Simone Leighty

Visiting Professor of Law Simone Leighty joined the full-time faculty at McGeorge School of Law in August 2026. She teaches courses on Mock Trial Evidence I and II, California Civil Pretrial Litigation, and Expert Testimony. 

Leighty previously taught at McGeorge as an adjunct professor and has coached mock trial competition teams. In 2026, Leighty received the university’s Gary Podesto Award for Excellence in Student Life Service and Mentorship. 

Previously, Leighty worked at the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office and practiced transportation and employment litigation at Schroeder Schaff & Low for five years.

Leighty received a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, and a JD degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

During her time as a student at McGeorge, Simone earned several competition titles, including: Tournament Finalist at Drexel Law School’s “Battle of the Experts” Inaugural Tournament in 2018; Tournament Champion and Best Advocate (Preliminary Round and Final Round) at Loyola Law School’s National Civil Trial Competition in 2018; and Regional Champion and National Finalist at the National Trial Competition hosted by the Texas Young Lawyer’s Association in 2020.

Most notably, Simone was invited to participate as one of only sixteen competitors at Baylor Law School’s prestigious national Top Gun Mock Trial Tournament during her second and third years, having earned the title of Tournament Champion in 2020.