Alumni Success

John intended to be a police officer but at some point he thought “If I’m going to go to school for so many years, I might as well go to law school.” Upon graduation, he first worked with the Federal Defender’s Office. In July of 1988, he joined the firm of John Loomis (SJCL founder) and Joanne Sanoian (’82), doing primarily civil litigation. His work transitioned to a mix of probate and criminal defense. In 1995, John opened his own practice which is 80% criminal defense. John remembers that you HAD to be prepared for Wanger’s Civil Procedure class, and he loved Judge Caeton’s Criminal Law class.

Lisa wanted to have a career that would be stimulating and provide her with an opportunity to make a positive difference in her community. In her role as Deputy County Counsel she practices Dependency law and works alongside several fellow SJCL grads. Lisa likes the fact that the field of law provides opportunities to learn something new every day. She says the unique status of her alma mater as a small but mighty law school makes for terrific, and rare, comradery among peers. “I don’t think you see this level of reception and co-operation among legal communities a lot.”

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.”

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!”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Nicholas went to law school because it gave him the opportunity to help people when the world was crashing down around them. He worked with Darryl Freedman as a law clerk for two years, then became an associate upon admission to the bar. He works as a “plaintiff’s advocate” handling personal injury cases – primarily motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, slip & falls, and harassment. “At first in law school I questioned whether I could do it, but the mind set finally came together. I truly love what I am doing! We are working to keep Darryl’s legacy and client-centered approach alive.”

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!

Joy’s interest in law began when she volunteered as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for foster children. She saw that the kids served by this department deserved more good attorneys and enrolled in law school with the sole purpose of becoming a lawyer in the Dependency Unit at the District Attorney’s Office. When, during her last year of law school, the Dependency Unit went from the County to a private firm, Joy joined the Health Team at CCLS. As a former EMT, she had a terrific foundation to build on and she has remained in that department since. Joy says she most enjoys working outside of “Big Law” where a client’s ability to pay has no impact on the assistance she provides. “I can take the knowledge and skills I’ve learned and use them to make a real difference in the lives of people who otherwise would not have any help or representation.”

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.

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.

When Treanna entered law school, she planned to be a Public Defender. Upon graduation, she worked for a year and a half as a Public Defender in Madera and Fresno Counties. She then joined Grancell, Stander & Ruebens doing Workers’ Compensation defense for a year, then transitioned to Bradford and Barthel in the same field for three years. As of the end of March, 2019, she works with Chernow & Lieb, continuing with Workers’ Compensation defense, handling cases from depositions to settlement or administrative hearings. She remembers law school having a sense of community with everyone stepping up to help – almost like a family.

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!”

Rhea got a taste for how the law positively impacts people when she was working as a sign language interpreter and was exposed to the Americans with Disabilities Act. That triggered an interest in law and she completed the Paralegal Program at SJCL. After working a few years as a paralegal, then taking time to focus on raising children, she embarked on law school. She did an internship with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, then clerked during her last year at the same firm where she has worked as an attorney for almost ten years. Her practice areas include civil litigation, with a focus on research and writing, and business and estate planning. “I loved law school. I enjoyed the collaborative environment, and meeting people from different backgrounds, all focused on the same goal.”

For the last 20 years, Rick has handled litigation, company acquisitions, and contract customizations for an expanding telecommunications company. Although he’s now 74, Rick has no plans to retire because he enjoys what he does. As a runner of 13 marathons and at least 25 miles a week, he can probably work as long as he wants! Rick’s memories of law school reach back to the very first few days. “It was very intimidating. No matter how prepared you were, the faculty (especially Judge Wanger) would trip you up.”

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.

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.”

As a kid, Shanna lived next to Robert Piacente (’92). He told her that he gets paid to argue and she loved that idea. In high school and college, she competed for her schools’ Mock Trial teams and never wanted to leave the courtroom. When her brother was shot and killed near their childhood home, it cemented her decision to go to law school. While in law school, she worked full-time for Sawl Law Group and coached college Mock Trial. Before leaving to study for the bar, Sawl Law Group moved her into what would be her attorney office so they were sure she would return. She did and she loves it. Shanna handles personal injury and criminal defense cases, including three jury trials in the last year. A murder trial is on the horizon. “I spent a good portion of the first year of law school figuring out what an outline was. After that, I just wanted to get out as fast as I could so I could get into the courtroom.”

Traci first worked in the D.A.’s Office through an internship during law school. While awaiting bar results she was an Executive Fellow in the California Department of Food and Agriculture under Secretary Ann Veneman. Upon passing the bar, she returned to the D.A.’s Office as a Deputy, then as the Chief Deputy D.A. of the Juvenile Unit. In 2018, she became the Assistant District Attorney, overseeing the Chiefs of the Misdemeanor, Financial Fraud, and Juvenile Units. This is a management level position entailing personnel issues and procedures and policy creation. Traci remains directly active in court as she staffs the juvenile human trafficking court. Traci was SBA President at SJCL and remembers picking out the furniture for the new Student Lounge in the Clovis building. She attributes the personal connections with students and faculty with helping her to pass the bar on the first try. 

Brooke was exploring career options as an undergraduate when Doug Noll’s description of his mediation practice intrigued her. During law school, she clerked with Cornwell & Sample, but upon passing the bar in 2005, she decided she need more intensive litigation experience. Brooke worked with the Madera District Attorney’s Office for five years. She then spent three years in the civil arena with Jacobson, Hanson, Najarian & McQuillan. In 2014 she moved to the Child Support Office of Madera County, and ultimately in 2015, back to the Madera District Attorney’s Office. She prosecutes all felonies occurring in the mountain areas of Madera County – from car thefts to murders. “The first year of law school was awful, but I made the greatest of friends and survived.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Bryce competed for three years in Mock Trial at Redwood High School in Visalia. Then a guidance counselor at College of the Sequoias recommended law as a possible career goal, and it stuck! Upon passing the bar in 2009, Bryce worked with Patricia Lee and Jack Revill serving the Southeast Asian and Hmong communities doing family law, civil litigation, and criminal law for approximately three years. Bryce then worked in Workers’ Compensation defense firms for several years before joining State Compensation Insurance Fund in March of 2019. “I think our class had an exceptionally strong sense of camaraderie. I remain in a contact with many of them.”

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.”

Matthew went to law school to effect a positive change in his community. During law school, he clerked with William Delaney doing plaintiff’s Workers Compensation work. During his fourth year, he joined Yarra Law Group where he continued as an Associate for a year after passing the bar exam. In October of 2018, he moved to Lozano Smith. Matthew represents several municipalities, primarily the City of Clovis and the County of Madera, in various capacities including civil litigation, land use issues, contracts, and code enforcement cases. “Law school was a lot harder than I thought it would be. But the faculty were always available and helpful, especially Professor Kucera. I survived law school and now enjoy serving my community through my current practice.”

Mike always wanted to go to law school but had not the opportunity nor the right timing. During law school he worked as an EEOC Investigator and decided to continue with that work after graduating and passing the bar exam. In his work, he deals with Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act every day. He enjoys helping people facing civil rights violations and employment discrimination. “Law school is a blur – working all week then trying to complete the course work on weekends. I made great friendships that last to this day.”

Nick’s undergraduate degree in music (classical guitar) came from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Prior to entering the conservatory, he was planning an education and career beyond music. While still a teenager, one of Nick’s music mentors was also an attorney. Having the goal to obtain a multi-dimensional education, pursuing a law degree and legal career seemed a perfect fit. Upon joining the Bar, Nick became a Deputy District Attorney in Tulare County. Over 15 years, he handled misdemeanors to death penalty cases, including years in the homicide, major narcotics, and sexual assault units. In 2008, he was promoted to a supervisor. In January of 2015, he served as the Assistant District Attorney for Kings County. In June of 2017 he returned home to Tulare County as a Senior Deputy Public Defender. “Having worked both sides of the legal aisle adds a crucial depth of understanding of the system. Drawing from my music continues to make me a better attorney and law a better musician. I am so fortunate to have studied at SJCL and the music conservatory. The combination of the two created the exact foundation and career I always desired.”

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.

Joe entered law school because of the challenge, because his wife, then Lisa Urrizola (’86), was already a first-year student, and because he wanted a backup plan if his career as a professional football kicker didn’t work out. He did kick for the Houston Oilers and New York Giants football teams (with game-winning kicks) for three years, flying between games and law school classes at SJCL. (SJCL even sent him congratulatory telegrams when he won a game.) In 1986 he started a clerkship at Chinello, Chinello, Shelton & Auchard, a general practice firm, continuing with them as an Associate after passing the bar. With all he learned there about being a lawyer, Joe opened Cooper & Cooper in August of 1993. His practice is primarily civil litigation, business litigation, transactional work, and estate and succession planning. Joe also represents non-profits throughout the country, assisting them with myriad compliance matters. “It was exciting to be part of the early years of the law school. We felt like we were the brick and mortar of the place.”

With his degree in Neuroscience, Jaskaran worked as an EMT but saw law school as a way to help others and improve himself. During law school he clerked for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Counsel’s Office, and Webb Law Group. He also externed with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He served as the Executive Editor of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review. Upon admission to the bar, he joined Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin LLP in Hanford practicing employment and business law and representing public entities. In April of 2019, he joined Bradford & Barthel, focusing on Workers’ Compensation which combines his passion for medicine and law. As to law school, Jaskaran enjoyed every bit of it. “Professor Purvis’ Constitutional Law course and Professor Cheney’s Criminal Procedure course were tough, but they really improved my understanding of the law and prepared me for the bar.”

Prior to attending law school, Tiffany worked as a paralegal for 10 years. She decided she wanted to be able to do the entire job and wanted to be a role model for her children. After going through law school as a single mother, Tiffany was committed to passing the bar on the first attempt. She studied 12 hours a day for three months and completed more than 6000 MBE questions to reach that goal. As to law school, Tiffany found it challenging but she felt supported by her fellow students, the faculty, and staff. Upon passing the bar in November of 2018, she worked first for Peel & Garcia, then moved to Quall Cardot. Her practice is exclusively in creditors’ rights. Her goal is to eventually work in dependency law or juvenile justice.

Maria entered law school with the intent to practice family law. She interned with the Fresno County Superior Court with Judge Fransen and Research Attorney Dan Annino, then with the Kings County District Attorney through awaiting bar results. As soon as her passing bar results were received, she worked first for the Tulare County D.A. and then the Kings County D.A. When her two-year old granddaughter came to live with her, she opted to open her own office handling family law, criminal law, civil restraining order cases, juvenile delinquency and dependency cases, and unlawful detainer cases, as well as working as an extra help attorney at the Kings County Minors Advocate Office. She then took a full time position with the Alternative Defense Office Dependency unit. In 2015, she became the full-time Supervising Attorney of the Minors’ Advocate Office. “I love this work because I help children and young people facing very difficult situations.”

Steve was a consulting engineer but wanted to find a career he would enjoy for the rest of his professional life. While attending law school and after admission to the Bar, he worked for the Kings River Conservation District for five years as their Deputy General Manager of Water Resources. In November of 2014, he started work at the James Irrigation District, a 40-square mile special district in western Fresno County, and now serves as its General Manager. His legal duties include defending the district’s historic water rights, monitoring federal water supply contract issues, representing the district in the Federal Court of Claims, and managing legal work performed by outside counsel. “My combination of an engineering and legal background helps to make our expectations of others clear and avoid unnecessary conflicts.” “I have fond memories of all the professors and my classmates. I enjoy how the law constantly changes and evolves.”

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.

Catarina practices real estate, bankruptcy, and family law. She opened her own firm in 2009, following the financial crisis. During that time, Catarina saw a need for helping those who would not otherwise receive representation by assisting those who were struggling with their finances, facing foreclosure, and just making ends meet. From there, she expanded her practice to handling eviction and family law matters. Her plan was a temporary one, but she soon became very busy and expanded her offices to include Clovis and Madera. Catarina continues to credit the relationships she made at SJCL for helping the continued success of her practice.

Jonathan worked as a legal assistant for a Social Security Disability lawyer while he attended college and law school. After passing the bar exam, he worked as an Associate practicing before Administrative Law Judges for the Social Security Administration. In 2013, Jonathan opened his own practice at the insistence of his best friend Leo Roman, who now runs the office. His practice emphasizes Social Security appeals and federal civil litigation. Jonathan has three offices - Fresno, Stockton, and Bakersfield – and is working on opening a fourth in San Francisco. Jonathan values the friendships he made in law school – naming Scott, Alexia, and Pam – who he feels were crucial in his final decision to go solo.

Francine worked for 10 years as a dental hygienist before enrolling in law school. As the Supervisor of the City Attorney’s Office Litigation Unit, she supervises eight in-house litigators and the staff that responds to Public Record Act Requests. The City Attorney’s Office represents and advises the elected officials, administration, and City run departments like municipal utilities, police and fire departments, airports, and public transportation systems. “My favorite class in law school was civil procedure, which is probably why I still love the litigation process and have worked as a litigator ever since.” 

Jennifer became interested in law school after her father was injured on the job but had difficulty finding an attorney who would work with him because of a language barrier. Both before and during law school, she worked full-time, balancing work, school, and raising a family. She worked for the Law Office of Howk & Downing for a total of 8 years. She clerked with the Visalia District Attorney’s Office and the Fresno City Attorney’s Office. The latter offered her a full-time position the day after she was sworn in. Jennifer is in the Code Enforcement Department, trying to work with property owners by encouraging voluntary code compliance and initiating legal proceedings focusing on the worst violators of housing health and safety laws. She loves the work because it makes a difference in the community, insuring tenants are not living in sub-standard conditions. Jennifer states, “Law school wouldn’t be the same without the love and support I received from my husband, family, and friends.”

Upon graduation, Carol worked with Michele Belanger-McNair doing plaintiff’s personal injury cases, but was encouraged to practice in the criminal defense arena by the Honorable Hollis G. Best who was the US Magistrate in Yosemite and who knew of her many years as a NPS Park Ranger there. In 1999 she opened her own practice doing exclusively criminal defense, first sharing space with Trudi Manfredo and Dorothy Carroll for 12 years, and then on her own. Carol says, “I love working for myself ~ I am the best boss ever.” Carol helps organize Law Day Yosemite each year where four hundred eighth graders from the rural areas surrounding Yosemite come to the Park to learn about the Rule of Law, participate in an essay contest, and enjoy lunch outside in the scenic splendor of Yosemite Valley.

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.

Rachelle wanted to make the world more accessible by pro-actively working with businesses to make every aspect of their operations available to all clients and legally compliant. That is exactly the work she does with the Hatmaker Law Group. Rachelle helps businesses to fix as much as possible immediately and develop strategies to attain full compliance. Immediately after graduation, she first pursued this vision for private entities through consulting work with the Civil Justice Association of California which overlapped with her public entity premises liability cases while working for Overstreet & Associates. Since June of 2018, she has returned to educating and advising in the private sector at Hatmaker Law Group. “At SJCL I felt I was part of a community. At a larger school, I would just have been a number. I would not have had the contacts and opportunities elsewhere to succeed as I have.”

Paul started at CSUF intending to get a degree in Business. All the principles were taught with the disclaimer “as long as this is OK with legal.” The deeper he probed the legal aspects, the more interested he became in attending law school. During law school, he clerked with Myers & Overstreet, then continued with them upon graduation for two years, doing insurance defense litigation. Then Paul worked with Caswell, Bell & Hillson for eight years, eventually becoming a partner. Two years with Klein, DeNatale, Goldner LLP followed, before Paul opened his own practice in 2013 and loves it. Paul handles business, real estate, and estates and trusts cases. He has represented the Fresno Association of Realtors since 2007. He got his Broker’s License in 2005 and owns a separate real estate firm. “I really enjoy practicing law every day. It would take a sizable lottery win to get me to stop.”

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.”

Becoming a lawyer had been Teresa’s long-time dream, but raising children came first. So, she went to college and obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Fresno City College and began working as a paralegal. And waiting. When her youngest child was a Junior in high school, she enrolled at San Joaquin College of Law. Teresa continued to work as a Paralegal during law school. When she passed the bar, she opened her own law office. Teresa’s early practice included elder law, estate planning, family law and personal injury. Over the last 5 years, she has narrowed her practice to Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate and Elder Law. She has been blessed with a busy and successful practice. “Law school is one of the fondest memories of my life. A group of total strangers became very close, surviving and learning as much as possible.” Now, her fond memories come from traveling as much as possible with her husband, Scott Jones (’07).

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?)

“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.”

Rebekah knew she wanted to further her education and was looking for a career that would enable her to help people. She worked during law school and for three years thereafter as an Associate at the Immigration Law Office in Clovis. She then worked for nearly two years as Minor’s Attorney at Fresno Child Advocates practicing dependency law. She transitioned to a position at the Fresno County Office of the County Counsel representing the Department of Social Services in dependency matters. Recently her assignment has changed to advising the Elections Office and the Grand Jury. “I remember being stressed out in law school, but the students always helped and encouraged each other.”

Lourdes was inspired to attend law school by a speech given by then Public Defender, Jose Villareal. She later interned at the P.D. office while still in law school and was hired on in December of 1993, when a position opened at the P.D. Lourdes has worked there ever since in nearly every kind of case including misdemeanors, felonies, major crimes, and dependency. She feels blessed that SJCL was available to her as she could not have left Fresno for law school.

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.

Susan was surprised when an attorney she hired told her she should be a lawyer and he would write a letter of reference for her to apply to law school. Not much later, she was in law school and clerking for the United States Attorney in the misdemeanor unit, doing research and writing briefs. When Susan’s class graduated, the job market was very tight, so she jumped into working with her husband’s firm (Richard Hemb (’92). She took over the firm’s family and bankruptcy practice and the rest is history. Susan is also now a court-appointed minor’s counsel. “At SJCL, if you were stuck on a topic, you could talk to any faculty member anytime. Everybody – students and faculty – helped each other to be successful.”

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.”

Deborah began her law career as a paralegal at Parichan, Renberg, Crossman & Harvey. Harold Parichan encouraged her to attend law school. She continued there as a law clerk during law school, an Associate in 1991, and then a partner. In 1999, Deborah joined Baker Manock & Jensen, PC. She litigates in the areas of product liability, construction, agriculture law, business, and personal injury. Her goal is “to put the 'civil' back in civil litigation.” Deborah has enjoyed serving on the Board of Trustees of SJCL for many years and is the current Fresno County Bar Association President. She enjoys golfing with friends and her husband, Greg; cooking; and spending time with her family.

Elizabeth had her eye on law school when she began her undergraduate studies at California State University Fresno. While working on her bachelor’s degree she interned with the Fresno District Attorney’s Office for the summer. After that experience she knew she wanted to be a prosecutor. She interned at the Fresno District Attorney’s Office throughout law school and worked as a law clerk while awaiting bar results. In December of 2017, she passed the bar and was sworn in as a Fresno County Deputy District Attorney. A year later she accepted a position as a Deputy District Attorney in Monterey, California, and packed her bags for the coast. Elizabeth currently handles a misdemeanor calendar, including driving under the influence cases, sexual assault cases, and cases involving firearms. Elizabeth remembers law school as a very long three years. She indicates both Professors Atkinson and Wrest were helpful to her, especially during bar review.

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.

In addition to practicing family law, Christina has also served as Chair of the Fresno County Bar Association Family Law Section, which provides family law practitioners updates and proposed changes in family law and practice. “The professional preparation I received at SJCL was phenomenal. The professors are available beyond the classroom, which was instrumental in my education, and ultimately in passing the Bar Exam. For this, I will always be grateful.”

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.”

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.

Alex worked in the apparel industry in L.A. for a few years, but felt she was not really doing anything to help people, so she enrolled in law school. During law school, her passion for criminal defense was born. She clerked for the Fresno County Public Defender, the Sawl Law Group, and Robert Wynne, then with Margarita Martinez-Baly while awaiting bar results. As a lawyer, she worked first with the Public Defender and now with Nuttall Coleman & Drandell doing criminal defense. As to law school, she remembers hiding in classrooms with her study buddies - studying, eating snacks, and writing practice exams. She also remembers taking her dog, Wilma, for long walks during law school as a way to relieve stress.

Shelli was working in retail management and wanted a career that would offer her more autonomy. During law school she worked for Henry Logoluso & Blum, the Fifth District Court of Appeal and the Federal Defender’s Office. In December of 2001, immediately after receiving her bar results, Shelli was hired as an Associate with Stammer McKnight and has been there ever since. She became a Partner in 2007. Her work is primarily civil defense litigation and family law. Shelli appreciated Professor Purvis’ humor and found the study of law fascinating. She loved the challenge of coming up with as many issues as possible during exam time. “The students were supportive of each other and the alumni is supportive as well.”

Lisa always planned to go to law school, but her military career using her engineering degree came first. She was the Base Engineer for the Fresno Air National Guard, responsible for maintenance and construction at the Fresno Airport facilities. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After law school, she joined Bolen Fransen Sawyers, where her transactional practice focuses on secured lending, real estate, and general business, for a variety of for agricultural and commercial entities. Lisa serves on the Board of the AgLenders Society of California, for which she has taught a number of educational seminars. She also serves on the Supervisory Committee of the Educational Employees Credit Union. “I enjoyed getting back into the learning mode in law school, something I had been longing for. The diversity of the student population – all ages, from all walks of life – added to the experience.”

In the late 1980’s, Rose immigrated to the United States from Armenia and was fascinated by the TV show, “L.A. Law.” From then on she did everything possible to become a lawyer. Upon graduation from SJCL, she opened her own practice for about two and a half years. In 2004, she joined Wilkins, Drolshagen & Czeshinski LLP. In early 2018, she joined Borton Petrini where she focusses on insurance defense, real estate, estate planning, and business litigation. She is grateful for the connections she established with other law students during her three years at SJCL. With her J.D. she was able to take the Real Estate Broker’s exam. For the last fifteen years she has owned and operated her real estate business. Currently, Rose is the Treasurer of the SJCL Alumni Association.

Growing up, Scott always had an interest in being a lawyer and participated in Mock Trial while in High School. Later, his work in court as a Deputy Probation Officer for Fresno County refueled his interest, leading him to attend SJCL at night. Upon admission to the bar, he went into criminal defense, beginning his legal career with the Caine Law Office. One year later, he moved to the Alternate Defense Office, where he spent the next four years representing conflict cases. Scott then switched fields to Workers’ Compensation defense and worked with Yrulegui & Roberts for two years before joining Coleman Chavez & Associates in March of 2019, where he currently represents insurance companies, employers, and third-party administrators. Scott worked full-time throughout law school and was a father of two young daughters, so his clearest memory of law school is late nights studying after class so he could save some free time for his kids on the weekends.

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.

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.”

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.

Nancy was working as a legal secretary when her boss said, “You better go to law school rather than constantly saying how bored you are.” So she did. Upon graduating, Nancy worked with the Tulare County Counsel’s office for four years in dependency and environmental health cases. After two years in her own practice, in 1997, she joined McCormick, Kabot, Jenner & Lew, where she has now worked for almost 22 years. She does municipal and employment law for Porterville, Exeter, and Dinuba as well as defending most litigation against those cities. As to law school, she remembers getting home really late and then getting up really early to go to work.

David knew he wanted a career in criminal justice. Interning at the District Attorney’s Office while in law school cemented his career. In December of 2014 he became a Deputy District Attorney. David has handled misdemeanors, juvenile court cases, and general felonies. He has served on the general trial team and the violent crimes unit. For the last year and a half, his assignment has been the domestic violence unit. David remembers the great friendships he made and the studying sessions for Professors Cartier and Purvis’ classes. Moot Court was one of his favorite classes. “Conklin and Boone in Moot Court taking shots at each other made it really fun.”

Todd entered law school because he didn’t like the accounting work his father did, his uncle was an attorney, and aptitude tests pointed him in the direction of law. During law school, he interned with the United States Attorney’s Office and loved the trial work. After graduation Todd worked with Blanco, Tomassian & Pimental doing personal injury and civil litigation. From 1999 to 2005, he and a partner continued that type of work. Finally, in 2005, the Law Office of Todd J. Armas was born. His practice consists primarily of family and landlord-tenant cases as well as estate planning. “My best memory of law school is the helpful relationships I had with the SJCL staff – especially Joan Lassley, Lonzetta Hightower, Jill Randles, and Jackie Margritz.”

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.”

Upon passing the bar exam, Mark first worked with Leon Tirapelle, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases. After three years, he opened his own office, sharing space with Jake Nagel, John Nagel, Tom Tusan, and Robert Kimble. 90% of his casework was insurance defense for Farmers’ Insurance. In July of 2001, he became Of Counsel for McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth, becoming a partner in 2002. In December of 2011, he joined Nationwide Insurance and was promoted to the Managing Attorney of the Fresno Trial Division in 2014. In August of 2018 when his friend, Darryl Freedman, became ill, Mark took over management of Darryl’s office, doing exclusively plaintiff personal injury cases. Mark fondly remembers his education he received at SJCL. He recalls the Class of 1987 as a small, eclectic group who survived the cramped quarters at the Shields campus and hopped over the fence to hit the donut shop on breaks. The friendships made at SJCL will last a lifetime.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

Erick credits the SJCL alumni network in helping him to secure hard-to-get internships with a local judge and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during law school. He says work in correctional law is fascinating as it takes him into prisons and, once in a great while, death row. “I have often referred to my coursework on constitutional law while working to defend correctional officers and occasionally the governor’s office.”

Chris went to law school to help plaintiffs who might otherwise not have their rights protected. Throughout law school he worked with Georgeson & Belardinelli and joined the firm as an Associate upon admission to the bar. He handled primarily personal injury and business litigation, becoming a partner in 2012. In 2014, he won a $128,610,000 verdict in a land and water dispute in Kings County. It was one of the largest jury verdicts in California in that year. In late 2014, he joined Kabatcheck, LLP in Los Angeles continuing his work in personal injury litigation, class actions, and insurance bad faith cases. He became a partner there in 2017. “What do I remember about law school? Meeting my wife there!” Chris married fellow graduate Alexandra Belardinelli Noyes (’09) who is currently “inactive” raising their two sons in their home in San Marino

David joined Dowling Aaron in January of 2001 and has been the Chair of its Business Litigation Department since 2014. He says he has learned a great deal in the position, which he describes as intellectually challenging, like law school. An owner in the firm, David manages his own practice, oversees the workloads of the firm’s litigation lawyers, and leads the firm’s recruiting efforts. David’s Fresno roots run deep so his plan was always to stay local. He met his future wife and found his inspiration to attend law school at Fresno State. For David, SJCL made sense in every way. 

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.”

Over the years, Ben has developed an extraordinary legal expertise in human exploitation and trafficking. His career began as a research attorney for the California District Attorney’s Association (CDAA) and from there a Legal and Legislative Consultant to the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST). In August of 2011 he became a Special Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice . In that capacity his team wrote a comprehensive report for the Attorney General entitled, “The State of Human Trafficking in California in 2012.” They also delivered a comprehensive analysis of California’s anti-trafficking law enforcement and victims support response, with recommendations for improvement. Ben has traveled to 12 countries lecturing on human trafficking and trained police forces in 4 countries. He has published 15 articles in national and international journals, some of which have been cited by appellate courts. In addition, Ben served for three years as Staff Counsel for the California Department of State Hospitals conducting involuntary medication & treatment hearings and serving on the Sexually Violent Predator Review Panel. Working as Senior Staff Counsel for the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Marijuana Control, he helped to draft business regulations for the dozens of emerging cannabis industry’s license types contemplated under California law.

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.”  

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.”

Since every business and profession is governed by law, Feras went to law school to get a versatile degree that would give him legal knowledge applicable to any career. He was in healthcare when he started law school. When he graduated he realized that healthcare was where his heart was, so he stayed in a management capacity at Kaiser Permanente, soon being promoted to Director of Operations. A decade later he became Chief Operations Officer for Livingston Community Health, a health clinic system based in Merced, providing primary care services including Adult, Pediatric, OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, and Dental Services. During his tenure the system has grown from six sites to soon to be nine. “As COO, I’m privileged to oversee all aspects of our operations. My law degree has played a critical role in my professional advancement. My critical thinking skills, learning agility, and legal knowledge have made me valuable in leadership. I forged close friendships in law school and learned just how much grit I had in me.”

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.”

Nickie always wanted to be a lawyer, but life got in the way.  She worked for five years in commodities trading, then owned her own Quiznos stores for 12 years.  Finally she returned to a long ago dream and completed law school.  “My third career has been the most rewarding.  I finally found the right fit.”  At Gillett Green, she specializes in special education law, representing parents and children.  “I loved law school – every minute of it.  Read and write all day – perfect!”

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.

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.

Richard was the Director of Transportation and Marketing Services for the California Grape & Tree Fruit League when he observed a labor law attorney in a packing house and was intrigued. He graduated in 1992, passed the bar, and immediately opened his own office in an entirely different area of law. Richard practices estate planning and estate and trust administration, while his wife, Susan Hemb (’04), now handles the family and bankruptcy law that helped begin the practice. Four years ago, they moved the practice to Old Town Clovis where they are quite happy. “Law school was a long hard four years. But by opening my own practice, throughout my professional life, I have never had to look for a job.”

Jarrett admired his father, Phillip Cline, saw how seriously he took his job, and wanted to do the same. In law school, he clerked with Bourdette & Partners in Visalia on plaintiff personal injury and criminal defense cases and with Myers & Mayfield, doing insurance defense. With that diverse background and wanting trial experience, he joined the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, where he has remained. He has worked everything from agricultural crimes to home invasions, now doing major narcotics and asset forfeiture cases. “My study group in law school of Joe Arnold, Kim Madayag, Darin Powell, and Steve Koch camped out in a classroom and went over and over Joe’s flashcards.”

Bill enrolled at SJCL soon after returning from his second deployment as a Navy strike-fighter pilot in the Vietnam War; and continued flying as a Naval Aviator through law school. He clerked as a certified law student for two firms and tried several jury trials. His early years of private practice included use of his aerospace engineering background in products liability and aviation law, other plaintiff's and defense litigation, and eminent domain law. He then served as Assistant City Attorney for five years handling condemnation trial and appellate work, together with land use and environmental litigation. In the mid-80’s he joined the Motschiedler firm where he has remained for 32 years. He received a Presidential appointment in 2004 and served as a member of the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. Currently he represents agricultural, commercial, and industrial enterprises whose properties are being taken and damaged by the high speed rail project. Bill also farms red sweet cherries on the Kings River. He and Linda, married 48 years, have three children and five grandchildren. At SJCL, he enjoyed the comradery among students, winning the Moot Court with study partners Gary Austin and John Dicks, and studying under the exemplary mentors of the Central Valley legal community, including the late Hollis Best and Oliver Wanger.

As a youngster, Ann was inspired by Matlock but thought she wanted to be a research attorney at a court. Instead, she always wants to be in court. Upon graduation, Ann first worked with Silveira, Mattos & Lewis in Merced doing civil litigation. When that firm dissolved, Ann was hired by the Merced County District Attorney where she worked for two years. She then moved to the Merced County Counsel’s Office where she handled and loved the Juvenile Dependency calendar. On January 1, 2019, Ann joined Berliner Cohen, the largest firm in Merced. She is part of the litigation department, handling anything civil. Ann likes having the smaller-town atmosphere coupled with access to all the resources and dynamism of the main firm in San Jose.

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.

Rachele practices public entity and employment law. She feels her firm sets high standards for legal competency and teaching new attorneys, and values family. “At SJCL, there was the same sense that people genuinely cared as there is in my firm. Law school changed my life in so many great ways.”

Since he was a small child, people told Mark he should be a lawyer. During law school, he clerked for David Milligan working on personal injury cases, but didn’t particularly like that field. Upon admission to the bar, he immediately opened his own practice. In fact, he was sworn in as quickly as possible as a potential client was waiting for Mark to represent him. Mark’s practice is exclusively criminal law. He accepted some family law cases early on, but quickly learned that criminal defendants are much nicer than people going through divorce. As to law school, “I would have paid extra for Dean Pearson’s Torts class. Whenever I was asked to brief a case, I would act out the action of the case in the aisle. Plus, you really got to know all the professors at SJCL. They really care.”

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.”

Brad decided to become a lawyer after he observed the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge. That judge had a vision and the authority to get something done. During law school Brad interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also worked as a Hearing Representative for the CCPOA for two years, becoming full-time upon entering the Bar in December of 1999. He represents correctional officers in administrative hearings when they are unjustly accused or disciplined, work he has done for 20 years. “SJCL offers a real opportunity. It was not a competitive environmental. Rather we were all competing FOR each other.”

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.”