Alumni Success

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.

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.”

Rick was drawn to the legal profession in college because it seemed to fit the way his mind worked. He began his legal career in civil litigation with Emerson, Corey & Barsotti in Fresno. In 2002, Rick was approached by Diana Dooley, then General Counsel, to join Valley Children’s Hospital and direct their legal services as Deputy General Counsel. Rick served in that capacity for 13 years, assuming the role of General Counsel himself in 2006. Rick currently serves as General Counsel for Saint Agnes Medical Center and enjoys practicing in the complex and highly regulated field of health care law. “I have been blessed to work alongside many outstanding local health care leaders and physicians as we strive together to provide the best patient care for our Central Valley.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Alicia began interning with the Dias Law Firm in Hanford in May of 2008. She became an associate there December 1, 2010, fulfilling the statement to her parents as a young child that she wanted to be a lawyer. She did transactional work and trust, business, and contract litigation, as well as some administrative responsibilities. In September of 2017, Alicia became the Law Library Director at SJCL, obtained her Masters in Library Science in December of 2017 and at the same time, became Associate Academic Dean. She taught and organized Legal Methods and now teaches Civil Procedure. Her other major tasks are counseling and assessment.

“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.

A love of reading and writing led Aaron to law school. After graduating, he first clerked for Judge Gary Austin (79’) then worked with William Schmidt where he was exposed to a wide variety of cases. In August of 2015, he joined Berg Injury Lawyers in Alameda and gained vital deposition, trial and mediation experience. In June of 2016, he returned to Fresno to join Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey, LLP where he handles insurance defense, family law, and DUI cases. Aaron remembers constantly studying during law school and is grateful to his family for understanding, and to his study partner, Alicia Hinton, for all the time they spent working through the law together.

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.

After working as a paralegal for fourteen years, Leslie made the decision to go to law school and become an attorney. As continuing to work fulltime was a must for her, San Joaquin College of Law was the natural choice. It allowed her the ability to work for a law firm during the day and attend class at night. For the past 22 years, Leslie has worked in civil litigation defending public entities such as cities, counties and school districts and their employees, trying cases in both state and federal court.

David always wanted to be a lawyer but conducted his own civil engineering business until graduating from SJCL in 1992.  He initially was a sole practitioner until he joined then Dowling, Aaron & Keeler in April of 1999, where he became a shareholder and ultimately served as President of the firm for three years.  Since September of 2014, David has been an equity partner at Coleman & Horowitt, sitting on the Management Committee.  As Head of Litigation, he handles and supervises major business litigation.  David has served on the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin College of Law since June of 1999 and was one of the founding students of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review.

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.”

Rob and his fellow staff attorneys are responsible for all legal issues involving the Fresno County Office of Education, including personnel and employment issues, facilities, board governance, and contracts. His Department also provides legal services to local school districts. He has worked continuously in education law since graduation, seven years for Stroup and de Goede and over six years for Lozano Smith before joining the Fresno County Office of Education. Rob has just returned from the East Coast from which he worked remotely for five years. He said it was cold, cold, cold!

During his banking years, Michael became interested in law enforcement and joined the Madera Sheriff’s Office as a Volunteer Deputy. During justice classes taught by former Fresno District Attorney Ed Hunt, Ed convinced Michael to study law at SJCL. After graduation, Michael worked with Olson, Blanco & Tomassian in civil law awaiting bar results. Upon passing the bar, Michael joined the Madera County District Attorney’s Office where he worked for 22 and ½ years. He handled cases ranging from civil asset forfeiture to violent crimes to homicides. From January of 2009 until January of 2015, Michael served as the District Attorney for Madera County.

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.

Jackie joined Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey in September of 1992 while she awaited bar results and became an Associate when those results were posted. In 1997 she became the first female partner in the firm. Her practice was primarily insurance defense with a small percentage of family law work. After 22 years at Stammer McKnight, Jackie joined Hartsuyker, Stratman & Williams-Abriego, counsel for Farmers Insurance in May of 2014. Of law school, Jackie remembers BARF statements, a Constitutional Law exam in which a giraffe was hooked up to execution electrodes, and making lifelong friends.

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.”

Amanda’s passion for research and writing led her to law. During law school, she was a judicial Extern for U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence O’Neill and Magistrate Judge Gary Austin. She also clerked for a local civil litigation firm, where she obtained experience in employment law, personal injury matters, and class actions. Amanda served as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and wrote a published law review comment. Amanda worked for Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel, PC as a law clerk and as an associate upon passing the bar. There, she represented self-insured employers and insurance companies in workers’ compensation matters. In April of 2017, she joined Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, PC where she represents employers on labor relations and employment law matters, including wage and hour violations, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination. She serves on the Fresno County Women Lawyers Board of Directors as the Philanthropy Chair.

As a young child, Lisa watched Perry Mason with her grandmother, and it sparked an interest in going to law school. Her legal career began in civil work at McCormick, Barstow but she wanted to be in the courtroom litigating cases, so she took a job at the Madera County DA’s Office in 1997. In Madera, she prosecuted Sexual Assault cases and worked in the Major Crimes Unit. In 2001, she moved to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and was assigned to several units including Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault/Child Abuse and Homicide. In 2014 she was elected District Attorney and was re-elected without opposition in 2018. “Being a prosecutor is my dream job. It allows me to help my community and to be a voice for those who may not have a voice of their own.”

Ann worked in law enforcement for 20 years and always wanted to go to law school. Finally in 2004, she was able and ready to do it. She clerked throughout with Bennett & Sharpe and became first, an Associate, and later, a partner there. Ann represents employees in labor law matters including wrongful termination, discrimination, and disciplinary cases. She handles contract negotiations for union bargaining units, EEOC and DFEH complaints, and disability retirement cases for public employees. “I really enjoyed law school. It was a big advantage going back to school as an adult because my life experience meant I had a better understanding of the importance of the principles I was studying.”

As a teenager, Phil met a labor lawyer on a picket line in Farmersville. The way the man spoke and carried himself left a lasting impression and left him dreaming of becoming an attorney. After military discharge, Phil attended CSUF, graduating summa cum laude in Literature, and then attended SJCL. After passing the bar, he worked for an attorney in Visalia and encountered District Attorney Will Richmond at a bank opening, pressing him for a job. The following Monday he was interviewed and hired as an entry level Deputy District Attorney. Over the next 12 years he worked in the District Attorney’s Office, including seven years trying homicide cases before being selected as Assistant District Attorney by District Attorney, Gerald Sevier. After Mr. Sevier was elected judge, Phil became District Attorney, serving for 20 years. Since retiring in 2012 he remains active in the law, teaching Constitutional Law at the College of Sequoias and serving as a consultant for companies working with the legislative process. He also writes a blog on Constitutional Law (philcline.com). “I was one of the lucky ones. I had John Loomis for Contracts, Dan Eymann for Torts and Justice Hollis Best for Evidence. They engendered in me a love of the law and how it works.”

As an attorney, Natalie first worked for Gerawan Farming for three years doing union and employment law. She then joined Nancy Stegall (‘96) doing family law, estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and guardianships. In March of 2018, she and Nancy joined Borton Petrini LLP. Natalie’s practice now focuses on restraining orders, custody and visitation disputes and serving as minor’s counsel, as well as divorces. She also continues to practice in the areas of probate, estate planning, and guardianships. Natalie went to law school to give back to her community. She handles pro bono restraining orders for Central California Legal Services and Marjoree Mason Center clients. She is Chair of the Fresno Family Law Section, is organizing SJCL’s Senior Law Day, and serves on the SJCL Alumni Association Board.

“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.”

Paul always loved debate, so a legal career seemed like a good fit. He clerked with Commissioner, now Judge Kalemkarian, in law school. Upon graduation, he worked for two years in insurance defense with Brown (’76) & Peel (’85), then for six years in Worker’s Compensation defense with Parker, Kern Nard & Wenzel. Two years with Grancell & Leibovitz followed, until he returned to PKNW for three years. In 2011, he and Jeremy Lusk (‘03) opened a partnership. In 2014, he opened his own office. “I love being on my own.” Paul remembers the hilarious banter between Professors Artenian and Cartier. “There was the same banter between Professors Conklin and Boone in Moot Court. It was a great class that totally spiked my confidence level.”

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.

With the encouragement of her father, Jonette knew since she was a freshman in high school that she wanted to be an attorney. During law school, she clerked for two years for Hagop Bedoyan at Caswell, Bell & Hillison in bankruptcy law. She remained with that firm for a year after passing the bar exam. In 2006 she joined the Dias Law Firm, becoming a partner in 2011. Jonette handles all of the estate planning and estate litigation for the firm as well as probate and trust administration, with a little family law and general litigation. “I love it!” Aside from her degree, she says the best thing coming out of law school was her friendship with her study partner and now work partner, Ella Floresca (’04). “We are quite a team.”

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.

Chester took the LSAT as an undergrad while finishing his Civil Engineering degree. He had to work for two years as a Civil Engineer to get his license, so law school was not an immediate option. When he and is wife moved to Clovis, “lo and behold there was a small law school here that made becoming a lawyer possible.” Chester started at Peel & Garcia while awaiting bar results, then worked successively with Ericksen Arbuthnot and McCormick Barstow until he found the perfect opportunity with David Overstreet in January of 2019. His work is primarily the defense of public entities in cases involving dangerous conditions of public property, inverse condemnation, contract claims, and police matters. His Civil Engineering background has proven highly useful, enabling him to speak the same language with his clients. Chester was published in Volume 20 of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and served as Production Editor for Volume 21.

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.

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.

George was inspired to go to law school by his two uncles who were lawyers. During law school, he clerked with Michael J.F. Smith. As a graduate, he was an Associate with Lozano Smith, LLP for a year, serving as counsel for the City of Clovis. Working with Ty Kharazi thereafter inspired him to open his own practice, something that had always been his goal. Since 2016, George’s practice has focused on business and real estate litigation, with some personal injury and bad faith insurance cases. George and his teammates, James Mugridge and Amanda DeHart, won the statewide 2013 Roger Traynor Moot Court Best Oral Advocate Award. This fall, George is co-teaching SJCL’s Moot Court class with James. George expressed appreciation for his San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review experience as well, saying “It engrained in me the legal research skills that have been invaluable in my practice.”

Kevin knew he had the ability to stand up for himself and others, so felt he was headed for a legal career assisting people who did not understand the legal system. In law school he clerked with James Makasian and Roger Nuttall. In 2008, he joined Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey, focusing on insurance defense cases and being the only attorney in the firm handling criminal defense matters, but the death of his uncle at the hands of a drunk driver motivated him to make a change. In February of 2014, he joined Baradat & Paboojian, Inc. where he handles exclusively plaintiff personal injury cases. He became a partner with the firm in June of 2018. “I love the challenge of being involved in litigation. I think back fondly on the practical courses I took in law school – Criminal Trial Practice with Judge Cullers and Moot Court, Evidence, and Criminal Law with Judges Boone and Conklin. I also enjoyed being called on by Professor Purvis and attempting to answer his questions.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Mary went to law school because she was convinced it was the one way to make a difference. Upon graduation, she worked for Tom Campagne for 13 years, then briefly with Walter & Wilhelm, before joining Lozano Smith in January of 2016. Mary serves as the City Attorney for multiple cities. She also represents special districts (mosquito abatement and water districts) throughout California, necessitating a lot of travel. Mary is an adjunct professor of multiple subjects at the University of Phoenix – ethics, leadership, management, negotiations, and business law. Mary remembers her fun study group – Trina Root and Ken Jorgensen. She loved Real Property with Professor Perring and Constitutional Law with Professor Purvis. She became good friends with Joan Lassley and even traveled in a tour group with her to Europe in 2016.

Deborah was operating her own public relations firm when she developed the overwhelming desire to go to law school. She dove in, interning at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Kahn, Soares & Conway in Hanford. She remained at KSC until joining Walter Wilhelm in 2005. Her practice is trusts and estates, probate, conservatorships, and business transactions. Deborah says, “I received everything I wanted out of law school.”

Jason was always told he should be a lawyer. During his military service, there were times when he researched and utilized military regulations and procedures to defend himself and others against supervisors’ abuse of discretion. “I thought, maybe I can do this law thing!” During law school, he clerked with Leah Tuisavalalo and Mark Miller. Upon entering the Bar, he worked briefly with Kahn, Soares & Conway, doing mainly family law matters. Then with the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office, he found his passion in criminal law. In August of 2019, he joined the Caine Law Firm doing the entire panoply of criminal defense. Jason recently obtained a defense verdict in a seven-day vehicle manslaughter trial of which he says, “This was a terrible accident that happened to two good people.” As to law school, “I remember the comradery. We all connected and worked together and now I work with many of them as an attorney. It’s amazing to see everyone working as what we all aspired to be.”

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.”

From the 6th grade when Rene’ met a local female judge she knew she wanted to be a lawyer. During law school, she clerked with Dwayne Zinkin in real estate law, but when she took the Trial Practice class taught by Judge Lawrence O’Neill she knew that was what she wanted to do. Upon graduation, Rene’ worked with McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte and Carruth, doing insurance defense for 8 years. Five years followed as in-house counsel for Allstate Insurance. In 2000, Cornwell & Sample was formed. Rene’s cases are primarily plaintiff personal injury. She has been a member of ABOTA since 2010 and has tried over 40 jury trials. Rene paid it forward by teaching the Trial Practice class at SJCL for 10 years. Last year when Darryl B. Freedman, another SJCL graduate, passed away, Rene’ and her law partner Stephen R. Cornwell, took over as owners of his firm to help continue his legacy. Rene’ and her family are also active in the local recovery community. Their oldest son has been sober for 5 years and together they opened My Time Recovery where they help families struggling with addiction.

Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies is the largest Delta Dental member company, covering 17 states and 30 million enrollees. Yoriko supports strategic business development, pursuing initiatives to provide dental services for both individuals and businesses. Yoriko says law school changed the trajectory of her life and she strives to help others find the same sense of fulfillment she has found.

Allen’s career has always been in real estate. Upon graduation, he initially worked for McCormick Barstow, and later, as a Director of Land Acquisition for Centex Homes. In 2009, he joined Union Community Partners, which became Benchmark Communities, and in 2013, the company went public under the name UCP, Inc. At the time of going public, Allen was General Counsel. In 2017, UCP merged with Century Communities. Allen is now General Counsel for Century Communities, a top 10 public homebuilder in the United States with communities in 15 states across the West, Mountain, Texas, and Southeast regions of the United States. Allen enjoyed the comradery of his classmates and the willingness of so many great practitioners to give of their time to teaching at SJCL.

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.”

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.

Before law school, Robert was a Registered Investment Advisor, working with clients and their lawyers. He found himself drawn to the legal side of the work. His mother, Judith Wright, was already enrolled at SJCL, so he joined her. Judy opened the Law Office of Judy A. Wright upon her graduation and Robert joined her immediately upon his. Their practice has been trusts and estates. Judy and their associate handle trust administration, probate, and any court appearances needed. Robert focusses on estate tax planning and advanced trusts. Robert remembers Professor Purvis grilling him using the Socratic Method. He also remembers “how happy I was to move to the new building in Clovis.”

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.”

In college, Michelle was helping her boyfriend study for the logic games portion of the LSAT. He convinced her to take a practice test and, when she outscored him, he encouraged her to consider law school. After she moved back to the Central Valley, she began working as a legal secretary for a family friend who was opening her own practice where her interest in law was further piqued. Eventually the practice began sharing space with Melanie Aldridge and Michelle worked for both attorneys. Ultimately, she was the legal secretary/paralegal/law clerk for Melanie and became an associate upon passing the bar. Michelle’s practice is transactional work in estate planning, business, real estate and water law and serves clients primarily involved in agribusiness as well as a few public agencies. “I grew up in agriculture and my husband farms, so this has always felt like a good fit. Law school was challenging but taught me entirely new levels of discipline and hard work. It really caused to me grow as an individual.”

Kevin worked for the Fifth District Court of Appeal as a Staff Attorney assisting Justice Hollis Best and Pro Tem Judges for a year. He then accepted an offer from McCormick Barstow where he has now worked for 33 years and is a senior partner. His specialty areas are insurance coverage and insurance fraud investigation and litigation where he works with investigators and experts. His property insurance coverage practice has included representing insurers litigating claims arising out of earthquakes, wildfires and other catastrophic losses and is currently focused on issues arising from the Montecito debris flow losses. “The best friendships and discussions arose on our breaks at the Shields Building when we would jump the concrete block wall to get to the donut shop.”

Chris joined Miles, Sears & Eanni as an Associate immediately upon graduating from SJCL and became a partner two years ago. His practice is entirely plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death, involving primarily motor vehicle accidents and premises liability, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist arbitrations and occasional medical malpractice. His interest in the law stemmed from the stories he heard growing up from his father about his personal injury cases and the injured clients he helped, which made it seem like gratifying work. In every year since 2012, he has been selected for inclusion in the Northern California Rising Stars list. “Law school was pretty enjoyable but the bar was horrible.”

Jon grew up in the Central Valley and was involved in both the production and business aspects of agriculture. A chance business meeting with a helpful attorney sparked his interest in the law and led to his attending SJCL. Soon after admission to the bar, he opened the Law Office of Jon P. Adams. Services include estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, estate litigation, personal injury, real estate, business transactions, as well as general civil litigation. He recalls fondly the comradery and helpfulness of his instructors, classmates and study groups. On his first night of Justice Ardaiz’ Evidence class nobody would volunteer to brief a case. Resorting to the student roster “Adams” was first. “After due grilling by the Justice, I was told that my application of the law to the facts was entirely incorrect, but he respected that I held my ground with the argument.”

David went to law school at the encouragement of college professors and then Deputy District Attorney, eventual Magistrate Judge Gary Austin. During law school he clerked in the Family Support Division of the Fresno District Attorney’s Office, with Dominic Mushines, and finally with Eldridge and Newman. Upon admission, he stayed with the latter firm practicing public entity and insurance defense until opening his own office in 1984. David now defends public entities in litigation with a practice emphasizing roadway design cases. “Law school was lots of perspiration to gain the insight and inspiration. Professors like Judges Best and Wanger demanded great discipline from us. I was inspired by the effort put forth by other students.”

Amanda attained a Master of Arts in the Old Testament at Fresno Pacific University, Biblical Seminary. The Hebrew word “mishpat” is translated as “justice,” but a more careful translation is “right relationship.” “Leaders are charged to pursue right relationships within the community.” Amanda felt the best way she could do that was to go to law school. During law school, she clerked for a summer with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and during her last year, with Wagner, Jones, Kopfman & Artenian. Upon passing the bar, she continued briefly on a contract basis with the same firm, before working for Fresno Child Advocates as a Minor’s Counsel in Dependency actions. On October 15, 2019, she joined Borton Petrini where she will focus on civil litigation and family law. In law school, Amanda enjoyed belonging to Delta Theta Phi, including serving as its Dean and attending the national convention.

Charles had always wanted to go to law school. After working in sales for four years, he felt it was time to do it. It helped that his wife, Julie MacMichael, was starting at SJCL at that time. During law school, Charles clerked at two plaintiff’s personal injury law firms and a business defense firm. Upon entering the Bar, Charles worked with Barsamian & Moody for two years handling business and employer defense cases. Two years ago, he joined Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, PC. Charles represents employers in litigation, including wage and hour issues, harassment and discrimination cases, and administrative actions before the NLRB, ALRB, CalOSHA, and others. “I loved the comradery of our study group including Julie, John Orman, Jordan Penner, Michael Titus, and David Olmos. We stay in touch with each other regularly still today.”

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.”

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.”

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.

Ian was active in politics but was inspired to go to law school in part by his father, Hon. Charles Wieland (’83). Ian worked with Atkinson, Adelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo during his last year of law school and accepted an Associate position there upon passing the bar. In September of 2013, Howard Sagaser and Ian opened their firm. Cal Watkins shortly joined thereafter. The firm and Ian represent private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor relations and employment law matters, including employment discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, labor relations, union matters, class and representative actions, administrative agencies, and wage and hour. Ian regularly advises employers regarding human resources policy matters and employee relations issues. Ian’s wife, Allie Wieland (’12) also works in the firm. “We went to law school together. We took the bar together. Now, we practice together.”

Sung Bae says that after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, he realized daily lives and business depend upon law. He decided to go to law school to be a necessary person. After finishing his J.D. and a Masters, he returned to South Korea. In order to work as an US licensed attorney, he had to work for an industry with overseas businesses. In 2014, he joined Daewoo Engineering & Construction, handling construction projects in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. In 2016, he moved to Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction where his work focused on power plants. Currently, he works with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the largest construction company in South Korea and in the top 15 in the world. He moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE to join a nuclear power plant project, a joint venture of Hyundai and Samsung, building the first nuclear power plant in the Middle East.

Jay works for Celanese, a Fortune 500 company based in Dallas, Texas. Jay is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for one of Celanese’s two divisions – the Materials Solutions Core. This division produces plastics for manufacturing purposes. For example, your car contains 9½ pounds of Celanese plastic pellets. It also produces materials for 90% of the world’s orthopedic implants and pacemakers. Over the years since graduation, Jay also worked for Motschiedler, Michaelides, Wishon, Brewer & Ryan, LLP, Mercer Advisors, Honeywell International, and Bell Helicopters. “Going to law school was one of the best decisions in my life. There has never been a better financial investment. I love being in-house and part of a team. Lawyers are incredibly valued by business leaders because they don’t jump to conclusions. They take a problem apart to examine its components.”

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.

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.

In 2003, Gary was furloughed from his pilot position at United Airlines. Gary was an associate with McCormick, Barstow and then Powell & Pool. In April of 2009, he opened his own practice which evolved into Lawvex, an innovative trust and estates law firm with six partners. Lawvex provides a flexible and balanced work environment where partners are able to work remotely and be accountable for excellent client service instead of billable hours. “Lawvex is about addressing the frustrations and unmet needs in our industry both for clients and our partner attorneys with a fresh approach to both.”

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.”

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.”

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.

According to Jo Anne’s mother, Jo Anne always said she was going to be a lawyer. Mom would confirm she always argued with her parents. During law school, Jo Anne clerked with Jory, Peterson, Watkins & Smith. Immediately upon passing the bar, she joined the Madera County Public Defender’s Office. “Every new lawyer should work with the D.A. or P.D. It teaches you everything you need to know about the practice of law.” Jo Anne then worked in civil litigation with Farley, Seng & DiSantos for a year before joining Goldman, Magdalin & Krikes, LLP in January 2004. Jo Anne’s practice is Workers’ Compensation defense with rare appellate work. Jo Anne’s first year was at the Shields building where the back of the building was affectionately known as the Wailing Wall, especially after finals. Jo Anne and her two children were part of the Lifetime show Dance Moms for three years 2013-2015, filming all over the country.

Upon graduation, Mao worked with Julia Brungess (’82) in family law. She wanted a focus more on the children in a difficult situation, rather than the parents, so she eagerly accepted a position with the Fresno County Counsel as a Dependency Attorney in November of 2018. Now she feels that “at the end of the day she has done something wonderful for the kids.” Mao thinks law school was very rewarding. “It made me really push myself to be the best person I could be.”

While working at a law firm as a paralegal representing Workers’ Compensation Applicants, Victoria discovered that she excelled in the process of analyzing the law. During law school, she clerked with civil litigation and immigration law firms. Upon passing the bar, Victoria joined Stockwell, Harris handling Workers’ Compensation defense cases. Seventy percent of her work is agriculturally related. Her objective is to reduce the burden to both Applicant and Defendant and to help return Applicants to recovery and to resume being a productive employee/citizen. “Law school was A LOT of reading. I enjoyed working with classmates to create analytical frameworks and how they relate to different fact patterns.”

Will was pursuing a Masters in Biology at CSUF when he heard of an attorney combining his science background with law. Will enjoyed the idea of a mixed disciplinary practice and the plan to go to law school was born. Upon graduation, Will first worked for the high-tech patent prosecution firm he had clerked for in law school. When that firm dissolved, Will joined Sierra IP Law. His practice now is much broader, including patent work, copyright and trademark cases, and trade secret and privacy protection. Will’s time was stretched to the limit between work and class in law school, but he says “I really hunkered down for bar review and it worked!”

Jacob’s interest in law was born in his high school senior Government class where he was exposed to law and politics. During law school he clerked for several solo practitioners who specialized in criminal defense and plaintiff’s personal injury law, as well as at the Fresno City Attorney’s Office in municipal law. Upon graduation, Jacob worked briefly in a Workers’ Compensation defense firm. Then he was hired by a local civil litigation law firm where he worked exclusively on high exposure personal injury and labor and employment matters. The work involved complex litigation and extensive jury trials. There, Jacob developed his passion for plaintiff’s trial work. In 2007, Jacob opened the Law Office of Jacob J. Rivas. His work is 98% plaintiff’s personal injury, including vehicle, construction and industrial accident cases, sexual abuse complaints, and dog bites. Jacob remembers SJCL moving from Shields to the Clovis building halfway through his first year of law school and trying to avoid getting called upon in class.

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.”

Flora wanted a career to be of service to her community. Her first goal was to be a college French teacher, but there was a year wait to enter the program for a teaching credential at CSUF. In the interim, she studied linguistics, the Theatre of the Absurd, and ultimately the Paralegal Program at SJCL to attain a skill to support her graduate education. After working as a paralegal for a year, her husband suggested she undertake something that would use her full potential to better serve. Law school followed while she continued to work as a paralegal/law clerk, then with Lang, Richert & Patch. Upon graduation, Flora began her career as a Research Attorney with the Fresno County Superior Court. After a brief child-raising hiatus, Flora did contract work. In 1998, she opened her own office, handling probate, estate planning, and conservatorship matters. As to law school, “I remember all the love – from friends and professors. It was all a big family.”

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)!

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.”

Watching juries on TV, Robert thought it would be challenging to convince 12 diverse people to agree on a criminal case. As a part of his law studies he had the privilege to clerk for Judge Hollis Best. The Fresno District Attorney was not hiring when Robert graduated however he finally secured a full-time position in August of 1995. Robert has worked through the gamut of specialty team assignments at the D.A.’s Office. He became Chief Deputy D.A. for the Homicide team in July of 2008, took a break from the administrative side of the practice for a while, then returned to head up the same team in January of 2018. He presently supervises a team of seven attorneys handling murder cases. As to law school, Robert recalls many memorable times, the nature of which cannot be put in print. One specific routine was where he would write comments on the class sign in/roll sheets next to the typed names of class students. Class highpoints included watching Justice Ardaiz giggle to himself while reviewing the sheet commentaries.

Michelle works as a neighborhood problem solver, assigned to one of 21 divisions in the City of Los Angeles. Her job is to work to resolve any issue that deteriorates the living conditions in the neighborhoods to which she is assigned, including illegal dumping, abandoned buildings, homelessness issues, or illegal sales of alcohol to minors. The work is designed to build relationships in the community. (Jan’s note. What a great job to have!) Michelle said “I loved law school. It was one of the happiest times of my life.” Her study group members have become life-long friends, including Linda Richardson, Nancy Stegall, and Gitta Merrill (deceased). They studied for the bar for a week on Nancy’s boat in the Oakland Harbor.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Kathy enjoyed law school because it was fun to study late into the night surrounded by friends, and the professors were amazing. During law school, Kathy worked with Bob Gilmore (’78) for 2 ½ years in civil litigation. After passing the July 1993 bar, she became a Prosecutor in the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. With the D.A., she was on numerous teams including sexual assault and major narcotics while also handling all of the animal abuse cases. In 2006, she transferred to the Public Defender’s Office on the major crimes unit handling life top cases, homicides, gang crimes and a death penalty case. Kathy has done over 75 jury trials and is now enjoying her assignment in the juvenile unit. “When I switched sides from prosecution to defense it was very eye-opening. People cannot be defined by their crimes and criminal law is not one-dimensional. In a courtroom the defense attorney has the most information about the case yet the least amount of power. Being a public defender has been extremely difficult but has made me a better person.”

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.”

Eddie worked with Barker & Associates for almost three years after graduation doing criminal defense. He found that he absolutely loved being in court regularly. Finally opening his own practice, he moved to his current building in 1999. He handles criminal defense and personal injury cases. He is in court 4-5 days a week and has handled cases in most Central Valley counties and six western states and Georgia. He remembers not having much of a life in his three years of law school but made lifelong friendships. He has reached a point in his life where he is grateful for the career and life he has had and wants to give back to his community. Eddie currently serves on both the SJCL Alumni Association Board of Directors and the SJCL Board of Trustees.

Holley was a single parent working as a clerical assistant at CSUF when she started college. She dove into law school four years after obtaining her undergraduate degree while employed by State Compensation Insurance Fund as a sales representative. While waiting for Bar results, she worked as a legal assistant for the Fresno County Counsel “tackling” piles of probate files that no one wanted to handle. She was hired as a Deputy County Counsel immediately upon receiving Bar results. She handled probate and employment discrimination defense cases, as well as creating and presenting sexual harassment and discrimination trainings. In 1998 after promoting through the ranks, she was promoted to Chief Deputy County Counsel supervising 11 attorneys and several support staff servicing multiple county departments. In December 2002, Holley was recruited to work at Cal State San Marcos reporting directly to the University President and the Vice President for Finance and Administration. As Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Legal Compliance and Interim Director of Human Resources, Holley was responsible for all employment issues, developing policies and employee training. After retiring Holley returned to Fresno in May 2004 and briefly continued working for the CSU before joining the Perez firm. She handles the firm’s Probate matters. She also writes briefs and motions. Additionally, Holley has been a real estate broker since the 1980’s.

Jennifer worked as a paralegal for many years before becoming an attorney. Immediately upon being sworn-in in 1999, she opened her own practice. Her first client had waited a month for her to be licensed to represent him in a custody dispute, which was such an honor for her, and that client sends her an annual Christmas photo of he and his now grown son. Jennifer initially thought she wanted to be a real estate litigator because she had so enjoyed Sally Perring’s Real Property class, but very quickly her practice transitioned to family law, and so it has remained. In practicing family law, she has learned that “All people are generally caring and ultimately want the same things in life. I try to guide them through what can be a very difficult time with hope and positivity regardless of their circumstances.” As to law school, “Fear was a big motivator. You live an experience only another law student can understand, but going to SJCL forever changed my life in a positive way.”

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.”

John’s first career was as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army working in Military Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and System Integration and Maintenance. A desire to be his own boss, inspired John to use his G.I. Bill benefits to attend law school. “When you wake up at 6am in a war zone, getting shot at, and getting paid minimum wage, it really puts the stress of law school into context. I never really stressed about law school.”

After many years working as a Real Estate Broker, Lance entered law school planning to practice real estate law. In addition to his extensive focus on real estate, his practice includes business and civil litigation, probate and wills, personal injury, and business and joint venture formations. “In law school you see crazy hypos (hypotheticals) designed to make you think differently – to see both sides of the story.  Real Property Professor Sally Perring covered fine points of law saying, ‘You will never see this in practice.’ I see them every day!”

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.

During law school, Bill had internships at two insurance defense firms, but in 1999 he discovered he loved criminal defense, and began working with the Kapetan Brothers Law Firm. In 2001, he carried that same love of criminal defense through 12 years with Kahn, Soares & Conway, then nearly four years as the Managing Partner of the Hanford office of Hammerschmidt Broughton. In January of 2017, Bill opened his own practice in Hanford, still focusing on criminal defense. Bill remembers the comradery of the students and faculty at SJCL. “Everyone was genuinely trying to pull each other up.” Oh, and the little incident with the Welsh flag on Tom Jones’ birthday.

Jeff just completed 25 years of legal practice, 17 years with Dowling Aaron, primarily defending employers in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation litigation. He and his wife had both thought about attending law school. They flipped a coin and he lost. Twenty-five years later, he says law school was a life-changing experience that enabled him to do things he never thought possible.

David works with the law firm of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost a statewide education law firm. He has been the managing partner of the Fresno office since 2010. His practice focuses primarily on labor and employment matters and advising school districts and governing boards on governance issues. Prior to joining Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, David worked at another education law firm as a paralegal, law clerk, and attorney. He recalls his first day of law school began in Hanford where he was providing support for a civil trial and that he rushed back to Fresno to make it on time to Torts class. “It was challenging to work full-time and go to school, but I’m glad I did it. I have many positive memories from that time.”