San Joaquin College of Law’s newest addition to the Superior Court was raised in Madera, became a Marine, and then returned to his hometown as a Madera Police Officer. Brian Austin (SJCL Class of ’94) recalls being on patrol with a partner who had just started law school.
“All the time he was talking about law school, talking about San Joaquin.”
Austin eventually became a Deputy Sheriff in San Diego County. He enjoyed the job, but missed his family in the Valley. He returned home and followed the advice of his former patrol partner, enrolling at SJCL, which he regards as a “community law school,” pointing to involvement of multitudes of attorneys and judges who work with the school to help students.
After graduating, he opened his own firm, but also worked for a year as Assistant General Counsel at Table Mountain Casino. He says he is surprised by the number of attorneys he knows who are former law enforcement officers. This includes his boss at Table Mountain, General Counsel Dan Casas, who is a former Fresno Police Officer, and Madera County Superior Court Judge Thomas Bender, a former FBI Agent.
Austin’s election to the Superior Court seat was a tight one. In the end, he won by a mere 393 votes, and is proud of his campaign. He says the tone between himself and his opponent, Carol Moses (SJCL Class of ’92), was always cordial. He often made the point that both he and Moses are highly qualified for the position, and is quick to add that just because she didn’t win this particular election, “it doesn’t mean she’s not going to be a judge here.”
Austin believes his community connections and face-to-face meetings with people over his lifetime made the difference. "My election was based on commitment to community, my history in this community and will be marked by a continued commitment to my community," adding “Madera County is still small enough, where duty and commitment to community is noticed and appreciated.”
At the time of this interview, Austin was in the process of dismantling his office after transferring his Ciummo contract to Jennifer Walters (SJCL Class of ’04). He laughed about whether or not to save his faithful hole-puncher. Meanwhile, there was still uncertainty as to when he will be enrobed. He replaces Judge Charles Wieland, who retired August 31st. He will be seated on the bench no later than January 8, 2019, but the Governor could have him take the position sooner.
He might actually appreciate a breather to spend a little time with his three children and eight grandchildren. Or maybe catch up with his old patrol partner, whom he will see soon enough either way. The former partner is now Madera County Superior Court Judge Michael Jurkovich (SJCL Class of ’90).