SJCL notes with sadness the passing of Pamela Jo (Espinosa) McFarland, (Law ’85), in February of 2024. Born and raised in Iowa, Pamela earned a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa, prior to relocating in Fresno and graduating from SJCL. Pamela’s legal practice (the Law Office of Pamela J. McFarland) focused on Family Law, and she served in that area for nearly 40 years. In addition, she taught law classes at Fresno State, and in 2018 received certification as a Lawyer of Distinction. An avid traveler, Pamela and her husband took many trips overseas, but she returned to her home state of Iowa twice a year to visit family and friends. 
SJCL notes with sadness the passing of an early SJCL adjunct professor, Norman Fletcher. A graduate of Hastings Law School, Norman began his law career in the Fresno County District Attorney’s office. A few years later he and fellow attorney Eric Fogderude opened the law firm Fletcher & Fogderude, which lasted for more than 40 years. Dean Jan Pearson recalls that Norman was serving as an adjunct professor teaching torts at SJCL when she joined the faculty in the 1970’s.
Not only were the soon-to-be-admitted attorneys unwilling to forfeit a month of the raise they expected as they moved up from clerking positions, but many of their employers wanted the attorneys on the job and in court ASAP.
Through some highly creative scrambling, San Joaquin College of Law managed to pull together a combo Bar Admissions and Champagne toast, thanks in no small part to the never-ending support of Federal Magistrate Judge Erica Grosjean, who led the ceremony on November 18th, just eight days after bar results were released. She welcomed them to their new futures, pausing to acknowledge many she knew from the classes she teaches at SJCL. The event was open to all bar passers in the Valley, along with the 20 from SJCL.
The U. S. District Court was among the winners in this scramble for attorneys; both Janelle Di Mino and Rosa Oregel Gonzalez accepted positions there. Meanwhile, Jesica Gonzalez becomes a Deputy Attorney General, Sylvia Luna is now a Deputy Fresno City Attorney, and Aosam Saleh takes a position as a Fresno County Deputy District Attorney.
Some of the newly minted attorneys head to private practice, like Paul Armo who was hired by the Law Office of Lance Armo. Lance is Paul’s father and a 1995 SJCL grad. Landon Sciacca, meanwhile, was one of many bar passers who had “you pass, you’re hired” offers in hand, so he will continue his work at Proper Legal Defense as an attorney rather than law clerk. Others, like Ryan Heller, do not yet have a job as an attorney. But does he have offers? Yes. Five.
San Joaquin College of Law would like to thank everyone who helped make this quick turnaround a happy success, including Fresno County Bar Association President Cristina Jelladian-Buchner and Executive Director Anita Martinez who handed out FCBA applications (including that free first year membership) and the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association, who handed out cookies and cheer.
And speaking of cheer, it is a genuine honor to share in the joy felt at this event!