As we enter into San Joaquin College of Law’s 41st year of providing excellent legal education in the Central Valley, we are grateful to all those who have supported SJCL’s ability to graduate over 1,200 lawyers, business professionals, and community leaders.     

Annual giving is powerful proof of an institution’s greatness. In order to underscore SJCL’s excellence through widespread annual support, we are asking for your help.  After the record-breaking $68,000 that was raised to the annual fund last fiscal year, this year SJCL has challenged itself to increase that goal to $100,000!  This year’s priorities for the annual fund include:

• Increasing internet capacity so all students can have wi-fi access at any time;
• Upgrading library furniture and facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Increasing faculty positions to offer additional law classes.

I would like to personally encourage you to make a gift-every gift counts, no matter the size!  Whether you are making a gift for the first time, renewing or increasing your gift, you will be investing in the legacy of excellence and continuing the opportunity of post-graduate higher education for generations to come.  

Become a part of SJCL’s history and help us meet our $100,000 challenge with a tax-deductible gift TODAY! 

Thank you for your support!

The Elizabeth O’Neill Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of this former Board of Trustees member of SJCL and local attorney.  Mrs. O’Neill was a nationally recognized figure in Family Law and was one of the authors of the Family Law Act of the State of California.  She received her juris doctor degree from Boalt Hall at the age of 50, after raising five children and received an honorary degree from SJCL in 2007.  Her scholarship was set up by family to help female head of household students who demonstrate a high level of civility and integrity, as she herself did throughout her life and career.

Because of her love for children and passion for reading, a "Elizabeth O'Neill's Short Stacks for a Tall Cause" pancake breakfast/book drive will be held the morning of SJCL’s annual Race Judicata in February.  The funds will be placed in the scholarship endowment to keep her legacy in perpetuity for future female law students.

Elizabeth O'Neill

1919 - 2007

The Elizabeth O’Neill Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of this former Board of Trustees member of SJCL and local attorney. Mrs. O’Neill was a nationally recognized figure in Family Law and was one of the authors of the Family Law Act of the State of California. She received her juris doctor degree from Boalt Hall at the age of 50, after raising five children and received an honorary degree from SJCL in 2007. Her scholarship was set up by family to help female head of household students who demonstrate a high level of civility and integrity, as she herself did throughout her life and career.

The Theodore R. Forrest, Jr. Trial Advocacy Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Ted’s sudden and untimely death at the age of 51 in 2001.  Mr. Forrest (Law '77) was the senior partner at Forrest, Henderson, Sloan & Davis, and a former Board of Trustees member at SJCL.  He was a formidable opponent in civil litigation and loved to practice law.  He would often say that practicing law ws so much fun that he couldn’t believe he got paid to do it.  His scholarship was set up by family and  former colleague to help offset the costs associated with taking the California Bar Exam and is awarded to the student receiving the highest grade in the Trial Practice course.  Because Mr. Forrest experienced financial hardship while going to college and working 40 hours a week stacking cases of soda to pay for tuition, his family wanted to continue his legacy by helping provide financial relief to a deserving student at SJCL. 

Mr. Forrest was the first alumni to be inducted to the SJCL Hall of Fame in 2007 posthumuosly.