. After passing the bar, he worked briefly with Yarra, Kharazi, and Associates, but the call of public service drew him back to the IRS within a year. He was quickly promoted upon his return to a senior position in Labor Relations and within two years was promoted to Section Chief of Labor Relations. For three years now, Shawn has been working on the National Labor Relations Strategy & Negotiation team for the IRS. Shawn feels his law degree was instrumental in his rapid advancement. He has used the skills learned in law school every single day and enjoys what he’s doing. Employment and Labor Law electives during summer school helped him realize that he would enjoy the field. “Thanks to my study groups and professors, especially professors Purvis, Conklin, & Boone, and all the fellow students in the SBA that helped me not only survive but also thrive during law school. I’m grateful for the relationships that I developed through SJCL.”

Dennis was already working for the Fresno Public Defender doing trials while in law school. Admitted in 1977, he formally became a Deputy Public Defender. In 1980, he moved to Tulare to join what is now Mederos, Soares, Ormonde & Rascon. His broad general practice initially included a lot of criminal trial defense, but has transitioned to transactional work and estate planning. Dennis has always been actively involved in the Tulare community including being Legal Counsel for the Tulare Chamber of Commerce and serving as President of the Tulare County Bar. Then he took the big step and ran for Tulare City Council, won in November 2018, and was immediately chosen by the Council as Vice Mayor.

Dan’s undergraduate degree was in Criminal Justice as he planned to enter law enforcement, but the job market at that time was not good. “If I can’t catch criminals, at least I can prosecute them.” Law school became the next option. During law school, he clerked with Lenden Webb. Upon admission to the bar, Dan did special appearances all over California for a while to gain some court experience quickly. That led to him joining White Canepa in July of 2018. Dan’s practice is exclusively medical malpractice defense. “It’s fascinating because every case is different and can turn on very small facts.” Dan remembers his close friends in law school. “We were engaged with everyone. We all tried to help each other.”

Peter says the County Counsel’s Office is a great environment for an attorney due to the extensive variety of issues they handle. They provide legal services to the Social Services Department (some 7,000 employees alone), in addition to the Board of Supervisors, the CAO, and all other County departments, boards, and agencies. “My aspiration has always been to stay here (in Fresno) and contribute. There is a huge and beneficial comradery in the legal community here.”

Deborah began her law career as a paralegal at Parichan, Renberg, Crossman & Harvey. Harold Parichan encouraged her to attend law school. She continued there as a law clerk during law school, an Associate in 1991, and then a partner. In 1999, Deborah joined Baker Manock & Jensen, PC. She litigates in the areas of product liability, construction, agriculture law, business, and personal injury. Her goal is “to put the 'civil' back in civil litigation.” Deborah has enjoyed serving on the Board of Trustees of SJCL for many years and is the current Fresno County Bar Association President. She enjoys golfing with friends and her husband, Greg; cooking; and spending time with her family.

Alex worked in the apparel industry in L.A. for a few years, but felt she was not really doing anything to help people, so she enrolled in law school. During law school, her passion for criminal defense was born. She clerked for the Fresno County Public Defender, the Sawl Law Group, and Robert Wynne, then with Margarita Martinez-Baly while awaiting bar results. As a lawyer, she worked first with the Public Defender and now with Nuttall Coleman & Drandell doing criminal defense. As to law school, she remembers hiding in classrooms with her study buddies - studying, eating snacks, and writing practice exams. She also remembers taking her dog, Wilma, for long walks during law school as a way to relieve stress.

Marcus handles approximately 30% patent applications and 70% trademark issues, including U.S. and international trademark disputes, often for agriculture-related clients.  “At SJCL, I remember the non-competitive environment.  We were all working towards the same goal.  It was very collegial, more so than I expected.”

Jeff served in the Army (1977-1981) as Airborne Infantry. He did a two-year assignment with the Arctic Paratroopers in Alaska, followed by two years in 101st Airborne Division. After his service, Jeff says his work in law enforcement provided a natural transition to law school. During law school, he interned at the D.A.’s Office for a summer, then worked as a post-bar law clerk, until being admitted and being offered a permanent, full-time position. He has worked his way through the typical secession of case types – from calendar to juvenile to miscellaneous to felonies. “I did a lot of reading and writing in law school, but I have always enjoyed learning new things. I also loved debating with the law professors.”

Marlene was struck with the law school lightning bolt on the first day of a Business Law class at CSUF. She worked as an IRS auditor throughout law school, which explains why she blew the top off the scores in Ron Henderson’s Taxation class. Marlene was a member of the 1991 founding Editorial Board of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review, while delivering a son that spring semester. Having won awards for SJCL in national moot court competitions with Patricia Williams (’93), Marlene later taught Moot Court at SJCL from 1993-1997. After graduation she worked in insurance defense, first as an associate and then as a partner, with Sarah Schmidt (’88), then with two different insurance defense firms before opening her own firm. Marlene does special appearances and contract work for over 400 attorneys, in courts in 6 counties, along with her own cases. Her specialty is defending commercial truck drivers in criminal prosecution of violations of their special traffic and federal regulations. Marlene leads a special ministry at NorthPointe Community Church – the Elder Care Ministry. They help elderly residents, family and caregivers, provide education and support in elder issues, and create a sense of community in assisted living facilities. Marlene thanks a dedicated faculty for a superior education and the start of her rewarding legal career.

Once Judge Allred had completed her undergraduate degree and teaching certificate, someone mentioned that English majors did well in law school, so she decided to give it a try. In September of 2012, she began work at the Madera County District Attorney’s Office as a law clerk. Upon passing the bar, she was hired as a prosecutor. She handled cases from misdemeanors to homicides, major narcotics and asset forfeitures. Also in her assignments were prosecutions under the Hague Convention trying to recover children who had been removed from the United States illegally and representing the D.A.’s office in lifer hearings before the Parole Board. The latter piqued her interest and led to her becoming a Deputy Commissioner. “The different way of thinking in law was difficult at first. It is logical and methodical.”

Kirsten insures that the University abides by California State University policies and all applicable state and federal regulations related to recruitment and hiring at Fresno State. She serves as the EEO Officer and COI Officer, monitoring affirmative action and conflict of interest policies. She is the ADA Compliance Officer insuring ADA accommodations are legally provided for faculty and staff. Since graduating from law school, Kirsten practiced at Parker, Kern, Nard and Wenzel in employment and Workers’ Compensation defense and McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte and Carruth in personal injury and medical malpractice defense. She also worked at Dooley, Herr, Pedersen and Bailey, representing Tulare District Hospital and other public entities. As an adjunct, Kirsten has taught paralegal courses at Fresno City College. Kirsten has been a member of Fresno State’s administration since 2014. Kirsten was in law school during SJCL’s move to the new building and was excited for the school’s opportunity for growth. “Having both a Masters of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor is crucial to my job. Plus, I rely on my different practice experiences to tackle the challenges of my job every day.”

Nicholas went to law school because it gave him the opportunity to help people when the world was crashing down around them. He worked with Darryl Freedman as a law clerk for two years, then became an associate upon admission to the bar. He works as a “plaintiff’s advocate” handling personal injury cases – primarily motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, slip & falls, and harassment. “At first in law school I questioned whether I could do it, but the mind set finally came together. I truly love what I am doing! We are working to keep Darryl’s legacy and client-centered approach alive.”

Jim’s career focus has been defending public entities and their employees. He has been involved in many high-profile public entity cases and is considered one of the top litigation practitioners in the Fresno area. His clients have included elected officials and public figures, such as judges, district attorneys, chiefs of police, and administrators. He has served as a mediator, arbitrator, and judge pro tem. Jim is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and all California courts. He is a member of multiple organizations, and has often served in leadership capacities. These include the Federal Bar Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Public Agency Risk Managers Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Litigation Section of the State Bar of California. Jim has served on educational panels for SJCL and is a donor to SJCL. Jim conducts himself with courtesy and dignity at all times.

Ambra supervises 170 people providing services to homeless and foster children, social work services at school sites, and oversees legal issues related to attendance and student discipline. “It is a great blend of administrative law and social work. Working, with five children, I could not have made it through law school without the support I got from SJCL.”

Shelli was working in retail management and wanted a career that would offer her more autonomy. During law school she worked for Henry Logoluso & Blum, the Fifth District Court of Appeal and the Federal Defender’s Office. In December of 2001, immediately after receiving her bar results, Shelli was hired as an Associate with Stammer McKnight and has been there ever since. She became a Partner in 2007. Her work is primarily civil defense litigation and family law. Shelli appreciated Professor Purvis’ humor and found the study of law fascinating. She loved the challenge of coming up with as many issues as possible during exam time. “The students were supportive of each other and the alumni is supportive as well.”

In 2003, Gary was furloughed from his pilot position at United Airlines. Gary was an associate with McCormick, Barstow and then Powell & Pool. In April of 2009, he opened his own practice which evolved into Lawvex, an innovative trust and estates law firm with six partners. Lawvex provides a flexible and balanced work environment where partners are able to work remotely and be accountable for excellent client service instead of billable hours. “Lawvex is about addressing the frustrations and unmet needs in our industry both for clients and our partner attorneys with a fresh approach to both.”

Jim was working for Chicago Title Company while in law school. Upon graduation, he became a County Manager. In 2013, he was promoted to Title Manager for Northern California Residential Production and Fresno Commercial Group. His responsibilities are to assess/mitigate insurance risk and manage production and closing staff. Jim remembers his study group fondly – Jim Cipolla, Priscilla Wright, and Rosemary McGuire. With what free time he has he tries to fish a lot-(all catch and release)!

Ron first worked with Sheri Mount (’91) until opening his own practice in 2011, doing exclusively family law cases. In June of 2017, Ron became the Chief Child Support Attorney for the Department of Child Support Services of Fresno County and is very supportive of the Department’s mission. Ron manages 9 attorneys who handle all aspects of child support cases, from filing of the Summons and Complaint to enforcement of Judgments. The Department typically is handling 60,000 cases. In 2018, they collected $90 million in support for children. 

Alex worked as a computer programmer through most of law school. From January to May of 2016, he clerked at McCormick Barstow and again after the bar exam. In November of 2016, he became an Associate in the firm’s litigation group. His practice consists of medical malpractice defense, employment, commercial, and a few family law cases with an emphasis on litigation. He said he has enjoyed every minute of it. Alex’s fondest memory of law school was competing in the Hopper Moot Court competition. Alex and his partner, Chris LeFever, won Best Brief and both were Best Oral Advocate finalists.

Jessica was attracted to law after competing on her high school’s Mock Trial team and later serving as an attorney coach for the team. She enjoys the challenges associated with the study and practice of law, as well as being able to help those who may not know their rights or how to exercise those rights effectively. She clerked for Hammerschmidt-Broughton during law school and while awaiting Bar results. While there, she worked on a variety of complex, high profile criminal defense cases in both the State and Federal forums. She joined Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel as an associate attorney upon being admitted to the Bar in 2015. She currently represents employers, insurance companies and TPA’s in the defense of a variety of WC Insurance, Employment and some cross-over in Civil Litigation matters. She says this about law school: “I enjoyed my time at San Joaquin College of Law. It was a small, supportive community of diverse, but like-minded/goal-oriented individuals. There was always someone available to help if needed. I appreciated that the professors had real-world experience as attorneys and judges. Learning about cases they have handled over the course of their careers better helped us understand the real-world applications of complex issues and legal theories.”

Benny’s law practice is focused on helping small businesses and startups succeed. He was initially attracted to SJCL by the great bar pass rate and says his choice to attend after working as a training manager for several Bay Area tech companies was a good one, even though he worked full time and had a family at home. “It was a huge commitment, but I’d do it again if I had the opportunity!”

After serving as an Officer in the Navy, Commissioner DeMelo used his nuclear engineering training building power plants throughout the United States. When that industry came to a halt and he moved to Fresno, he attended a Law Forum but wondered if he was too old to go to law school. An older student on the panel said “In a few years you will either be 3 years older and a lawyer or three years older and not a lawyer.” He was convinced. After graduation, he opened his own law office in Hanford. At that time, he was the only family law attorney in the area who spoke Spanish. (He also speaks Portuguese and German.) Via word of mouth, he quickly developed a booming practice. Ten years later, he was appointed a Commissioner in the Kings County Superior Court, handling mainly family law matters. In 2009, the Child Support Directors’ Association of California awarded its first ever Judicial Officer of the Year Award to Commissioner DeMelo.

For the last 20 years, Rick has handled litigation, company acquisitions, and contract customizations for an expanding telecommunications company. Although he’s now 74, Rick has no plans to retire because he enjoys what he does. As a runner of 13 marathons and at least 25 miles a week, he can probably work as long as he wants! Rick’s memories of law school reach back to the very first few days. “It was very intimidating. No matter how prepared you were, the faculty (especially Judge Wanger) would trip you up.”

Unlike a lot of children, Marshall always knew he wanted to be a lawyer when he grew up. He moved from Colorado to attend SJCL. At SJCL, he was Student Bar Association President. Marshall was a District Attorney in the Fresno District Attorney’s Office for 6½ years, where he handled 80 jury trials. Through the Fresno County Counsel’s Office in then worked for 2½ years as the Legal Advisor to the Sheriff. For the last 32 years, Marshall has been a sole practitioner. 80-85% of his cases consist of representing police officer clients. “I have been practicing law for almost 40 years. It has been very gratifying. I hope to practice for 40 more.”

Jonathan worked as a legal assistant for a Social Security Disability lawyer while he attended college and law school. After passing the bar exam, he worked as an Associate practicing before Administrative Law Judges for the Social Security Administration. In 2013, Jonathan opened his own practice at the insistence of his best friend Leo Roman, who now runs the office. His practice emphasizes Social Security appeals and federal civil litigation. Jonathan has three offices - Fresno, Stockton, and Bakersfield – and is working on opening a fourth in San Francisco. Jonathan values the friendships he made in law school – naming Scott, Alexia, and Pam – who he feels were crucial in his final decision to go solo.

A lifelong interest in serving humanity has lead Alicia to five separate degrees in higher education, and what she considers the perfect career. Her solo consumer law practice is well served by her experience in computer science, quality and compliance for medical devices, peacemaking and conflict resolution, comparative religious studies, and restitution and restoration through a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. “Consumer law provides me the opportunity to help people who are being taken advantage of and nurture my desire to fight for the underdog. I come to work every day and learn something new.”

As a young man, Jody was encouraged by friends, family, and his 8th grade teacher to go to law school. While there, he studied hard with his brother Gary Winter, externed with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, and clerked with Gilmore, Wood, Vinnard & Magness, quickly learning he gravitated towards litigation. After the bar exam, he became an Associate with the firm. Jody practiced civil litigation, doing business and real property related cases, with fellow SJCL alumni Scott Jones. In January of 2012, Jody opened Lloyd Winter, P.C. where he has continued to practice in those areas, and is now joined by two other attorneys, including another fellow alum, Sean Fredin. Jody remembers law school as a whirlwind of information coming at you like a fire hose. “I feel very blessed, and I use what I learned in Contracts, Torts, Remedies, Civ Pro, and Real Property, every day.”

Brittany always wanted to go to law school to help people find access to justice and to give a voice to those who did not have one. During law school, she clerked in the family law area with Leslie Soley. She also spent two years clerking for the Fresno Public Defender’s Office in juvenile court, misdemeanors, and major crimes. Awaiting bar results, she worked at the Caine Law firm, then in June of 2019 joined Mark Broughton P.C. defending misdemeanors to major felonies. Brittany remembers the friendships she made in law school. “They become family and major connections for you in practice. They are lifelong friendships.”

Jesse took an Advanced Criminal Law class at CSUF from Judge Victor Papadakis. After seeing Jesse’s enthusiasm for the subject, the Judge recommended Jesse go to law school. Jesse worked at UPS throughout law school, then while awaiting bar results, for a local family law firm. In March of 2011, Jesse joined the Law Office of Darryl B. Freedman. Jesse’s work is exclusively personal injury, including, for example, premises liability, automobile accidents, malfunctioning equipment, and a very odd case where a man was accidentally shot in the leg while he was asleep.

Upon graduation, Mao worked with Julia Brungess (’82) in family law. She wanted a focus more on the children in a difficult situation, rather than the parents, so she eagerly accepted a position with the Fresno County Counsel as a Dependency Attorney in November of 2018. Now she feels that “at the end of the day she has done something wonderful for the kids.” Mao thinks law school was very rewarding. “It made me really push myself to be the best person I could be.”

Peter wanted to be an attorney from the day in the 5th grade he saw Harold Parichan arguing in court. During law school, he clerked for Judge Crocker at the United States District Court. Very shortly after graduation, he opened his own firm, doing Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy petitions. From the outset Peter’s goal was to help people who had gotten themselves into difficult situations. He estimates he has handled more than 10,000 consumer bankruptcy cases, but he never intends to retire because “I love what I do.” Peter commuted from the family dairy in Dos Palos during law school. During the commutes home, he inevitably ruminated on the rules just introduced in class. Peter feels that was the foundation of the good memory for specific points of law he has always possessed.

Michael always planned to go to law school. While in law school he clerked for Quinlan, Kershaw & Fanucchi, LLP and remained with them for two years after passing the bar exam. From June of 2014 to August of 2019, he worked with Frame Matsomoto & Coelho LLP representing agricultural entities in transactional, arbitration, and tort matters, notably the “Cuties” litigation. Effective August 26, 2019, Michael became Legal Counsel for Table Mountain Casino, pursuing the in-house counsel role he had always desired. His work includes insuring the Casino is compliant with all California and Federal gaming laws while protecting tribal sovereignty. Michael is very proud of his additional current role as President of the Padrinos of Valley Children’s Healthcare (Padrinos Guild), raising money for the Hospital. Michael, his wife Rachel, brother-in-law Mario Gonzalez, and mother-in law Leah Cole are all graduates of SJCL.

Joe entered law school because of the challenge, because his wife, then Lisa Urrizola (’86), was already a first-year student, and because he wanted a backup plan if his career as a professional football kicker didn’t work out. He did kick for the Houston Oilers and New York Giants football teams (with game-winning kicks) for three years, flying between games and law school classes at SJCL. (SJCL even sent him congratulatory telegrams when he won a game.) In 1986 he started a clerkship at Chinello, Chinello, Shelton & Auchard, a general practice firm, continuing with them as an Associate after passing the bar. With all he learned there about being a lawyer, Joe opened Cooper & Cooper in August of 1993. His practice is primarily civil litigation, business litigation, transactional work, and estate and succession planning. Joe also represents non-profits throughout the country, assisting them with myriad compliance matters. “It was exciting to be part of the early years of the law school. We felt like we were the brick and mortar of the place.”

Paul always loved debate, so a legal career seemed like a good fit. He clerked with Commissioner, now Judge Kalemkarian, in law school. Upon graduation, he worked for two years in insurance defense with Brown (’76) & Peel (’85), then for six years in Worker’s Compensation defense with Parker, Kern Nard & Wenzel. Two years with Grancell & Leibovitz followed, until he returned to PKNW for three years. In 2011, he and Jeremy Lusk (‘03) opened a partnership. In 2014, he opened his own office. “I love being on my own.” Paul remembers the hilarious banter between Professors Artenian and Cartier. “There was the same banter between Professors Conklin and Boone in Moot Court. It was a great class that totally spiked my confidence level.”

As a kid, Shanna lived next to Robert Piacente (’92). He told her that he gets paid to argue and she loved that idea. In high school and college, she competed for her schools’ Mock Trial teams and never wanted to leave the courtroom. When her brother was shot and killed near their childhood home, it cemented her decision to go to law school. While in law school, she worked full-time for Sawl Law Group and coached college Mock Trial. Before leaving to study for the bar, Sawl Law Group moved her into what would be her attorney office so they were sure she would return. She did and she loves it. Shanna handles personal injury and criminal defense cases, including three jury trials in the last year. A murder trial is on the horizon. “I spent a good portion of the first year of law school figuring out what an outline was. After that, I just wanted to get out as fast as I could so I could get into the courtroom.”

Upon graduation, Larry worked with Joe Cooper (’87) for a year doing civil litigation defense cases, before entering the Workers’ Compensation defense field. He has been with Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi for 20 years, 12 of them as the Managing Attorney of the Fresno Office. In that capacity he has hired a number of fellow SJCL graduates over the years. Larry remembers driving to the bar exam in Sacramento with Mark Asami and Dan Kopfman. On the way they were arguing about a point of Business Law and had dragged out their study guides to resolve the dispute. The exact Business Law issues they had been discussing was one of the essay questions on the bar exam. Larry was able to cite the case in his answer.

At the time Kathy was looking for a Liberal Arts graduate degree, SJCL was one of the very few options in the Fresno area. Upon graduation, she worked for the Fresno County Public Defender for 6 and ½ years. A three-year stint with Barry Bennett followed handling criminal and labor law cases. In January of 1988, Kathy opened her own offices but her practice remained in those fields. Kathy is most proud of two things: the 25-30 appeals she has handled in the Third District and Fifth District Court of Appeal or Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the death penalty clients whose sentences she got commuted to life or life in prison. Kathy has always loved travel and hiking. She has published many a story about those pursuits in the Dicta and the Fresno County Bar Bulletin. As to law school she appreciated the “great comradery. We were all in it together with a common goal.”

Bill was working as a Deputy Sheriff and wanted a different challenge. After law school and passing the bar, he remained with the Sheriff’s Department for about a year. After being injured at work, he hired a Workers’ Compensation lawyer, who offered him a position as an attorney. Bill worked as an applicant’s attorney with Ninnis and Cribbs for 8 years. He then joined Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi, LLP on the defense side. In 2001, he moved to State Compensation Insurance Fund. In December of 2014, he became a Workers’ Compensation Judge and in April of 2017 was promoted to the position of Presiding Workers’ Compensation Judge of the Special Adjudication Unit, focusing on fraud by medical providers in Workers’ Compensation. What does he remember about law school? “HAHAHAHA. I wouldn’t want to do it again but I’m glad that I did it.”

Toni ran a successful law practice for over 14 years in her native city of Oakland, CA, before her appointment to the bench.  She also served as President of the Alameda County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers of Alameda County, as well as Second Vice President of California Women Lawyers.  “I really appreciate the opportunity (SJCL) gave me, allowing me to pursue this path.  I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them believing in me.”

After attaining his B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, James worked the graveyard shift as a deputy sheriff throughout law school. James has devoted many years to representing public entities like school districts, cities and counties, and private business interests - in addition to teaching at the police academy at Fresno City College.

Rick was working as a court reporter in Municipal Court when he decided to give law a try himself. Upon graduating, he worked for five years in insurance defense and then in 1994, he joined Ninnis & Cribbs handling Workers’ Compensation applicants’ cases. In 1998 he became a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist. The Monge Law Firm opened in 2001, doing exclusively applicants’ cases. “This field is a good fit for me because it has wide variety and I enjoy helping working individuals.” Rick worked full-time as a court reporter during law school – in court all day, producing transcripts during non-court hours, and going to law school at night. “It was four years of 16-hour days, but I’m glad I did it. I certainly learned good time management skills and made many good friends.”

Paul attained the undergraduate degrees of Paralegal Studies and Public Administration before tackling law school. Since his admittance to the Bar, he has spent most of his legal career as an attorney at Central California Legal Services, serving as the Supervising Attorney of the Voluntary Legal Services Program, and currently the Deputy Director of Development. In 2016 Paul received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management through the OneJustice Executive Fellowship Program. For the past 16 years he has taught courses in the Business Division at Fresno City College, as well as a “Street Law” class at SOUL Charter High School. He has also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Fresno County Superior Court. In 2017 Paul was awarded the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award by the Fresno County Bar Association.

Robert attributes the discipline and experience he gained during his first two careers in business and real estate to help him breeze through law school.  He uses his 40 years of hands-on experience and insider knowledge to great effect in matters relating to his practice areas of real estate, business, and civil litigation.  “Becoming an attorney teaches you new ways of thinking.”  

Upon passing the bar exam, Mark first worked with Leon Tirapelle, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases. After three years, he opened his own office, sharing space with Jake Nagel, John Nagel, Tom Tusan, and Robert Kimble. 90% of his casework was insurance defense for Farmers’ Insurance. In July of 2001, he became Of Counsel for McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth, becoming a partner in 2002. In December of 2011, he joined Nationwide Insurance and was promoted to the Managing Attorney of the Fresno Trial Division in 2014. In August of 2018 when his friend, Darryl Freedman, became ill, Mark took over management of Darryl’s office, doing exclusively plaintiff personal injury cases. Mark fondly remembers his education he received at SJCL. He recalls the Class of 1987 as a small, eclectic group who survived the cramped quarters at the Shields campus and hopped over the fence to hit the donut shop on breaks. The friendships made at SJCL will last a lifetime.

A love for his father and grandfather’s “Great Generation” in addition to the Perry Mason TV show inspired Kevin’s lifelong plan to become an attorney. After gaining experience working with Maury Scherer and Jerry Tahajian, Kevin opened a practice with Rex Haught in 1991. With their focus on estate and Medicare planning, they have served many “Great Generation” clients through the years. Although school in general came easy for Kevin, he says he couldn’t wing it in law school. “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity SJCL gave me. I never saw it coming.”

Brande majored in Criminology – Victimology at CSUF. At SJCL, she worked as a contract paralegal in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the enforcement of criminal restitution, special assessments, and fines for a group of Hurricane Katrina fraud cases and in the affirmative civil litigation unit to recover damages for intentionally or negligently caused wildland fires on federal lands. Brande later joined Weakley & Arendt PC. Her practice is public entity defense, representing cities, counties and school districts in civil litigation. The bulk of her cases involve defending law enforcement officers in civil rights cases. The highlight of law school for Brande was meeting with other students to work through ways of mastering rules and preparing for exams. Brande was a member of the Board of Directors of the SJCL Alumni Association. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the San Joaquin Valley chapter of the Federal Bar Association, a member-at-large of the Judicial Advisory Committee of the Eastern District of California, and a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.

Travis came to law school looking for a challenge and ultimately, satisfying work. While at SJCL he interned at the Fresno Public Defender’s Office. When he graduated, they offered him the first position they had available. Travis has worked in misdemeanors, general felonies, and domestic violence cases. He currently works with a grant assignment trying to remove barriers to employment for individuals who have been on welfare. This includes helping people to expunge offenses and discussing topics that focus on life skills to avoid violations of the law in the future. Travis remembers law school as STRESS, but he made multiple friendships that he hopes will last for the rest of his life.

After many years working as a Real Estate Broker, Lance entered law school planning to practice real estate law. In addition to his extensive focus on real estate, his practice includes business and civil litigation, probate and wills, personal injury, and business and joint venture formations. “In law school you see crazy hypos (hypotheticals) designed to make you think differently – to see both sides of the story.  Real Property Professor Sally Perring covered fine points of law saying, ‘You will never see this in practice.’ I see them every day!”

Tim clerked for David Mugridge while in law school, expecting to become a criminal defense attorney, but a fellow SJCL grad persuaded him to join a workers’ compensation defense firm. Having developed that expertise, in January of 2015 he joined Berry, Smith & Bartell, PC doing plaintiff’s workers’ compensation. He felt that gave him a great opportunity for growth. He finds it extremely satisfying to help families who are in truly dire situations. Tim worked throughout law school. “Having so many responsibilities, taught me discipline and a work ethic.”

Irene’s father, Frank Ramirez, Esq., loved his career helping people. Irene expected to practice with him. She worked with him through law school and upon passing the bar, but the practice was primarily civil, and in five years, she never did a trial. Her father encouraged her to make a change that would give her trial experience. She worked with the Fresno Public Defender and in nine months, handled six jury trials. In 2012, she returned to work with her father at what became Ramirez & Ramirez, but she missed criminal law. In April of 2014, she joined the Alternate Defense Office. “In law school, I had a good routine. I exercised and did yoga, and rewrote my notes after every class. I was terrified of Professor Purvis. I was afraid to speak in class at all, but I am comfortable now speaking in public and enjoy being in court nearly every day.”

In the 6th grade, Keith’s class was required to research 3 possible careers and choose one. He chose law. He commuted from Hanford and ran his own business during law school. Keith worked for five years with the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, then twelve years with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. His prosecutorial focus was homicides, gang crimes, and narcotics violations. In Tulare County he was the sole prosecutor handling gang crimes. In January of 2015, he was elected the Kings County District Attorney, and is now in his second term. Over the years, he has handled 90 – 100 trials. His work now is largely administrative with occasional major trials. The office handles more than 10,000 cases a year. The workload is immense, but Keith loves what he does.

Upon graduation, Anne worked for 10 years with the Fresno County Counsel’s Office as the Senior Health Counsel. She represented Valley Medical Center and the Fresno County Health Department in any issues they faced. In early 1997, Anne moved to Iowa where she ran the Iowa Public Health Department’s first law and policy office. Anne is currently the Chief of Operations for CENUSA Bioenergy at Iowa State University managing a $25 million research program to restore perennial grasses to the Corn Belt for use in biofuels and bioproducts. Anne said she had to work harder at law school than at anything she had done before. It was frightening but also terribly exciting!

Will was pursuing a Masters in Biology at CSUF when he heard of an attorney combining his science background with law. Will enjoyed the idea of a mixed disciplinary practice and the plan to go to law school was born. Upon graduation, Will first worked for the high-tech patent prosecution firm he had clerked for in law school. When that firm dissolved, Will joined Sierra IP Law. His practice now is much broader, including patent work, copyright and trademark cases, and trade secret and privacy protection. Will’s time was stretched to the limit between work and class in law school, but he says “I really hunkered down for bar review and it worked!”

Ty went to law school because he was intrigued by the way lawyers could impact society to make individuals’ lives better. He initially went solo doing “a little of everything, including contract work.” Within six months, he did his first jury trial and has now handled 60-70 trials including 40 jury trials. In 2008, Ty purchased the Yarra Law Group. With a team of 7 lawyers and 47 staff, the group handles an extensive array of cases including criminal, family, immigration, bankruptcy, and civil litigation. Ty serves on the Fresno County Bar Association’s fee arbitration panel. Ty is grateful that law school and his practice have opened doors that enable him to do charitable work in the community, including gifts to SJCL.

“Being a Mexican immigrant, I went to law school to better myself and my Latino community.” Fabian began working at Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez in April of 2014 as a paralegal. He continued working there throughout law school, ultimately as a law clerk. He is now being welcomed as an Associate. Fabian will continue to work representing applicants in Worker’s Compensation and employees in Wage and Hour litigation. “I was sacred to death of being called on in Professor Purvis’ class, but I am so glad I took his class. For the bar exam, I had Constitutional Law down cold.”

Michael opened his own firm immediately upon passing the bar exam. That firm now consists of ten attorneys, most of them San Joaquin College of Law graduates. The firm is a full service firm including civil, business, probate, trust, real estate, family, contract, employment, agricultural, tribal and eminent domain matters. Michael recalls with great excitement a beef recall case he defended several years ago that was the largest beef recall case in U.S. history and was justly resolved. Michael is active in the Hanford community and served for many years on the Board of Trustees of SJCL.

“I went to law school out of a combination of idealism and a willingness to argue with anyone about anything.” Upon graduation Gary worked with the Small Business Administration, Gates & Lusk, and in partnership with Dan Harralson, before being recruited to join the U.S. Trustee’s Office in Fresno in 1988. A similar position took him to Riverside in 1994 and finally to Spokane, Washington in 2002. In 2007 he became the Acting Assistant U.S. Trustee in Spokane and the Assistant U.S. Trustee in 2010. For the last five years, he has been managing additional offices in Eugene, Oregon and Great Falls, Montana, experiencing interesting issues of different state laws and judges. He has now served a total of 30+ years in the U.S. Trustees system. “Judge Caeton called on me in Criminal Law nine weeks in a row. He was demanding but always had time for his students. We all remember Michael Case’s Contracts class and the immortal phrase ‘It depends!’ Harralson, Benko, Guzman, Wagner, Wasemiller, and I congenially argued about everything in our study group.”

Don believed law would be a worthwhile and meaningful profession. (He confided that had law not worked out he figured his doctorate would qualify him for a position at the university so he could teach history.) During law school he was a library monitor and clerked at the District Attorney’s Office doing law and motion work. Upon graduation he worked as a Research Attorney for the Fresno County Superior Court, often working with Judge (eventually Justice) Hollis Best. From there, he joined Helon & Manfredo in 1981, where he worked with fellow classmate Marvin T. Helon for 38 years, 32 of them as a partner. This was a general practice. Don covered the firm's civil litigation in different fields from personal injury, collections, landlord/tenant to trust and probate litigation to real estate and commercial transactions. In March 2019, Don joined Baker Manock& Jensen where he continues to handle civil litigation and business-related matters. “Law school was a real challenge with lots of study and anxiety. The experience made for some great friendships and memories.”

Greg worked for 25 years in the area of operations of various food manufacturing businesses and wanted a change. Upon graduation from San Joaquin College of Law he returned to the business for three years before joining Dowling Aaron Incorporated. As, first an Associate, and then a non-equity partner, Greg worked in civil litigation. He joined Coleman & Horowitt LLP in 2014, continuing in civil litigation, primarily employment and labor law, real estate, contracts, and construction defect matters. He became a partner in 2015 and an equity partner in 2019. “All the professors were excellent, but each was memorable in his or her unique way.” His study group with Lillian, Trish, and Erin was fun and they were a great support to my success.

Early in his private practice, Michael began specializing in health care issues, in part because of health challenges faced by his youngest daughter. In 2013, he became the President of the Valley Children’s Medical Group Foundation. He is responsible for most of VCH’s operations except hospital-based care. This includes VCH’s regional sites, clinics and partnerships. VCH is rapidly expanding. Thanks to improved treatment, children who used to die of cancer, heart defects, and hemophilia, for example, are now saved, but often require ongoing expensive treatment once they reach 18. A priority for VCH is creating partnerships to ensure these young people get the continuing care they need as adults.

Lourdes was inspired to attend law school by a speech given by then Public Defender, Jose Villareal. She later interned at the P.D. office while still in law school and was hired on in December of 1993, when a position opened at the P.D. Lourdes has worked there ever since in nearly every kind of case including misdemeanors, felonies, major crimes, and dependency. She feels blessed that SJCL was available to her as she could not have left Fresno for law school.

Kevin worked for the Fifth District Court of Appeal as a Staff Attorney assisting Justice Hollis Best and Pro Tem Judges for a year. He then accepted an offer from McCormick Barstow where he has now worked for 33 years and is a senior partner. His specialty areas are insurance coverage and insurance fraud investigation and litigation where he works with investigators and experts. His property insurance coverage practice has included representing insurers litigating claims arising out of earthquakes, wildfires and other catastrophic losses and is currently focused on issues arising from the Montecito debris flow losses. “The best friendships and discussions arose on our breaks at the Shields Building when we would jump the concrete block wall to get to the donut shop.”

Dan’s practice is transactional law, 99% in the video gaming arena. He negotiates and drafts artist, voiceover, music, and game developers’ contracts, and was originally a game developer himself. Dan works with clients all over the world including in the United States, China, Hungary, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Russia, all from his home office in the foothills. He deals with issues ranging from conflicting copyright laws to digital licensing agreements. In his spare time, Dan is a published author. His fiction book, Ghosting, was number 1 on Amazon’s bestseller list for several weeks. He is working on a second book that should be published in fall of 2019.

Commissioner Tripp simply always wanted to be a lawyer. In law school, he clerked for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the bar, he worked as a contract conflict attorney in Madera, then in 2002-2003 as a privately retained criminal defense lawyer. Then he worked three years in civil litigation with Nelson, Rozier & Bettencourt in Visalia, focusing on personal injury and medical malpractice defense. He then returned to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for 13 years. He primarily prosecuted gang crimes and homicides, in part as the Supervising Deputy District Attorney of the Violent Crimes Unit. In August of 2019 he was appointed Commissioner in the Tulare County Superior Court, currently handling the Arraignment Calendar. “Law school was a lot of work, but there were great people and teachers. So many of us passed the bar: it was very exciting.”

Mary went to law school because she was convinced it was the one way to make a difference. Upon graduation, she worked for Tom Campagne for 13 years, then briefly with Walter & Wilhelm, before joining Lozano Smith in January of 2016. Mary serves as the City Attorney for multiple cities. She also represents special districts (mosquito abatement and water districts) throughout California, necessitating a lot of travel. Mary is an adjunct professor of multiple subjects at the University of Phoenix – ethics, leadership, management, negotiations, and business law. Mary remembers her fun study group – Trina Root and Ken Jorgensen. She loved Real Property with Professor Perring and Constitutional Law with Professor Purvis. She became good friends with Joan Lassley and even traveled in a tour group with her to Europe in 2016.

Sarah and Jarrett met in the Introduction to Legal Studies class at SJCL in summer of 2012 and married in 2016. Sarah began work with the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office after her first year of law school and now handles felonies for the Office. Of Jarrett, she says “He has a great rapport with the kids in the Juvenile Court and the judges like, respect, and trust him.” Jarrett also works for the Tulare County Public Defender in the Juvenile Division. Of Sarah, he says “She has an unmatched work ethic, is highly organized, and when people see her in court, they immediately want her to be their lawyer.” Both say, “We fight for the people society has given up on.” Both were published in the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and subsequently served on the Editorial Board.

Erica clerked for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and the Legal Department of Table Mountain Casino during law school. As an Associate with Weakley, Arendt & McGuire, PC, she defended various municipalities in wrongful death and personal injury actions. As Chief Assistant City Attorney, Erica oversees the Code Enforcement Unit encompassing Community Compliance, Rental Housing, the Anti-Slum Enforcement Team, and Neighborhood Revitalization. Her unit focuses on achieving compliance through agreements with property owners, and administrative and court actions, including injunctions, abatement warrants, and receiverships. Recently Erica taught herself adoption law. Then she, her husband, Jose, and stepdaughter, Jasmine, adopted two young children. “My mom always told me to ‘Stand for something or fall for anything.’ It’s no wonder I’ve spent most of my career defending others. Thank you SJCL and the wonderful professors who helped shape me.”

When John F. Kennedy was elected President, Jose realized that he wanted to become an attorney. In July, 1980, he became a Staff Attorney for the Community Care Licensing, Legal Division of the State of California, Department of Social Services. Stints with the Office of Strategic Planning & Development and the Department of Psychology followed with a final return to the Social Services Legal Division. Finally in 1992, he was appointed an Administrative Law Judge with the State Hearings Division. He served in that capacity until 2009 when he “retired”, although he continues to serve part-time. Jose remembers the first night when Dean Loomis questioned one person for two straight hours before a break. Dean Loomis said that class would resume with the same student after the break. After the break, that student was never seen again. “I thought, we need to study a (heck) of a lot more, yet our entire study group passed the bar on the first try.”

Chris joined Miles, Sears & Eanni as an Associate immediately upon graduating from SJCL and became a partner two years ago. His practice is entirely plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death, involving primarily motor vehicle accidents and premises liability, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist arbitrations and occasional medical malpractice. His interest in the law stemmed from the stories he heard growing up from his father about his personal injury cases and the injured clients he helped, which made it seem like gratifying work. In every year since 2012, he has been selected for inclusion in the Northern California Rising Stars list. “Law school was pretty enjoyable but the bar was horrible.”

Since high school Peter’s interest in law inspired him to read each big Supreme Court decision. He opened his own office after graduating from SJCL and was hired to review DACA applications for Insure America, a local non-profit founded by the Nisei Farmer’s League. Today Peter serves as the Director of Insure America and General Counsel for the Nisei Farmers League. These roles enable him to assist farmers and educate officials on the impact of regulations from the State Department of Industrial Relations and the U.S. Department of Labor on agriculture. Peter says he greatly enjoyed working in the New American Legal Clinic during law school, which led him to choose immigration law as his career.

During her second year of law school, Leanne began working for CCPOA as a Hearing Representative. After passing the bar, she was promoted to Staff Counsel and specializes in union labor defense. In her work at CCPOA, she successfully has defended Correctional Peace Officers in administrative merit-related appeals, grievance arbitrations, and civil actions for the last 12 years. Leanne is also known for her extensive experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements with the State. “I became a lawyer to help. CCPOA represents a group of State employees about which the public knows little, including the challenges of their work environments. It is an honor to help improve their working conditions.” Leanne fondly remembers Moot Court with Peter Wall (’08) and Jennifer Byers-Lawton (’09), Professor Purvis’ challenging Constitutional Law class, and working with Ben Greer (’08) in SJCL’s law library.

Born and raised in Fresno, Richard attended local schools, including Bullard High School and Fresno State. As a result, he was friends with Scott Kinney, and Scott’s father, criminal law attorney, Ernest Kinney (’75) and thus was a major influence on him practicing criminal law. In law school, he clerked with civil firm Parishan, Renburg, Crossman and Harvey, and later, the District Attorney’s Office, work he much preferred. After being swore in, in late ’95, Richard worked with Attorney Steve Smith, then Attorney Robert Wynne (’89) until joining the District Attorney’s Office in fall of 1996. A year later, he formed a partnership with Robert Wynne, handling criminal defense matters, until summer of 2000 when Richard opened his own office. Richard practices exclusively criminal law. He is on the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel, the Special Circumstances Homicide Panel for Fresno and Madera Counties, and handles all State and Federal Matters. Richard is grateful for the opportunity that attending SJCL has afforded and its positive impacts on his life.

Over the years, Ben has developed an extraordinary legal expertise in human exploitation and trafficking. His career began as a research attorney for the California District Attorney’s Association (CDAA) and from there a Legal and Legislative Consultant to the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST). In August of 2011 he became a Special Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice . In that capacity his team wrote a comprehensive report for the Attorney General entitled, “The State of Human Trafficking in California in 2012.” They also delivered a comprehensive analysis of California’s anti-trafficking law enforcement and victims support response, with recommendations for improvement. Ben has traveled to 12 countries lecturing on human trafficking and trained police forces in 4 countries. He has published 15 articles in national and international journals, some of which have been cited by appellate courts. In addition, Ben served for three years as Staff Counsel for the California Department of State Hospitals conducting involuntary medication & treatment hearings and serving on the Sexually Violent Predator Review Panel. Working as Senior Staff Counsel for the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Marijuana Control, he helped to draft business regulations for the dozens of emerging cannabis industry’s license types contemplated under California law.

Roger held a Master Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Wisconsin and planned to be a corporate lawyer in human resources. To achieve that he needed a law degree. He was working in the HR department of a local corporation when he got a call from then District Attorney of Tulare County, Phil Cline (’78). Phil convinced him to become a Deputy D.A. prosecuting workers’ comp/insurance fraud. In the process, Roger fell in love with being in the courtroom. He worked for the Tulare County D.A. for 2 years, then 8 years with the Fresno County D.A. Roger now runs his own practice primarily representing police officers and deputy sheriffs. Roger’s first impression of SJCL was not good. At that time, SJCL was located in a strip mall building whereas Roger was used to the grand buildings of the University of Wisconsin. Very quickly, however, he discovered the professors and students at SJCL were great.

Alexia became an attorney because she saw how the law helped people all around her growing up. Her law practice focuses on the areas of employment law, family law, personal injury and workers compensation, but immigration law in particular serves her long held desire to help empower non-citizens with fair treatment.

John intended to be a police officer but at some point he thought “If I’m going to go to school for so many years, I might as well go to law school.” Upon graduation, he first worked with the Federal Defender’s Office. In July of 1988, he joined the firm of John Loomis (SJCL founder) and Joanne Sanoian (’82), doing primarily civil litigation. His work transitioned to a mix of probate and criminal defense. In 1995, John opened his own practice which is 80% criminal defense. John remembers that you HAD to be prepared for Wanger’s Civil Procedure class, and he loved Judge Caeton’s Criminal Law class.

Greg was always interested in law, stemming in part from his mother’s work as a paralegal. After graduation, he worked in Fresno for a year before joining the Los Angeles firm of Green & Shinee in 1991. His practice there was labor law, primarily representing entities in the public sector including the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. In 2001 he joined Malmquist, Fields & Camastra doing Workers’ Compensation defense. In May of 2017, the Tanner Firm opened representing mostly Workers’ Compensation applicants and some employment law cases. Greg is also developing a mediation practice.

Brett was inspired to attend law school by seeing lawyers help people. He wanted to be able to do the same. During law school he clerked for the Fresno County Public Defender, United States Magistrate Judge Christensen, and Clark Roundtree. Upon graduation and admission to the bar, Brett worked for Marderosian & Swanson for 26 years. In 2014, he joined Ericksen Arbuthnot, a statewide firm with offices in San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento, as well as Fresno. Brett’s entire career has been in civil litigation, now primarily representing insurance companies in complex tort, crop loss, breach of contract, and auto accident cases. “I can’t wait to get to work each day. Every day is fresh and interesting.” Brett remembers Moot Court: “It was our first chance as law students to see how we would respond under pressure!”

During law school, Bill had internships at two insurance defense firms, but in 1999 he discovered he loved criminal defense, and began working with the Kapetan Brothers Law Firm. In 2001, he carried that same love of criminal defense through 12 years with Kahn, Soares & Conway, then nearly four years as the Managing Partner of the Hanford office of Hammerschmidt Broughton. In January of 2017, Bill opened his own practice in Hanford, still focusing on criminal defense. Bill remembers the comradery of the students and faculty at SJCL. “Everyone was genuinely trying to pull each other up.” Oh, and the little incident with the Welsh flag on Tom Jones’ birthday.

Having studied microbiology in her native Nigeria, Chineme fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer upon coming to the U.S. At the Juvenile Law Center, she represents parents in dependency proceedings and strives to secure the best living arrangements for their children. She says her job is at times heart wrenching, but also quite rewarding. Chineme says the accessibility of SJCL professors, and mentorship from her upper division classmates helped during law school. “When people actually care how you are doing, it makes you want to work hard to succeed.”

In her last year of law school, Renee clerked for Elia & Sciandra doing criminal defense work. Upon passing the bar, she was recruited to join the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Renee worked at the District Attorney’s office for six years and quickly worked her way through Misdemeanor Trials, Felony Trials, Specialty teams, and then the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit. Renee left the District Attorney’s office to pursue a career focusing on representing the rights of employers, including workers’ compensation defense, insurance defense and employment law. Time as the Managing Attorney at Justice, Brass & Zuckerman and then as a litigation attorney for the Fresno City Attorney followed. She then opened the Fresno office of Stockwell, Harris, Woolverton & Helphrey where she worked as the Managing attorney for 12 years. Now, Renee is a partner with Michael Sullivan & Associates handling workers’ compensation defense cases. Renee appreciated the commitment and common-sense approach to teaching by the practicing lawyers who were part of the SJCL faculty.

When she was young, Amanda proclaimed she would one day be the first female Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. These aspirations included following in the footsteps of her hero, the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Life and a young family temporary placed these dreams on hold; however, when her children began attending school, so did Amanda—at SJCL. During law school, Amanda interned in the private sector and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Amanda found her passion in criminal defense. In October of 2017, she opened her own law firm, aptly devoted to Criminal Defense and to fiercely fighting to protect the integrity of our criminal justice system. Amanda’s firm currently consists of 2 attorneys, one law graduate awaiting bar results, and three law clerks. Amanda is proud of a recent case in which an individual was arrested and denied bail because of his immigration status. Amanda successfully got the case dismissed on the first day of trial; she subsequently waited for her client to ensure he was released from custody without incident. “I loved law school, especially the sense of community and the incredible support provided to everyone.”

While attending law school, Stephanie continued to work full time, as well as raise her children. As a student she clerked at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the Bar she became Deputy District Attorney. In her current role at the Tulare County Counsel, Stephanie has the opportunity to work in a variety of practice areas including education, labor and employment, and civil litigation. She says she was lucky to make lifelong friends during her time at SJCL.

As a Westside farmer, Gabriel had seen the impact of water law issues. He hoped to use a legal education to help farmers on those issues. In law school, he completed an externship with Magistrate Sheila K. Oberto at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. In January of 2014, immediately after passing the bar exam, Gabriel joined the Linneman Law firm. He does transactional work for private clients and public agencies and serves as general counsel for multiple water agencies. Linneman Law has offices in Dos Palos, Los Banos, and Merced. He finds the work challenging, but gratifying as he continues to work with people he knows from farming. Of law school, he remembers the relationships he formed with both classmates and professors, some of which continue today.

Nick’s undergraduate degree in music (classical guitar) came from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Prior to entering the conservatory, he was planning an education and career beyond music. While still a teenager, one of Nick’s music mentors was also an attorney. Having the goal to obtain a multi-dimensional education, pursuing a law degree and legal career seemed a perfect fit. Upon joining the Bar, Nick became a Deputy District Attorney in Tulare County. Over 15 years, he handled misdemeanors to death penalty cases, including years in the homicide, major narcotics, and sexual assault units. In 2008, he was promoted to a supervisor. In January of 2015, he served as the Assistant District Attorney for Kings County. In June of 2017 he returned home to Tulare County as a Senior Deputy Public Defender. “Having worked both sides of the legal aisle adds a crucial depth of understanding of the system. Drawing from my music continues to make me a better attorney and law a better musician. I am so fortunate to have studied at SJCL and the music conservatory. The combination of the two created the exact foundation and career I always desired.”

Bryce competed for three years in Mock Trial at Redwood High School in Visalia. Then a guidance counselor at College of the Sequoias recommended law as a possible career goal, and it stuck! Upon passing the bar in 2009, Bryce worked with Patricia Lee and Jack Revill serving the Southeast Asian and Hmong communities doing family law, civil litigation, and criminal law for approximately three years. Bryce then worked in Workers’ Compensation defense firms for several years before joining State Compensation Insurance Fund in March of 2019. “I think our class had an exceptionally strong sense of camaraderie. I remain in a contact with many of them.”

James has always wanted to be an attorney. He earned a Social Science degree as an U.C. San Diego and decided that he wanted to return home to Fresno for law school. During law school, Academic Dean Sally Perring encouraged James to take on an externship with U.S. District Judge Ishii. James loved it and caught the public service bug. He worked for the Judge Ishii for almost five years after graduation, conducting legal research and assisting the Court in writing orders. In June of 2018, James joined the Fresno Local Office of the EEOC as a trial attorney. In that role, he advises the enforcement unit and litigates employment discrimination matters on behalf of the EEOC. James describes himself as an over-preparer which served him well when he and his two partners, Amanda DeHart and George Vasquez, won the statewide Roger J. Traynor Best Oral Argument Moot Court Competition in 2013. James has taught Legal Methods and Civil Procedure, and now teaches Moot Court at SJCL.

Cyndee joined the pioneers of the “Me Too Movement” upon her hiring for the newly created role of Ethics and Compliance Officer for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Her focus is on building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive culture. “My personal goal is to educate women that no matter what the job or the industry, they do not – and should never - tolerate being discriminated against, or be subjected to a hostile work environment.”

Allison worked with her father, Russell Ryan, in the Motschiedler firm starting in high school, but was resistant to the idea of becoming a lawyer. As time went on that changed and she enrolled at SJCL. She clerked at the firm beginning in 2015 and became an associate in November of 2017. Her practice is primarily litigation in employment law. She also currently serves as a board member and board secretary at the non-profit Resources for Independence Central Valley. In October, Allison will marry Rikki, whom she met in Sweden in 2014, and move there. She will continue to work for the firm remotely. She remembers HOURS of studying in law school and how being a writer and, then Editor-in-Chief, of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review consumed her life for two of those three years.

With a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science/Ecosystem Management to complement his J.D. from SJCL, Art was appointed by two governors to serve as chair of the California Water Resources Control Board. He had previously served two terms as a Mariposa County Supervisor and is past president of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators. “The breadth and quality of graduates from SJCL never ceases to amaze me, but the one common bond they share is how much they give back to the community.”

With his election to the bench in January of this year, Judge Austin has continued his lifelong commitment to service.  His various career incarnations include serving as a Marine and then a Police Officer in his hometown of Madera. He was also a Deputy Sheriff in San Diego County before deciding on a career in law. Brian says he knows several attorneys who are former law enforcement officers like himself, among them his former patrol partner and fellow SJCL grad Michael Jurkovich (Class of 1990), who also happens to be a Madera County Superior Court Judge.

In college, Michelle was helping her boyfriend study for the logic games portion of the LSAT. He convinced her to take a practice test and, when she outscored him, he encouraged her to consider law school. After she moved back to the Central Valley, she began working as a legal secretary for a family friend who was opening her own practice where her interest in law was further piqued. Eventually the practice began sharing space with Melanie Aldridge and Michelle worked for both attorneys. Ultimately, she was the legal secretary/paralegal/law clerk for Melanie and became an associate upon passing the bar. Michelle’s practice is transactional work in estate planning, business, real estate and water law and serves clients primarily involved in agribusiness as well as a few public agencies. “I grew up in agriculture and my husband farms, so this has always felt like a good fit. Law school was challenging but taught me entirely new levels of discipline and hard work. It really caused to me grow as an individual.”

Connie first practiced with Weiss, Martin, Salinas & Hearst. In 2009 she joined the Fresno office of Klein, DeNatale, Goldner where she became a partner. Her practice was a variety of employment and business litigation. In 2016, she moved to Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel, continuing with business litigation and Workers’ Compensation defense. Connie loves that one is never at a standstill as a lawyer. “You are always learning and growing.” As to law school, she remembers the excitement of competing in Moot Court and allowing her nerdy side to flourish editing other people’s writing in Law Review.

Catarina practices real estate, bankruptcy, and family law. She opened her own firm in 2009, following the financial crisis. During that time, Catarina saw a need for helping those who would not otherwise receive representation by assisting those who were struggling with their finances, facing foreclosure, and just making ends meet. From there, she expanded her practice to handling eviction and family law matters. Her plan was a temporary one, but she soon became very busy and expanded her offices to include Clovis and Madera. Catarina continues to credit the relationships she made at SJCL for helping the continued success of her practice.

In 1975 during my second year of law school, I worked as a law clerk for the Fresno County District Attorney which allowed me to become “certified” and actually prosecute cases. I also clerked for the homicide team and witnessed how experienced lawyers try cases. When I passed the bar in 1977, passing on a Deputy D.A. position, I opened my own practice. Just me, myself, and I. It was great. I loved every minute, taking any case that walked, crawled, or was dragged into my office. I have now tried to verdict well over 150 cases and one of the largest cases tried in the Valley to a settlement in excess of $70,000,000. I am the first SJCL graduate invited into the American College of Trial Lawyers. The practice still excites me today, taking both plaintiff and defense cases, in both state and federal court. The cases range from environmental, business, corporate, civil rights, employment, medical and entertainment related disputes. I have always been on my own and plan on practicing until I can no longer do it physically and/or mentally. I worked full time during most of law school (1973-1977), supporting my wife and young son. It was a good time for us. I was on a mission and the law school provided me a great opportunity that opened a lot of doors for us. Big thanks to all of those who created the school and continue to guide it today.

Kevin knew he had the ability to stand up for himself and others, so felt he was headed for a legal career assisting people who did not understand the legal system. In law school he clerked with James Makasian and Roger Nuttall. In 2008, he joined Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey, focusing on insurance defense cases and being the only attorney in the firm handling criminal defense matters, but the death of his uncle at the hands of a drunk driver motivated him to make a change. In February of 2014, he joined Baradat & Paboojian, Inc. where he handles exclusively plaintiff personal injury cases. He became a partner with the firm in June of 2018. “I love the challenge of being involved in litigation. I think back fondly on the practical courses I took in law school – Criminal Trial Practice with Judge Cullers and Moot Court, Evidence, and Criminal Law with Judges Boone and Conklin. I also enjoyed being called on by Professor Purvis and attempting to answer his questions.”

Prior to law school, Beth was the Senior Law Enforcement Officer in Yosemite National Park representing Yosemite in Federal Magistrate Court. (Beth felt she would be more comfortable in that role with a law degree.) At the end of her third year at SJCL, she left the NPS and clerked for Walter & Wilhelm. Beth remained there as an attorney for a couple of years after graduation. She worked with Weiss & Salinas for two years in medical malpractice defense litigation. Then for 3 ½ years she worked with Borton Petrini in insurance defense cases and became a partner. In August of 2017, she moved to the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office. Beth enjoys the balance that is possible in criminal prosecution and working with county partners to fix the problems that led to an incident.

Robert started his own practice immediately upon passing the bar examination in November of 1978, initially in a partnership. He went solo in 1995. His practice is exclusively plaintiff personal injury cases, including premises liability, product liability, automobile accidents, and a rare medical malpractice case. In January of 1989, he won a 9-0 reversal in the United States Supreme Court overturning the trial and appellate court decisions in a tort and 1983 Civil Rights case.

Adam began working in the legal field with Ted Forrest at the age of 15. He worked at Ted’s firms, Forrest & McLaughlin and then Forrest, Henderson, Sloan & Davis, until Ted died when Adam was 21. Under Ted’s guidance, Adam completed the SJCL Paralegal Program. After Ted’s death, Adam worked at Dowling, Aaron & Keeler for two years and then joined McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth. Adam also worked at SJCL as an instructor in the Paralegal Program. As Adam was completing his Masters in International Relations at Fresno State, he was contemplating law school. Jan answered that question for him when she told him: “You are starting law school this fall.” Upon graduation, Adam continued working with McCormick Barstow for five years. Adam joined Baradat & Paboojian in 2013 and became a partner in 2016. Adam handles mostly plaintiff personal injury cases. As to law school, he remembers winning Best Oral Advocate in the Moot Court Competition and thinking that Ted would be proud. He also enjoyed competing in the Traynor Appellate Moot Court Competition on behalf of SJCL and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review.

Becoming a lawyer had been Teresa’s long-time dream, but raising children came first. So, she went to college and obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Fresno City College and began working as a paralegal. And waiting. When her youngest child was a Junior in high school, she enrolled at San Joaquin College of Law. Teresa continued to work as a Paralegal during law school. When she passed the bar, she opened her own law office. Teresa’s early practice included elder law, estate planning, family law and personal injury. Over the last 5 years, she has narrowed her practice to Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate and Elder Law. She has been blessed with a busy and successful practice. “Law school is one of the fondest memories of my life. A group of total strangers became very close, surviving and learning as much as possible.” Now, her fond memories come from traveling as much as possible with her husband, Scott Jones (’07).

During his banking years, Michael became interested in law enforcement and joined the Madera Sheriff’s Office as a Volunteer Deputy. During justice classes taught by former Fresno District Attorney Ed Hunt, Ed convinced Michael to study law at SJCL. After graduation, Michael worked with Olson, Blanco & Tomassian in civil law awaiting bar results. Upon passing the bar, Michael joined the Madera County District Attorney’s Office where he worked for 22 and ½ years. He handled cases ranging from civil asset forfeiture to violent crimes to homicides. From January of 2009 until January of 2015, Michael served as the District Attorney for Madera County.

Sengthiene attained both a Bachelors’ and Masters’ degree in psychology before enrolling in law school. As a law student she worked full time as a paralegal and advocate at Central California Legal Services, with a focus on better health care and language access for the poor. Continuing her desire to provide community service, Sengthiene’s practice is mainly Social Security Disability and SSI Law, which helps many who are homeless get off the streets and receive the services they are due. Sengthiene says 95% of her firm’s cases are SSI Disability, which she says are difficult, but life-changing when they succeed. “It’s very gratifying helping people live better lives.”

Brad decided to become a lawyer after he observed the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge. That judge had a vision and the authority to get something done. During law school Brad interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also worked as a Hearing Representative for the CCPOA for two years, becoming full-time upon entering the Bar in December of 1999. He represents correctional officers in administrative hearings when they are unjustly accused or disciplined, work he has done for 20 years. “SJCL offers a real opportunity. It was not a competitive environmental. Rather we were all competing FOR each other.”

Jacob’s interest in law was born in his high school senior Government class where he was exposed to law and politics. During law school he clerked for several solo practitioners who specialized in criminal defense and plaintiff’s personal injury law, as well as at the Fresno City Attorney’s Office in municipal law. Upon graduation, Jacob worked briefly in a Workers’ Compensation defense firm. Then he was hired by a local civil litigation law firm where he worked exclusively on high exposure personal injury and labor and employment matters. The work involved complex litigation and extensive jury trials. There, Jacob developed his passion for plaintiff’s trial work. In 2007, Jacob opened the Law Office of Jacob J. Rivas. His work is 98% plaintiff’s personal injury, including vehicle, construction and industrial accident cases, sexual abuse complaints, and dog bites. Jacob remembers SJCL moving from Shields to the Clovis building halfway through his first year of law school and trying to avoid getting called upon in class.

Tony met Bob Perez while taking undergraduate classes from Bob at CSUF. It inspired Tony to head towards law school instead of law enforcement. He began working at Perez, Williams & Medina in 2006, was an Associate for three years after passing the bar and became a partner in 2010. He works in civil litigation, primarily motor vehicle and products liability cases involving catastrophic injury and death actions – “Rewarding to help my clients in times of such great loss and need”. Tony remembers the close relationships with other students and feeling fully supported by the professors. “As a single parent with children working 45 hours a week, I am not sure I would have done as well at any other institution.”

When Jason took a Criminal Law class at California State University, Fresno, the professor told him he should go to law school. He followed Ernie Kinney’s advice. Jason has a 25-year history working with Warren Paboojian. In college, Jason worked as a runner for Marderosian, Oren & Paboojian, became a law clerk there during law school. Shortly after graduating from SJCL, Warren opened his own practice, eventually to become Baradat & Paboojian, Jason went with him. In January of 2011, Jason became a partner with Baradat & Paboojian. Their practice is exclusively major plaintiff personal injury and related cases. “I had fun in high school and college. SJCL gave me an opportunity I might not otherwise have had. I was impressed by the quality of the professors and the practical knowledge I gained in addition to the law.”

Serita was completing the Paralegal Program at SJCL when she was approached by Jan Pearson who encouraged her to consider law school. Serita decided that would lead to a great future for her and her daughter. Through evening law school, Serita worked full-time and raised a small child. It was difficult to balance, but she persevered through hard work and dedication, carrying her flash cards everywhere she went.
Upon graduation, Serita worked at Barker and Associates for four years. In 2011 she opened her own criminal defense practice and now handles major felonies at the State and Federal level. Serita is extremely proud that her daughter who was a small child then, Lanae Oviedo, is now a second year student in the Three Year Option at SJCL. She, too, seems headed towards practicing criminal defense.

After working as a paralegal for fourteen years, Leslie made the decision to go to law school and become an attorney. As continuing to work fulltime was a must for her, San Joaquin College of Law was the natural choice. It allowed her the ability to work for a law firm during the day and attend class at night. For the past 22 years, Leslie has worked in civil litigation defending public entities such as cities, counties and school districts and their employees, trying cases in both state and federal court.

“I am so very proud of SJCL and its many accomplishments.  Hard to believe we are marking SJCL’s 50^th year.  Our graduates have accomplished amazing successes, both in the legal profession and in their personal lives, which says a lot about the impact a legal education can have in one’s life.  Congratulations to SJCL for making such a difference – not only to the graduates, but to the community we all serve as well.”

As a young child, Lisa watched Perry Mason with her grandmother, and it sparked an interest in going to law school. Her legal career began in civil work at McCormick, Barstow but she wanted to be in the courtroom litigating cases, so she took a job at the Madera County DA’s Office in 1997. In Madera, she prosecuted Sexual Assault cases and worked in the Major Crimes Unit. In 2001, she moved to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and was assigned to several units including Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault/Child Abuse and Homicide. In 2014 she was elected District Attorney and was re-elected without opposition in 2018. “Being a prosecutor is my dream job. It allows me to help my community and to be a voice for those who may not have a voice of their own.”

Judge Sanderson clerked for Tom Campagne during law school, becoming an associate there upon passing the bar. She realized she was more interested in litigation than labor law and joined the Fresno County Counsel handling juvenile dependency cases. She never thought she would enjoy practicing criminal law, but once exposed to it, she was intrigued. After two years, she joined the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. She served in that capacity for 15½ years, ultimately as a Chief supervising up to 26 lawyers in multiple divisions. In October of 2005, she was appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court. Judge Sanderson remembers both faculty and staff at SJCL really cared about the students’ needs.

Oliver joined the Petrie Dorfmeier LLP, firm immediately upon passing the bar. His work primarily involves civil litigation insurance defense in personal injury, premises liability, employment, and general business cases. While in law school he worked as a full time private investigator for governmental entities, Worker’s Compensation carriers, attorneys, and third party administrators, handling anything from catastrophic death cases to alleged teacher/student misconduct. This background gave him the expertise and confidence to adapt to the legal profession and big cases. Oliver became a partner in 2017 in what is now a firm wherein three of the four named partners are SJCL graduates. In law school, Oliver served three years on the Student Bar Association Board, was a major organizer of the Back-to-School and Barristers’ Ball events, and the 2009 third-year student of the year.

For Rachel, the decision to go to law school was a mixture of family influence and what her family called “an affinity for arguing.” From the outset of law school, she clerked at Cole Fisher and continued there as an attorney after passing the bar exam. She handles applicant Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases. “I get to help people who really need the help. Having been injured has been the worst experience of their lives. I have the opportunity to make their lives better in a very real way.” Family crises made law school a difficult start for Rachel, but “I got hands on assistance from professors that I probably would not have gotten elsewhere. They wanted me to succeed.” She met great friends and began dating a fellow student, Michael Mahoney, whom she had known since they were kids. Now they have three of their own.

Currently Angela is an Associate Attorney at Littler Mendelson, P.C., the largest global boutique labor and employment law firm. Angela is adding to her employment practice by advising businesses how to best comply with employment laws and regulations. Angela began working in employment class action litigation while clerking at Wagner Jones Kopfman & Artenian. As an Associate Attorney there, she was quickly pressed into service representing class members at hearings and depositions throughout California. Angela has handled more than 300 depositions and questioned all witnesses in over 100 post-trial damage-phase hearings on behalf of client escrow officers and managers. Angela played a key role on the trial team in two successful class action trials, preparing and putting on numerous witnesses in a successful 52-day court trial in Fresno, and in a month-long jury trial in federal court in San Francisco that resulted in the firm’s $73 million judgment against Walmart. Angela married last summer and relocated to the Bay Area. She is thrilled to be working in Littler’s San Jose office working with a variety of employers, helping them grow their business by handling their employment law needs.

Tracy worked for about 9 years with Lang, Richert & Patch, ultimately as a partner. Six years as the Compliance Officer for Valley Children’s Hospital followed. She left Valley Children’s for a short period of time, working at Walter & Wilhelm Law Group for about 2 ½ years, focusing on health care and employment law. In July of 2015, she returned to Valley Children’s as the Deputy General Counsel and handles the hospital’s litigation, as well as employment, contract, and risk management issues. Tracy remembers her great study groups and the small class sizes at SJCL, but she still has nightmares of it being exam time for a class she didn’t remember taking. (Sound familiar?)

During law school, Terry clerked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, D. Mitchell Taylor, and the Fresno District Attorney’s Office. Terry worked for the Stanislaus County D.A. for about 1 ½ years. He returned to Fresno open his own practice in September 1988. After 28 years as a solo practitioner, Terry and David Jones formed Wapner Jones, PC., a 3-attorney law firm in criminal defense. Terry focuses on, and is a specialist in, DUI drug & alcohol cases, having received a designation from the American Chemical Society as a “Lawyer-Scientist”, trained in the scientific aspects of blood and breath testing. He lectures nationally on blood and breath testing and scientific defenses in DUI’s. Terry remembers the first night of Contracts class with Tom Riggs was very laidback, so he volunteered on the first night of Judge Wanger’s Civil Procedure class. He was grilled for 45 minutes and never volunteered in any class again.

Susan was surprised when an attorney she hired told her she should be a lawyer and he would write a letter of reference for her to apply to law school. Not much later, she was in law school and clerking for the United States Attorney in the misdemeanor unit, doing research and writing briefs. When Susan’s class graduated, the job market was very tight, so she jumped into working with her husband’s firm (Richard Hemb (’92). She took over the firm’s family and bankruptcy practice and the rest is history. Susan is also now a court-appointed minor’s counsel. “At SJCL, if you were stuck on a topic, you could talk to any faculty member anytime. Everybody – students and faculty – helped each other to be successful.”

Donn had been working on local Kings and San Joaquin River water and land conservation issues for several years when he decided to attend SJCL in 1990. Upon graduation he was a solo practitioner in Fresno. In September of 1996, the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office hired Donn as a deputy to represent the City’s public utilities department, which provides drinking water to 2.7 million residents in the Bay Area. Theoretically, he retired in May of 2014, but has since continued to work part time on water issues for San Francisco when he isn’t hiking or fishing. He also serves on the board of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, an organization preserving open space and wildlife habitat in Fresno, Madera and Mariposa Counties. “I was 40 when I started attending SJCL, and it was immensely valuable to learn from the school’s fine professors and active practitioners like Professors Wanger, Perring, Pearson and Cameron.”

Todd’s father always talked to him about being a lawyer without suggesting that Todd become one. Coupled with his golf scores (he is very good), that pushed him towards law. For more than 15 years after graduation, Todd worked with Emerson, Corey & Barsotti doing insurance defense. He discovered representing the plaintiff seemed attractive because one was actually doing some good for an individual. Todd is a sole practitioner and has been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He handles employment litigation, primarily for employees. Todd remembers the little old Shields building and having to jump over the brick wall in the parking lot on breaks to go for donuts and coffee in the shopping center next door.

Judge Iglesia left the Philippines in 1971 when the political situation became volatile and unsafe under the Marcos dictatorship. He completed an A.A. at Reedley Community College, his B.A. at the then Pacific College, and his J.D. at SJCL. Upon graduation, he was employed by a law firm that did contract work for the Public Defender in Madera. Thereafter he worked for four years for the Imperial County Counsel’s Office, then for many years with the Monterey County Counsel, generally working in land use and zoning litigation at both the trial and appellate level. He was appointed to the Monterey County Superior Court in 2007. He said the best advice an attorney ever gave him was to take on the hard jobs that nobody else wanted.

Lisa always planned to go to law school, but her military career using her engineering degree came first. She was the Base Engineer for the Fresno Air National Guard, responsible for maintenance and construction at the Fresno Airport facilities. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After law school, she joined Bolen Fransen Sawyers, where her transactional practice focuses on secured lending, real estate, and general business, for a variety of for agricultural and commercial entities. Lisa serves on the Board of the AgLenders Society of California, for which she has taught a number of educational seminars. She also serves on the Supervisory Committee of the Educational Employees Credit Union. “I enjoyed getting back into the learning mode in law school, something I had been longing for. The diversity of the student population – all ages, from all walks of life – added to the experience.”

Before law school, Robert was a Registered Investment Advisor, working with clients and their lawyers. He found himself drawn to the legal side of the work. His mother, Judith Wright, was already enrolled at SJCL, so he joined her. Judy opened the Law Office of Judy A. Wright upon her graduation and Robert joined her immediately upon his. Their practice has been trusts and estates. Judy and their associate handle trust administration, probate, and any court appearances needed. Robert focusses on estate tax planning and advanced trusts. Robert remembers Professor Purvis grilling him using the Socratic Method. He also remembers “how happy I was to move to the new building in Clovis.”

Paul started at CSUF intending to get a degree in Business. All the principles were taught with the disclaimer “as long as this is OK with legal.” The deeper he probed the legal aspects, the more interested he became in attending law school. During law school, he clerked with Myers & Overstreet, then continued with them upon graduation for two years, doing insurance defense litigation. Then Paul worked with Caswell, Bell & Hillson for eight years, eventually becoming a partner. Two years with Klein, DeNatale, Goldner LLP followed, before Paul opened his own practice in 2013 and loves it. Paul handles business, real estate, and estates and trusts cases. He has represented the Fresno Association of Realtors since 2007. He got his Broker’s License in 2005 and owns a separate real estate firm. “I really enjoy practicing law every day. It would take a sizable lottery win to get me to stop.”

With over 20 years of healthcare experience, and a MBA to compliment his J.D. from SJCL, Kent was heavily recruited to fill the position of Contracts Manager at Montage Health.  In this hybrid role involving equal parts law and business, Rick’s responsibilities include physician contracting and contract development, managed care payor contracting and negotiations, health plan contracting, business entity filing and coordination, software and software as a service negotiations, and various other legal review and contracting duties. “In my case, SJCL presented the best option and value.  Considering I already had an MBA and considerable healthcare experience, my status as an attorney SUPERCHARGED my healthcare career and paid for itself in the first two years of employment.”

“My parents would say I always wanted to be a lawyer. As a kid, I even created a paper desk nameplate that said Tristao, Tristao & I’m not Tristao – I’m Kirk. My youngest brother did not want to be called Tristao.” During law school, Craig clerked for Kahn, Soares & Conway in Hanford, then for Joseph Uremovic. He remained as an Associate with Uremovic after passing the bar. Thereafter, Craig worked with Perkins, Mann & Everett for 8 years, joining Coleman & Horowitt in February of 2017. Craig’s field is civil litigation in the construction, agriculture, and environmental arenas. As to law school, Craig greatly enjoyed his Constitutional Law and Business Organizations classes with Professor Purvis and working with his study partners – Mike Burgess and Quentin Cedar. Craig would like to thank his wife, Kristin, who supported him throughout law school and in his career. Without her, he would not be the person he is today.

Rick was drawn to the legal profession in college because it seemed to fit the way his mind worked. He began his legal career in civil litigation with Emerson, Corey & Barsotti in Fresno. In 2002, Rick was approached by Diana Dooley, then General Counsel, to join Valley Children’s Hospital and direct their legal services as Deputy General Counsel. Rick served in that capacity for 13 years, assuming the role of General Counsel himself in 2006. Rick currently serves as General Counsel for Saint Agnes Medical Center and enjoys practicing in the complex and highly regulated field of health care law. “I have been blessed to work alongside many outstanding local health care leaders and physicians as we strive together to provide the best patient care for our Central Valley.”

Dealing with legal issues arising during his time in the business world motivated Greg to want to learn more about law and contemplate a career change. He completed the Paralegal Program and acquired a position at Dowling Aaron as a Paralegal, specializing in civil litigation. When the firm needed a Firm Administrator, utilizing his prior business experience Greg stepped into that role. Upon admission to the bar Greg became an Associate with the firm. However, it was soon discovered he was still needed as a Firm Administrator and was persuaded to return to that position. Greg remembers his class approached law school as a team effort, helping and motivating each other to make it through.

Alicia began interning with the Dias Law Firm in Hanford in May of 2008. She became an associate there December 1, 2010, fulfilling the statement to her parents as a young child that she wanted to be a lawyer. She did transactional work and trust, business, and contract litigation, as well as some administrative responsibilities. In September of 2017, Alicia became the Law Library Director at SJCL, obtained her Masters in Library Science in December of 2017 and at the same time, became Associate Academic Dean. She taught and organized Legal Methods and now teaches Civil Procedure. Her other major tasks are counseling and assessment.

Since every business and profession is governed by law, Feras went to law school to get a versatile degree that would give him legal knowledge applicable to any career. He was in healthcare when he started law school. When he graduated he realized that healthcare was where his heart was, so he stayed in a management capacity at Kaiser Permanente, soon being promoted to Director of Operations. A decade later he became Chief Operations Officer for Livingston Community Health, a health clinic system based in Merced, providing primary care services including Adult, Pediatric, OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, and Dental Services. During his tenure the system has grown from six sites to soon to be nine. “As COO, I’m privileged to oversee all aspects of our operations. My law degree has played a critical role in my professional advancement. My critical thinking skills, learning agility, and legal knowledge have made me valuable in leadership. I forged close friendships in law school and learned just how much grit I had in me.”

Dennis worked as a paralegal for the Law Offices of Dan Yohman while in law school and became an Associate upon graduation. That firm evolved into Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel in 1991. At least 90% of the firm’s work is workers’ compensation defense, a specialized field that requires knowledge of a panoply of laws. The firm employs 20 lawyers, 12 of whom are SJCL grads. Dennis shares a fond memory of many SJCL grads – Judge Wanger lecturing on Civil Procedure from the pulpit of the church across the street from SJCL’s Shields building when the school had outgrown its space.

Terri went to law school because her father was an attorney who taught in the Tax Program at SJCL. Terri served an internship with Judge Eckhart Thompson of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Fresno. After entering the Bar, she was accepted into the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program of the Office of the United States Trustee, the agency that acts as a “watchdog” over all bankruptcy cases. Thereafter, she served as a Trial Attorney for the United States Trustee in Orange County. She was promoted to Assistant United States Trustee in Los Angeles and also served in that capacity in the Riverside office. Wanting to return to trial work, Terri became a Trial Attorney in the United States Trustee’s Honolulu office before returning home to Fresno in 2015. In Los Angeles she managed a United States Trustee’s Office with a staff of 60. Terri has conducted numerous bankruptcy trainings at the National Advocacy Center of the United States Department of Justice. For three years, she taught bankruptcy fraud courses for the FBI at Quantico. “I appreciated that the SJCL professors not only taught the law but also real-life application of the law. Those real-life cases made the lights go on for all of us.”

Jeff just completed 25 years of legal practice, 17 years with Dowling Aaron, primarily defending employers in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation litigation. He and his wife had both thought about attending law school. They flipped a coin and he lost. Twenty-five years later, he says law school was a life-changing experience that enabled him to do things he never thought possible.

Chris went to law school to help plaintiffs who might otherwise not have their rights protected. Throughout law school he worked with Georgeson & Belardinelli and joined the firm as an Associate upon admission to the bar. He handled primarily personal injury and business litigation, becoming a partner in 2012. In 2014, he won a $128,610,000 verdict in a land and water dispute in Kings County. It was one of the largest jury verdicts in California in that year. In late 2014, he joined Kabatcheck, LLP in Los Angeles continuing his work in personal injury litigation, class actions, and insurance bad faith cases. He became a partner there in 2017. “What do I remember about law school? Meeting my wife there!” Chris married fellow graduate Alexandra Belardinelli Noyes (’09) who is currently “inactive” raising their two sons in their home in San Marino

Faith was pointed to law school by Professor Lynn Forsythe at CSUF. She clerked at Fishman, Larson & Goldring during law school and became an associate there at the swearing-in ceremony in November of 2013. Faith subsequently worked with Walter & Wilhelm and Michael Sullivan & Associates before joining Barsamian & Moody. Her work is 50% advice and counsel and 50% litigation. The firm represents both union and non-union employers. Faith finds employment law fascinating. “It has all the great stories and high drama of criminal but does not usually involved actual criminals.” Faith found law school all-consuming, but did manage to meet her husband there, Andrew Driscoll, also class of 2013.

With his degree in Neuroscience, Jaskaran worked as an EMT but saw law school as a way to help others and improve himself. During law school he clerked for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Counsel’s Office, and Webb Law Group. He also externed with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He served as the Executive Editor of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review. Upon admission to the bar, he joined Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin LLP in Hanford practicing employment and business law and representing public entities. In April of 2019, he joined Bradford & Barthel, focusing on Workers’ Compensation which combines his passion for medicine and law. As to law school, Jaskaran enjoyed every bit of it. “Professor Purvis’ Constitutional Law course and Professor Cheney’s Criminal Procedure course were tough, but they really improved my understanding of the law and prepared me for the bar.”

Stan went to law school to acquire a higher education that would provide for his family and help people. Immediately after being licensed to practice, Stan opened his own office to be free to accept clients without having to have the approval of others. ”Many of my clients are low income so I offer legal services at a low rate. I keep my caseload smaller so I can represent all of my clients without being overwhelmed.” Stan’s focus is criminal, family, and some civil law. For the first 15 years of his practice, he also represented parolees in parole revocation hearings. “I love being a lawyer able to resolve clients’ problems and improve their lives.” Stan remembers the often-repeated phrase in the first year “55 to stay alive” and the help that was always available from professors and administration at SJCL.

Brittaney worked with special needs children when she was employed by Visalia Unified School District. During law school, she continued in that field interning with Fagen, Friedman, & Fulfrost LLP. Upon graduation she joined Lozano Smith LLP, representing school districts in parent requests for due process, as well as pursuing parents who refuse to allow the school district to provide the services their children need. Brittaney feels it is crucial for law students to recognize they need to make a commitment to devoting the time required to succeed in law school.

For two years after graduation, Daren worked with Wanger, Jones, Helsley in business and environmental litigation. He then returned to the family business where he oversees manufacturing operations as well as providing legal advice. His legal work includes reviewing contracts, litigation, and providing input on regulatory issues. Daren says he had a blast in law school, particularly in activities such as law review and moot court.

After completing her undergraduate work, Teju was considering an MBA or a JD, but was told that the JD would be more flexible. She had always had an interest in criminal law. While awaiting bar results, she clerked with the Tulare District Attorney’s Office. Two weeks before bar results, she interviewed for a permanent position and was hired immediately upon getting those favorable results. Currently she serves on the misdemeanor team handling a variety of cases, including DUI’s, drug cases, batteries, and domestic violence prosecutions. As to law school, her overwhelming memories are of the friendships she made and the encouragement she received from professors, particularly Professors Atkinson, Goodrich, and Wrest.

In addition to practicing family law, Christina has also served as Chair of the Fresno County Bar Association Family Law Section, which provides family law practitioners updates and proposed changes in family law and practice. “The professional preparation I received at SJCL was phenomenal. The professors are available beyond the classroom, which was instrumental in my education, and ultimately in passing the Bar Exam. For this, I will always be grateful.”

Jodie tried for many years to get the services she felt her son, Bren, needed for his autism. There was no lawyer in the San Joaquin Valley area advocating for children with special needs and their families. So, Jodie educated herself, wrote a book about the law and advocacy, and conducted trainings for families, therapists and administrators starting in Fall of 2018. At the same time, Jodie was attending law school. She graduated in May of 2019 and has just passed the bar exam.

In fall of 2019, the BREN Clinic opened.

• B – Bolster partnerships between families and schools.
• R – Reform special education services within communities.
• E – Empower families and individuals to self-advocate.
• N – Network Peer to Peer

The Clinic was made possible by a generous grant from GRAND, “Growing Resources for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders,” a private organization supporting special education children and families. Jodie had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, caring for Bren. Law school looked a bit intimidating, but she loved “my brain being engaged in a totally new way.” She graduated Valedictorian of the Class of 2019.

Courtney specializes in business transactions, government compliance, and start-up formations, but she is also involved in numerous pro bono groups and activities helping under-served organizations.  With her current focus on cannabis law, Courtney is filling a new and fast-growing niche.  “Whether an attorney is interested in criminal law, civil litigation, or transactional law, the cannabis industry certainly is providing plenty of opportunities.”

Annette handles an incredible variety of legal issues, including employment issues, permitting, CEQA and land use issues, enforcement litigation, federal appellate cases under the Clean Air Act, and representing the District in all litigation. She recently co-wrote an amicus brief in a case before the United States Supreme Court. Annette says the job means she is always learning. She feels she has the best lawyer job in the whole United States.

Monica was a single parent who thought law school might be a step in the right direction for herself and her daughter. Then David Moeck (‘98) opened her eyes to the need for qualified attorneys in the southern San Joaquin Valley. During law school she clerked for the Tulare Public Defender’s Office, ultimately working on two death penalty cases. Upon graduation, she stayed with the Public Defender briefly then worked for five years with David Torres in a private criminal defense practice. Three years ago, the Law Office of Monica L. Bermudez opened, handling DUI to murder cases, along with cases involving drug transactions, gang allegations, possession of fire arms, and juvenile delinquency. “I love my criminal law practice! However, Bakersfield is in desperate need of criminal defense attorneys.” Monica is very involved in local bar association efforts. She is currently managing the criminal defense conflicts panel, pending the hire of a new manager. As to law school, “I remember the friends who were crucial to my making it through.”

According to Jo Anne’s mother, Jo Anne always said she was going to be a lawyer. Mom would confirm she always argued with her parents. During law school, Jo Anne clerked with Jory, Peterson, Watkins & Smith. Immediately upon passing the bar, she joined the Madera County Public Defender’s Office. “Every new lawyer should work with the D.A. or P.D. It teaches you everything you need to know about the practice of law.” Jo Anne then worked in civil litigation with Farley, Seng & DiSantos for a year before joining Goldman, Magdalin & Krikes, LLP in January 2004. Jo Anne’s practice is Workers’ Compensation defense with rare appellate work. Jo Anne’s first year was at the Shields building where the back of the building was affectionately known as the Wailing Wall, especially after finals. Jo Anne and her two children were part of the Lifetime show Dance Moms for three years 2013-2015, filming all over the country.

Jeff has worked for 27 years now at the Griswold firm in Hanford. Initially, he emphasized civil litigation, but his practice transitioned to landlord-tenant, family law and business litigation as the makeup of the firm changed. Jeff also owns a Kings County real estate and property management business. Jeff believes that those who have attained a successful life in the Valley should give back, so he is a donor to West Hills Community College, California State University Fresno, and San Joaquin College of Law. He remembers the first year of law school as being mentally tough, but a good foundation for his career.

Adam was deciding whether he should return to England or pursue a career in the United States when he met Diane Steel and Joyce Morodomi and decided he wanted to attend SJCL. Upon graduation, he worked for three years with Goldberg & Ibarra, doing Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury cases. In 2016, he became the Chief Operating Officer for the California Autism Center. Adam runs the Administrative Team, consisting of Human Resources, Scheduling, Communications, Information Technology, Claims, and Compliance. With 140 employees, the Center assists 100 families from Fresno to Merced in obtaining services for their children with autism. They hope to expand to serve people from Bakersfield to Merced, and rural areas of those counties. “I enjoy the business aspects of this work – building efficiency and supporting our employees, but I am also so very committed to obtaining the highest quality clinical work for autism related disorders.”

Esmeralda wanted a career that would make a difference: she felt that the best way to accomplish that would be in public service. During law school she had a short internship with Magistrate Dennis Beck’s office. She worked at the Federal Court Clerk’s Office. Upon passing the bar in 1994, she joined Barker & Associates in Madera in 1995. Barker & Associates held the contract to provide public defender services there. In 2001, Esmeralda was hired by the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office. In 2007, she joined the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. There she has worked in a number of units. The last three years she has worked prosecuting DUI’s resulting in great bodily injury and DUI Vehicular Manslaughter cases. She is transferring shortly to the prison crimes unit which also handles parole hearings throughout California. “I remember all the SJCL professors were passionate about their subjects and the SJCL staff in general was always very helpful. In addition to the rewarding career, I have also made some lifelong friendships as a result of my time at SJCL.”