Alumni Success

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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)!

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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).”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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.”

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. 

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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. 

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.”

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.

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!

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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?)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.