Alumni Success

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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. 

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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 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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.” 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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!

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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!”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.