Alumni Success

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.”

“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.”

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

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

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.”

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.

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.”

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

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)!

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.”

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.

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?)

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

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.”

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!”

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

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

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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.”

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.

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

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.”

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

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.”

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

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.

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

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.”

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.”

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.”

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.”

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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.”

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

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.

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

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.”

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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.”

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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

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.

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.”

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

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.”

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.”

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

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

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

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

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.”

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.”

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

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.”