Alumni Success

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.”

Upon graduation, Kathi worked with Bennett & Ostroff for a year and half, then in a partnership with Keith Lusk handing wills and trusts and dissolution cases. Thereafter, she shared space with Mary Louise Frampton and Barbara Karshmer further developing her dual practice. After sharing space again with Doris Coleman and Ruth Ratzlaff, Kathi went completely on her own in 1995, doing almost exclusively wills and trusts cases. Kathi has taught Wills and Trusts continuously at SJCL for many years. Kathi says law school was one of the best times of her life because of the comradery amongst the students.

Gayle has long conducted her own criminal law practice, but at least as much of her time is spent serving on the Board of Directors of P.E.O. – Philanthropic Educational Organization. This 150-year old organization of women is dedicated to helping women reach for the stars by funding loans, grants & scholarships for women at all levels advancing their education. They have given more than $325 million in scholarships, for which Gayle is very proud.

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

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.

In the 6th grade, Keith’s class was required to research 3 possible careers and choose one. He chose law. He commuted from Hanford and ran his own business during law school. Keith worked for five years with the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, then twelve years with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. His prosecutorial focus was homicides, gang crimes, and narcotics violations. In Tulare County he was the sole prosecutor handling gang crimes. In January of 2015, he was elected the Kings County District Attorney, and is now in his second term. Over the years, he has handled 90 – 100 trials. His work now is largely administrative with occasional major trials. The office handles more than 10,000 cases a year. The workload is immense, but Keith loves what he does.

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.”

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

Sue was working at Bank of America when a co-worker suggested they take a Business Law class together at College of Sequoias. Sue loved it and later became a paralegal/law clerk for the instructor, future judge Howard Broadman. When Broadman joined the bench, his firm became Farley, Alldredge, & DeSantos. Sue continued working there as an Associate in a general civil practice for five years. Sue then joined Marderosian, Swanson & Oren where she did civil litigation defense and administrative cases, first as an Associate, then as a Partner, for a total of 20+ years. In November of 2015, she joined the Liebert firm where she does employment law, representing primarily public entities including school districts. Sue remembers “the people connection” in law school, especially her study group – Janet Maus, Rick Monge, Randy Long, and Chuck Magill.

Marriage and children caused Leah to postpone her interest in attending law school. Her father was a lawyer, so she was attracted by the versatility of the degree. During law school she was a summer associate with Baker, Manock & Jensen working in medical malpractice defense, but ultimately joined her father’s firm. She is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, on the plaintiff side. She also handles Social Security Disability cases. Early in her career she served three years on the California Applicants Attorneys Board of Directors. Apart from practicing law, Leah now runs the Law Firm of Cole, Fisher, Cole and O’Keefe, along with her partner and fellow alumni Joseph O’Keefe (Law ’96). They employ 15 people including her daughter, Rachel Mahoney (Law ’11), who will soon be a partner as well. Leah enjoyed law school, the teachers, and the classmates who all pulled together to succeed. “SJCL definitely prepared me for passing the bar and left me well connected in the Legal and Judicial community. Thanks for everything!”

During law school, Terry clerked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, D. Mitchell Taylor, and the Fresno District Attorney’s Office. Terry worked for the Stanislaus County D.A. for about 1 ½ years. He returned to Fresno open his own practice in September 1988. After 28 years as a solo practitioner, Terry and David Jones formed Wapner Jones, PC., a 3-attorney law firm in criminal defense. Terry focuses on, and is a specialist in, DUI drug & alcohol cases, having received a designation from the American Chemical Society as a “Lawyer-Scientist”, trained in the scientific aspects of blood and breath testing. He lectures nationally on blood and breath testing and scientific defenses in DUI’s. Terry remembers the first night of Contracts class with Tom Riggs was very laidback, so he volunteered on the first night of Judge Wanger’s Civil Procedure class. He was grilled for 45 minutes and never volunteered in any class again.

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.”

Gary immigrated to the U.S. from England in his late teens and served in the US Navy as a member of the exclusive Triple Threat Company. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gary entered college and worked as an investigator for several law firms. His investigations assisted in the dismissal of hundreds of cases. He then enrolled in law school where he received awards for academic excellence and gained accolades in both State and National Moot Court competitions. Gary joined his father’s firm upon passing the Bar Exam in 2012 and has practiced Criminal Defense ever since.

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

Brittaney worked with special needs children when she was employed by Visalia Unified School District. During law school, she continued in that field interning with Fagen, Friedman, & Fulfrost LLP. Upon graduation she joined Lozano Smith LLP, representing school districts in parent requests for due process, as well as pursuing parents who refuse to allow the school district to provide the services their children need. Brittaney feels it is crucial for law students to recognize they need to make a commitment to devoting the time required to succeed in law school.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Steven admired his uncle, George Alfieris, who was a personal injury lawyer who helped many people. Steven worked for 17 years as Vice President/Special Counsel for Pappas Telecasting, helping it to grow from 10 to 27 television stations. Thereafter, he worked as the General Counsel for Stamoules Produce. In 2017, Steven joined the Dias Law Firm, Inc., handling business, employment and real estate matters. “I love establishing and winning the economic arguments for damages in High-Speed Rail cases. It is akin to the evidentiary proofs one makes in personal injury cases – compensating for a loss. Michael Dias and I ensure that the defendant land-owners are made whole.” Last month, Steve launched an app for smart phones called “ToProovIt” to help individuals document harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The ToProovIt app provides time-stamped reports and stores the information in the cloud until the user is ready to go to human resources or their attorney. “I appreciate my legal education now more than ever.”

Alex worked as a computer programmer through most of law school. From January to May of 2016, he clerked at McCormick Barstow and again after the bar exam. In November of 2016, he became an Associate in the firm’s litigation group. His practice consists of medical malpractice defense, employment, commercial, and a few family law cases with an emphasis on litigation. He said he has enjoyed every minute of it. Alex’s fondest memory of law school was competing in the Hopper Moot Court competition. Alex and his partner, Chris LeFever, won Best Brief and both were Best Oral Advocate finalists.

Upon graduation, Karen worked with Baker, Manock & Jensen doing exclusively medical malpractice defense. In January of 2016, she joined White Canepa LLP as a partner, continuing to defend hospitals and doctors. “My SJCL education prepared me well for the bar exam. I appreciated the small classes and the fact that many classes were taught by local attorneys who were in active practice in the subjects they taught, but very approachable.”

Kyle joined the Fresno County Counsel’s Office in 2016 and says he enjoys the good will and sincerity within the network of attorneys from SJCL.  “Our alumni have a strong footprint here in government, which is a testament to SJCL and the quality of attorneys they produce.  Local government attorneys with local roots are invested in the outcomes of their efforts, which creates strong communities with strong institutions.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

Upon graduation, Larry worked with Joe Cooper (’87) for a year doing civil litigation defense cases, before entering the Workers’ Compensation defense field. He has been with Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi for 20 years, 12 of them as the Managing Attorney of the Fresno Office. In that capacity he has hired a number of fellow SJCL graduates over the years. Larry remembers driving to the bar exam in Sacramento with Mark Asami and Dan Kopfman. On the way they were arguing about a point of Business Law and had dragged out their study guides to resolve the dispute. The exact Business Law issues they had been discussing was one of the essay questions on the bar exam. Larry was able to cite the case in his answer.

Tom worked for Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey for 24 years, first as a law clerk, then Associate, Partner, and ultimately, Managing Partner for 10 years. His work was general civil defense, mostly insurance defense and business transaction litigation. In 2014, he became General Counsel for HealthComp, a third-party administrator for self-funded ERISA and other plans with offices in Fresno and Chicago. His responsibilities include negotiating and reviewing contracts, managing outside litigators, and handling employment related issues. When not in class, you could often find the Class of 1990 at The Copper Pot around the corner from the Shields Avenue building.

Connie first practiced with Weiss, Martin, Salinas & Hearst. In 2009 she joined the Fresno office of Klein, DeNatale, Goldner where she became a partner. Her practice was a variety of employment and business litigation. In 2016, she moved to Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel, continuing with business litigation and Workers’ Compensation defense. Connie loves that one is never at a standstill as a lawyer. “You are always learning and growing.” As to law school, she remembers the excitement of competing in Moot Court and allowing her nerdy side to flourish editing other people’s writing in Law Review.

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)!

Tim was between careers when his wife said, “There’s a good law school in town.” He signed up for the LSAT the next day. During law school, he clerked for the Fresno District Attorney’s Office and the Tulare Public Defender’s Office. He says he bugged the Public Defender until they hired him as a Deputy Public Defender. Tim worked there for 8 years, then pursued his own practice in criminal defense for three years. He handled cases in 16 counties and federal court. Then, Tim returned to the Tulare P.D. He has worked for that office for a total of 22 years, currently supervising the Juvenile Team and handling death penalty cases. Tim remembers great professors at SJCL and being the last class to graduate from the Shields building.

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.

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

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.”

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.”

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.

Jane entered law school because she was always disturbed about the unfairness in the world and wanted to help. Upon graduation from SJCL, she did not immediately take the bar exam, becoming instead the Director of the Fresno Needle Exchange program. When she finally took the bar in February of 2000, she passed on the first attempt and went to work with Fresno County Legal Services. When she discovered she wanted to be in court more, she joined the Fresno Public Defenders Office. She retired from that position in March of 2019 after 17 years, and now operates her own criminal defense practice, taking only the cases she really wants to defend, some of them pro bono. Jane says she made dear friends in law school, ones she with whom she is still in contact today.

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.”

Tony met Bob Perez while taking undergraduate classes from Bob at CSUF. It inspired Tony to head towards law school instead of law enforcement. He began working at Perez, Williams & Medina in 2006, was an Associate for three years after passing the bar and became a partner in 2010. He works in civil litigation, primarily motor vehicle and products liability cases involving catastrophic injury and death actions – “Rewarding to help my clients in times of such great loss and need”. Tony remembers the close relationships with other students and feeling fully supported by the professors. “As a single parent with children working 45 hours a week, I am not sure I would have done as well at any other institution.”

Ambra supervises 170 people providing services to homeless and foster children, social work services at school sites, and oversees legal issues related to attendance and student discipline. “It is a great blend of administrative law and social work. Working, with five children, I could not have made it through law school without the support I got from SJCL.”

Greg worked for 25 years in the area of operations of various food manufacturing businesses and wanted a change. Upon graduation from San Joaquin College of Law he returned to the business for three years before joining Dowling Aaron Incorporated. As, first an Associate, and then a non-equity partner, Greg worked in civil litigation. He joined Coleman & Horowitt LLP in 2014, continuing in civil litigation, primarily employment and labor law, real estate, contracts, and construction defect matters. He became a partner in 2015 and an equity partner in 2019. “All the professors were excellent, but each was memorable in his or her unique way.” His study group with Lillian, Trish, and Erin was fun and they were a great support to my success.

Maria worked as a Legal Assistant with Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez for seven years before entering law school. She felt she could do more to help people with a law degree and get to finish her cases. She clerked at the firm during law school and became an Associate upon passing the bar. Her work is primarily plaintiff’s personal injury cases, often automobile accidents with significant injuries or deaths. She does a significant amount of pro bono work. “I met so many interesting people in law school. They grow up so much. I saw them as stressed students in law school and now I see them suited up in court and arguing so well.”

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.” 

David wanted to serve the rural area of southeast Fresno County and northeast Tulare County. He had a degree in Ag Business and had taken the CPA Exam, but a law degree completed the education necessary to serve the rural population. Upon admission to the bar in 1993, he worked for Mick Marderosian for 2 years in insurance defense, learning a great deal about how to practice law. In 1996, he opened his own practice in Reedley, subsequently moving to Dinuba. Michael Karby (’95) ultimately joined him. David’s practice consists of estate planning, probate, trust administration, family law, and real property matters. As to law school, David remembers students being stacked to the walls in the Shields Avenue building. “We were just trying not to get in each other’s way.”

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

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.

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.”

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.”

Surrounded by a family of lawyers, having loved government and history classes as an undergraduate, and finding corporate marketing boring, Jeffrey finally entered law school and fell in love with law on day 1. During law school, he clerked with the Days Law Firm, Judge McCabe of the Merced Superior Court, and his brother. In 2017, upon being sworn in, he joined the family practice of estate planning and business transactions. Slowly he branched into criminal law which he found much more interesting. He continued with civil litigation with the firm, along with taking on a criminal law contract with Ciummo and Associates. “I love the theory of the law. The professors at SJCL were fantastic. All the students encouraged each other to be the best that they could be.”

Tim always wanted to be a lawyer. While in law school, he clerked for Smurr & Henry, then became an Associate there when he passed the bar in 1987. Tim became a partner of the firm which changed its formation and name to Henry, Logoluso & Blum. His practice consisted of all forms of corporate/business representation and litigation. Tim also enjoyed representing public entities and police departments in employment and discovery matters. When his original partners decided to retire, all agreed to close the firm in 2015. Tim thought about retiring, but ultimately decided to join Gilmore, Magnus & Janisse and continues his practice in the aforementioned areas. Tim had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Renee Logoluso, at SJCL, and has two beautiful daughters with Renee.

Paul attained the undergraduate degrees of Paralegal Studies and Public Administration before tackling law school. Since his admittance to the Bar, he has spent most of his legal career as an attorney at Central California Legal Services, serving as the Supervising Attorney of the Voluntary Legal Services Program, and currently the Deputy Director of Development. In 2016 Paul received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management through the OneJustice Executive Fellowship Program. For the past 16 years he has taught courses in the Business Division at Fresno City College, as well as a “Street Law” class at SOUL Charter High School. He has also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Fresno County Superior Court. In 2017 Paul was awarded the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award by the Fresno County Bar Association.

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.”

Kris started working in the legal field at the age of 16 with Kahn, Soares & Conway. She then decided to be a legal secretary, then became a paralegal in 1988. In 1993, she joined in establishing the Dooley & Herr firm and set her sights on law school. She completed the three-year program while working 50 hours a week and promptly passed the bar. She continued working with Dooley & Herr as an Associate. To keep life from becoming boring, in 1999, she gave birth to triplets. Six years ago, as her children were entering their high school years, she opened a satellite office of the firm in Hanford. Her practice consists of trust litigation, estate planning, wills, trusts and probate, conservatorships, and adoptions as well as a wide variety of transactional work. As to law school, Kris remembers late night studying with her best law school compadre, Melissa White. The two of them did cartwheels in the parking lot when Professor Artenian posted their passing grades in Remedies, as it meant their law school days were done! Kris sits on the Board of Directors of CASA of Kings County.

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.”

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.”

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

Upon graduating from SJCL Linda began her legal career as a research attorney at the Fifth District Court of Appeal. After working for five different appellate justices she was promoted in 2011 to her current position of Managing Attorney. Her responsibilities include overseeing a staff of attorneys, performing specialized legal work, and serving on the Executive Management Team. Linda enjoyed combining law school and motherhood, as her first child was born between her second and third years at SJCL.

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.”

Andrea always had an interest in law in hope of making a difference to individuals and her community. This interest was reinforced during her service in the United States Navy. While in law school she clerked first with Hammerschmidt Broughton for a year assisting with criminal defense cases. During her last year of law school, she worked with Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd, & Gin in municipal law. Upon graduation, she worked with Niklas Hugosson in real estate matters. In July of 2019, she joined the Dias Law Firm. Her focus there is civil litigation, but she also practices a significant amount of criminal defense. Her true passion is juvenile delinquency law which practice she hopes to develop. Law school was an incredibly busy time for Andrea. Her husband was deployed overseas most of the time, so she was effectively a single mother to their three children, working, AND going to law school. “I made some of the best friends of my life in law school.”

Terri went to law school because her father was an attorney who taught in the Tax Program at SJCL. Terri served an internship with Judge Eckhart Thompson of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Fresno. After entering the Bar, she was accepted into the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program of the Office of the United States Trustee, the agency that acts as a “watchdog” over all bankruptcy cases. Thereafter, she served as a Trial Attorney for the United States Trustee in Orange County. She was promoted to Assistant United States Trustee in Los Angeles and also served in that capacity in the Riverside office. Wanting to return to trial work, Terri became a Trial Attorney in the United States Trustee’s Honolulu office before returning home to Fresno in 2015. In Los Angeles she managed a United States Trustee’s Office with a staff of 60. Terri has conducted numerous bankruptcy trainings at the National Advocacy Center of the United States Department of Justice. For three years, she taught bankruptcy fraud courses for the FBI at Quantico. “I appreciated that the SJCL professors not only taught the law but also real-life application of the law. Those real-life cases made the lights go on for all of us.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

A lifelong interest in serving humanity has lead Alicia to five separate degrees in higher education, and what she considers the perfect career. Her solo consumer law practice is well served by her experience in computer science, quality and compliance for medical devices, peacemaking and conflict resolution, comparative religious studies, and restitution and restoration through a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. “Consumer law provides me the opportunity to help people who are being taken advantage of and nurture my desire to fight for the underdog. I come to work every day and learn something new.”

Ty went to law school because he was intrigued by the way lawyers could impact society to make individuals’ lives better. He initially went solo doing “a little of everything, including contract work.” Within six months, he did his first jury trial and has now handled 60-70 trials including 40 jury trials. In 2008, Ty purchased the Yarra Law Group. With a team of 7 lawyers and 47 staff, the group handles an extensive array of cases including criminal, family, immigration, bankruptcy, and civil litigation. Ty serves on the Fresno County Bar Association’s fee arbitration panel. Ty is grateful that law school and his practice have opened doors that enable him to do charitable work in the community, including gifts to SJCL.

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.

Corina has wanted to be a lawyer since she watched Matlock at the age of 6. She became affiliated with Sawl Law Group (then under a different name) while in high school. She briefly left Fresno to get her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UC Davis. After graduation, she returned to Sawl Law Group as a legal assistant. She was motivated after starting her family and began her legal education at SJCL. Within minutes of learning she had been admitted to the bar, Sawl Law Group made her an offer to become an Associate with the firm. Initially, her practice was plaintiff personal injury, but it now includes criminal defense. “I love my job! The firm accommodates me and my family. I also enjoyed every moment of law school and being a student. I miss the people and the old building smell.”

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.

Having litigated cases as an insurance defense attorney, in 2000, Warren began exclusively representing plaintiffs in personal injury actions, including wrongful death, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful termination. He has litigated over 55 jury trials to verdict throughout California, including nine verdicts in excess of $1 million. He has been named one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Northern California every year since 2009. In 2008 he was awarded the Consumer Attorneys of California Trial Lawyer of the Year. In 2017 he received the America Board of Trial Lawyers of California Trial Lawyer of the Year. Warren is one of only a handful of lawyers in California ever to have received both awards. Warren has always said that SJCL gave him the opportunity to fulfill his dreams.

Donn had been working on local Kings and San Joaquin River water and land conservation issues for several years when he decided to attend SJCL in 1990. Upon graduation he was a solo practitioner in Fresno. In September of 1996, the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office hired Donn as a deputy to represent the City’s public utilities department, which provides drinking water to 2.7 million residents in the Bay Area. Theoretically, he retired in May of 2014, but has since continued to work part time on water issues for San Francisco when he isn’t hiking or fishing. He also serves on the board of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, an organization preserving open space and wildlife habitat in Fresno, Madera and Mariposa Counties. “I was 40 when I started attending SJCL, and it was immensely valuable to learn from the school’s fine professors and active practitioners like Professors Wanger, Perring, Pearson and Cameron.”

Adam began working in the legal field with Ted Forrest at the age of 15. He worked at Ted’s firms, Forrest & McLaughlin and then Forrest, Henderson, Sloan & Davis, until Ted died when Adam was 21. Under Ted’s guidance, Adam completed the SJCL Paralegal Program. After Ted’s death, Adam worked at Dowling, Aaron & Keeler for two years and then joined McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth. Adam also worked at SJCL as an instructor in the Paralegal Program. As Adam was completing his Masters in International Relations at Fresno State, he was contemplating law school. Jan answered that question for him when she told him: “You are starting law school this fall.” Upon graduation, Adam continued working with McCormick Barstow for five years. Adam joined Baradat & Paboojian in 2013 and became a partner in 2016. Adam handles mostly plaintiff personal injury cases. As to law school, he remembers winning Best Oral Advocate in the Moot Court Competition and thinking that Ted would be proud. He also enjoyed competing in the Traynor Appellate Moot Court Competition on behalf of SJCL and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review.

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.

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.”

Greg was always interested in law, stemming in part from his mother’s work as a paralegal. After graduation, he worked in Fresno for a year before joining the Los Angeles firm of Green & Shinee in 1991. His practice there was labor law, primarily representing entities in the public sector including the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. In 2001 he joined Malmquist, Fields & Camastra doing Workers’ Compensation defense. In May of 2017, the Tanner Firm opened representing mostly Workers’ Compensation applicants and some employment law cases. Greg is also developing a mediation practice.

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.”

Upon graduation, Anne worked for 10 years with the Fresno County Counsel’s Office as the Senior Health Counsel. She represented Valley Medical Center and the Fresno County Health Department in any issues they faced. In early 1997, Anne moved to Iowa where she ran the Iowa Public Health Department’s first law and policy office. Anne is currently the Chief of Operations for CENUSA Bioenergy at Iowa State University managing a $25 million research program to restore perennial grasses to the Corn Belt for use in biofuels and bioproducts. Anne said she had to work harder at law school than at anything she had done before. It was frightening but also terribly exciting!

“Being a Mexican immigrant, I went to law school to better myself and my Latino community.” Fabian began working at Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez in April of 2014 as a paralegal. He continued working there throughout law school, ultimately as a law clerk. He is now being welcomed as an Associate. Fabian will continue to work representing applicants in Worker’s Compensation and employees in Wage and Hour litigation. “I was sacred to death of being called on in Professor Purvis’ class, but I am so glad I took his class. For the bar exam, I had Constitutional Law down cold.”

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.”

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.”

“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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Five years as a middle school teacher led Ramon to heed the advice of a former college professor and enroll in law school. He clerked at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office during his last two years and then joined the Yarra Law Group upon his admission to the bar. Ramon worked in immigration law there for three years before joining Lazaro Salazar Law, Inc. Ramon continues his focus on immigration law with cases ranging from naturalization to removal defense against the ever-changing backdrop of immigration law. He has also begun to work in criminal defense, which he says allows him to play a small role in helping hard working individuals achieve their goals. Ramon says graduation from SJCL was one of his most memorable moments as he was able to finally share the rewards of all the hard work with his family and classmates.

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.”

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.”

Brent says his appreciation of his SJCL professors continues to grow with time. “Like your parents, you learn just how good they are as time goes on. The list of great instructors (that have taught at SJCL) is impressive, among them: Christine Goodrich, Judge Conklin, Magistrate Boone, Judge Chittick, Sally Perring (retired), and Rich Cartier (retired).”

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.”