Discover how the Alumni Association Board of Directors serves as a dedicated advisory group that strengthens the McGeorge School of Law community. The Board plays a vital role in enhancing the school's reputation, supporting student success, advancing fundraising initiatives, and fostering meaningful alumni engagement.
Principal Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
Tim Long '88 is the co-Managing Shareholder of GT's Sacramento office, as well as its Labor & Employment Practice Group. Tim is an L&E litigation specialist and counselor who has litigated virtually every type of employment law claim. Tim is one of the few L&E attorneys who has tried a class action, obtaining a complete defense verdict, which he protected on appeal. Tim is a Chambers-ranked attorney, and a prolific writer and speaker. Tim has edited and contributed to PLI's Employment Law Yearbook, the only comprehensive L&E treatise updated annually, for more than 20 years. Tim also has served on the Board of Editors for BNA/Bloomberg's FLSA and Wage Hour State Law treatises.
Senior Shareholder, Van Dermyden Law Corporation
Sue Ann Van Dermyden '93 is a founding and Senior Partner of Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation and Managing Partner of VM’s San Diego Office. Sue Ann began as an employment litigator in 1993. Since 2006, her practice focuses on conducting workplace and Title IX investigations. She also provides expert witness testimony on employment matters; and, conducts interactive and entertaining training seminars. Sue Ann is an educator, serving as an Adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law teaching workplace investigations. Sue Ann is also a shareholder and faculty of T9 Mastered, a training company focused on educating Title IX sexual assault investigators.
Shareholder, Schroeder Schaff & Low
Nicole Low '17 is a shareholder at Schroeder Schaff & Low. She has quickly established herself as a top lawyer in Sacramento, as recognized in 2021 & 2022 by Sacramento Magazine. Nicole was next recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer in 2022.
Originally from the Central Valley, Nicole moved to Los Angeles to complete her undergraduate degree at California State University, Northridge. Nicole then attended the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where she excelled in trial advocacy. Nicole was selected as a member of McGeorge's nationally ranked Trial Advocacy Team, where she competed across the country with other top-tier law schools. At graduation, she was one of ten students inducted into The Order of Barristers in recognition of her outstanding trial advocacy skills and was admitted to the Traynor Honors Society. In addition, Nicole also participated in the McGeorge Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic, where she gained experience in alternative dispute resolution and successfully helped mediate 100% of her Section 1983 cases to resolution alongside United States Magistrate Judges Newman and Kellison.
Nicole has a wide variety of experience and has been honing her trial skills for several years. She previously clerked at the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, where she conducted several court proceedings, managed her own caseload, and negotiated pleas. She also worked for Focused Decisions, one of the leading providers of mock juries, focus groups, and litigation consulting. Nicole provided litigation consultation on over forty cases across the nation and assisted in federal jury selection and trial preparation on several cases.
Nicole began her career as an attorney focusing on Labor and Employment and Cannabis Law. She is a board member of Women Lawyers of Sacramento and the McGeorge Alumni Association. She is also a member of the Cruz Reynoso Bar Association, the Sacramento area's Latina/o bar association.
Associate General Counsel, Sacramento County Office of Education
Chelsea Tibbs '15 is Associate General Counsel for the Sacramento County Office of Education, where she advises educational leaders on labor and employment, personnel, governance, and student matters affecting one of California's largest county offices of education. Prior to joining SCOE, Chelsea practiced education law with Dannis Woliver Kelley, representing school districts, county offices of education, and community college districts throughout California. Before beginning her legal career, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America, teaching health education and working alongside local communities.
Throughout her career, Chelsea has remained actively engaged with McGeorge by mentoring students, participating in alumni programs and events, serving on the McGeorge Alumni Association Board of Directors, and returning to campus as a guest judge for moot court competitions. She especially enjoys mentoring students and supporting McGeorge's nationally recognized advocacy program, helping prepare the next generation of lawyers for successful and meaningful careers. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys backpacking, traveling with her family and volunteering in her children's school community.
Associate Attorney, Baker Manock & Jensen, PC
Rachel Alstrom '24 is an associate at Baker Manock & Jensen, PC in Fresno where is part of the Water Law and Public Agency Practice groups. Prior to joining Baker Manock & Jensen, Rachel practiced at a Fresno-based firm focusing on business litigation.
Rachel is a proud Fresno native, having earned a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fresno.
Chair, California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC)
Ruthe Catolico Ashley '88 is the Chair of the newly created CLPC, which focuses on supporting the high school law academies diversity pipeline project started by Ashley in 2010. Working with 22 high school law academies, CLPC introduces students to law and law-related careers through a 3-year law-focused curriculum.
As a member of the State Bar of California’s Board of Governors, she chaired the Diversity Pipeline Task Force in 2007, which jump-started the diversity pipeline work in this state. This Task Force held the first Judicial Diversity Summit starting the work for judicial diversity in California. Ashley founded and created the Council on Access and Fairness with the State Bar of California. She was also the first President/CEO of California ALL and the Founder/Executive Director of California LAW, two nonprofit organizations with a mission to diversify the legal profession through the educational pipeline.
She became a lawyer at the age of 40 and was a litigator for 15 years before returning to her alma mater as the Assistant Dean for Career Services. She created the role of Chief Diversity Officer for CalPERS to help build a pipeline into law and financial services. Ashley has had numerous leadership roles including being past president of the 1) Asian Pacific Bar of Sacramento, 2) National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and 3) Legal Services of Northern California. She also chaired the Women of Color Committee for the Commission on Women and chaired the Council on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Educational Pipeline. She chaired the ABA’s Public Education Committee with programs including the National Civics and Law Academy, Law Day, Silver Gavel Awards, and other projects for teachers and students. Currently, she is a member of the ABA’s Fund for Justice and Education, the Retirement Fund Board, and the Law Library of Congress.
Ashley worked with the California Legislature to insert diversity and inclusion language into the State Bar’s 2018 Fee Bill. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the ABA’s prestigious Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement award in 2020. A NAPABA Trailblazer recipient, she received the inaugural Excellence in Civics Engagement Award from the California Lawyers Association. Now retired, she devotes her time to diversity in the legal profession and world travel. Three grandchildren make life rich and active.
Chief Legal Officer, California New Car Dealers Association
Anthony Bento '13 is the Chief Legal Officer at the California New Car Dealers Association. As Chief Legal Officer, Anthony serves as CNCDA’s lead counsel and advocates on behalf of dealer interests with California’s various regulatory agencies and policymakers. Anthony is also the primary architect of CNCDA’s member compliance resources, including webinars, alerts, and manuals designed specifically for California’s new car dealers.
Associate, Holland & Hart LLP
Michael Crisostomo '22 is an Associate with Holland & Hart LLP, where he advises emerging companies through corporate matters from business formation to mergers, acquisitions, securities offerings, and more. He is also focused on guiding clients through the early stages of the business lifecycle. In addition to his legal practice, Michael serves as the Reno office committee co-chair to the Holland & Hart Foundation, committed to community volunteer work and a volunteer attorney with the Washoe County Law Library.
Partner, Cutter Law P.C.
Jennifer Domer ’15 a partner at Cutter Law, P.C. with a focus on mass torts litigation against pharmaceutical companies and defective medical device manufacturers. Jennifer enjoys taking a stand for those who have been injured and brings her passion and ambition into representing each of her clients. She is the Co-Chair of the Programs Committee for the 2025 Women Lawyers of Sacramento Board. Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maine in 2010 as a Division I athlete with a double major in international affairs and communication. She went on to graduate with distinction from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento in 2015.
Recent JSD graduate from McGeorge School of Law
Ana Paula Dos Santos, LLM ’20 and JSD ’26 candidate at McGeorge School of Law, is a trilingual attorney admitted in New York and Brazil with a multidisciplinary background in corporate law, compliance, environmental law, and risk management. She brings legal international experience and a strong commitment to victim advocacy.
Since 2022, Ana Paula serves at McGeorge School of Law's Victims of Crime Resource Center, providing victims with legal information about their rights and guidance throughout the criminal justice system. She manages complex hotline calls and leads outreach to expand access to justice. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, she also develops multilingual legal resources.
Her academic work focuses on harmonizing global privacy laws, data protection, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. This combination of practical experience, research, and leadership positions her as a forward‑thinking legal professional dedicated to justice, innovation, and cross cultural understanding.
Owner, The Law Office of Brian Gurwitz, APC
Brian Gurwitz ‘94 is a certified criminal lawyer specialist in Orange County who represents clients in state and federal cases. He is a former senior deputy district attorney in Orange County with extensive experience in trial and appellate courts.
Retired Attorney, California Deputy Attorney General, Civil Law/Health, Education and Welfare, Sacramento
Barbara Haukedalen graduated from McGeorge School of Law in the Class of 1979, where she served as Day Class Representative. She is married to Danny L. Haukedalen ’78; the first four years of their marriage were spent while they were both in law school, and they later served as managers of Blackacre.
She practiced law for 30 years before retiring in 2010. After beginning her career in private practice, the California Office of Administrative Law, and the California Department of Health Services, she spent 25 years as a California Deputy Attorney General. She also served on the board of the Association of California State Attorneys and Administrative Hearing Officers (now CASE).
Prior to her legal career, she worked with the American Red Cross in Vietnam and with U.S. Army Special Services in Germany. She was honored to attend many of McGeorge School of Law’s inspiring Centennial events in 2024.
Senior Staff Counsel, California Department of Toxic Substances Control
Colin Hendricks '12 is Senior Staff Counsel at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) where he provides legal counsel regarding environmental investigations, cleanups, and litigation. Prior to joining DTSC, Colin worked in governmental affairs at the California Energy Commission and Department of Consumer Affairs. Prior to state service, Colin was an associate at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth in the firm's government litigation section.
During his time at McGeorge, Colin served as Student Body President and President of the Governmental Affairs Student Organization. Colin is grateful to McGeorge for providing him with the education and skills to attain his career goal of serving the public and protecting the environment.
Associate Attorney, Fisher & Phillips LLP
Corina Johnson '20 is an associate in Fisher Phillips’ Irvine and Sacramento offices. She advises and counsels businesses on labor and employment issues and defends them in civil and administrative workplace-related disputes. Before joining Fisher Phillips, Corina practiced at a Sacramento-based firm focusing on employment law, labor law, and litigation.
Corina graduated with distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where she was a member of the McGeorge Moot Court Honor Board and inducted as a member of the Traynor Honor Society. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Southern California. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and is an active member of the Eta Gamma Omega chapter in Sacramento.
Managing Partner, Johnson & Johnson, LLP
Douglas Johnson '00 is the Managing Partner at Johnson & Johnson, LLP in Beverly Hills. Johnson is well-known for handling high-profile entertainment matters. Super Lawyer has repeatedly named Mr. Johnson as a top intellectual property lawyer for over a decade. His practice includes royalty disputes, copyright infringement, right of publicity, invasion of privacy and libel, business disputes, and class actions. Daily Journal awarded him one of the Top 2020 Verdicts for his $10 million jury verdict and $7 million in legal fees against Coca-Cola and Monster Energy in a right of publicity case. Douglas has written over 30 articles on entertainment and intellectual property law and regularly speaks on panels discussing those topics. Since 2012, he has been an adjunct professor at Southwestern School of Law, teaching Entertainment and Media Litigation.
Douglas earned his bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in law & society from the University of Southern California.
Vice President, W Strategies LLC
Sosan Madanat ‘14 is a passionate legislative advocate with more than eleven years of experience in public policy and state legislation. Driven by her dedication to service and community, Sosan has effectively advocated for clients on an extensive array of issues, including the finance and development of affordable housing, access to affordable healthcare, animal welfare, agriculture and climate-related issues, consumer protections, and economic and social justice.
Sosan is a proud member of the McGeorge School of Law Alumni Board of Directors and the Capital Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee for the Los Rios Community College District.
Retired Judge, Hawai'i State Judiciary
The Hon. Margaret Kuroda Masunaga '87 was sworn in as Hawai’i State Court Judge in 2014. Judge Masunaga had a lengthy career of public service in Hawai'i in various capacities before serving on the bench for six years. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, and the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
Judge Masunaga worked as Deputy Corporation Counsel, and Deputy Planning Director for the County of Hawaii, Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawai’i, and at the law firm of Goodsill, Anderson, Quinn, & Stifel.
Judge Masunaga and her husband Gail live on a Kona coffee farm in Hawaii, and they have two daughters, Colette and Jana, and one granddaughter Ren.
Deputy Legislative Counsel III, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jason Miller '15 is the Deputy Legislative Counsel III at the Office of Legislative Counsel, where he works drafting legislation primarily affecting elementary, secondary, and higher education.
Prior to joining the OLC, Jason served as senior counsel with a private law firm practicing in public education. While at McGeorge, Jason externed for Justice M. Kathleen Butz of the Third District Court of Appeal and the California Office of the Attorney General in Sacramento.
Miller received his JD from McGeorge School where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and Editor-in-Chief for the McGeorge Law Review. Prior to law school, Jason worked in public education as a school teacher and administrator. He earned a master’s in education from National University, and a bachelor’s degree in film and video studies from the University of Michigan.
Jason lives in Sacramento with his wife and two sons.
Founder/Principal, Miller Law Associates, APC
Founding Partner Randall A. Miller '84 has 36 years of experience as a litigator focusing on defending and counseling professionals, corporations, directors and officers, and insurers. He has extensive litigation and trial experience in state and federal courts in a broad variety of matters. His legal malpractice cases have included matters arising out of intellectual property, patent, bankruptcy, class action, family law, personal injury, products liability, and trusts and estates, and virtually every form of commercial transaction. He has been retained by law firms ranging from sole practitioners to multi-national firms. Miller represents financial professionals and businesses in matters ranging from suitability and selling away, to churning, breach of fiduciary duty, and conflicts. He has broad appellate experience, with 12 published State and Federal decisions and numerous non-published opinions. He regularly handles private and industry arbitrations, as well as attorney ethics counseling, fee disputes, and arbitrations, risk management/loss prevention, insurance coverage and underwriting, and claim monitoring.
Miller earned his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1984, and his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York and the University of California, Davis in 1980. In 2011, he was certified by the California State Bar as a specialist in Legal Malpractice Law.
Special Assistant Inspector General, California Office of the Inspector General
Andrea Moon '13 currently works as a Special Assistant Inspector General with the Office of the Inspector General, Discipline Monitoring Unit. Andrea has previously worked as a class action deputy with the California Department of Justice, Correctional Law Section; a deputy district attorney with the Amador County DA's office; a class action attorney with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and as an attorney with the California Prison Industry Authority.
Associate Attorney, O'Hagan Meyer Attorneys and Advisors
Hannah Moon '20 is an Associate Attorney practicing labor and employment defense. While Hannah’s practice focuses mostly on providing clients with day-to-day practical advice and counseling on a variety of employment issues, she also has experience representing clients in litigation and pre-litigation matters including wage and hour class actions, PAGA actions, and claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, or retaliation. Hannah also has experience in basic estate planning. Hannah graduated with great distinction from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA, as an inaugural member of its Accelerated Honors Program. While in law school, she spent a year working in the Immigration Law Clinic and had previous experience in business immigration prior to law school. She received the Kennedy Fellowship, a full-ride scholarship to attend McGeorge, and also won the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence. Like a couple of other O’Hagan Meyer attorneys, Hannah also had the wonderful opportunity to experience studying under former Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy of the Supreme Court of the United States in Salzburg, Austria while attending law school.
Chief Executive Officer, KITH ADVISOR INC.
Faith Olofintuyi '17 is a business coach and consultant. He is currently working as a top-performing operations and strategy professional who provides high-level consulting to Business owners on how to gain market share, implement innovative strategies to increase profit, and methods to reinvest profits while reducing loss.
Senior Financial Consultant, HDR Inc.
Mat Olson '18 is a Senior Financial Consultant with HDR. He specializes in funding and financing sources and strategies for infrastructure clients at the local, regional, as well as state and federal levels. His experience includes cost-benefit analyses, assessing project viability using federal criteria, policy development and analysis, and financial planning scenario development. He has helped clients secure funding, through federal and state discretionary grant applications as well as navigating post-award to grant obligation, resulting in over $3 billion towards capital projects. He is a graduate of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and leads HDR’s Northern California Infrastructure Finance & Economics practice.
Of Counsel, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Matthew J. Olson (’04 COP/ESB, ’09 LAW) is of counsel to Dorsey & Whitney LLP’s Palo Alto office. He served as law clerk to the Hon. Ronald H. Sargis of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California for two years before entering private practice. Matt routinely advises companies on insolvency issues, including bankruptcies, general assignments for the benefit of creditors, and distressed sales. He also represents creditors and fiduciaries in all aspects of insolvency matters, and advises parties in litigation matters in state and federal courts. Matt regularly speaks on bankruptcy issues, and is a member of the board of trustees for the Santa Clara County Bar Association.
Matt previously served as president of the Pacific Alumni Association, was the 2024 President of the Northern California Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association, is a past chair of the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section of the Bar Association of San Francisco, and is a 2016 alumnus of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges’ Next Generation Program.
Principal, Law Offices of Rajinder Rai-Nielsen LLC
With over 20 years of legal experience, Rajinder Rai-Nielsen '01 is the principal of her own law firm, where she and her team provide both litigation and mediation/alternative dispute resolution services.
Highly dedicated and conscientious, Raji values public service, community, and respect for the law. It’s why she pursued the study of law, earning scholarships along the way and finishing with honors from the McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific. Raji holds a Juris Doctorate with an Intellectual Property Certificate, and is currently pursuing a Certificate of Judicial Development in Dispute Resolution from the National Judicial College.
At 34, she was appointed to serve as an administrative law judge (ALJ) for the state of Nevada – the youngest ALJ to do so. Raji spent over 10 years as an adjudicator, overseeing a caseload largely composed of worker’s compensation, and the experience she gained continues to serve her immeasurably today. Raji understands what an amazing responsibility it is to serve with humility and empathy, to make difficult decisions based on facts and applicable law.
Deputy Counsel, California Community College Chancellor’s Office
Hector Ramirez '21 serves as deputy counsel for the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in Sacramento. His work primarily focuses on higher education law and administrative law. Hector graduated from the University of California, Merced with a BA in political science and from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law with JD degree in 2021.
County Counsel, Del Norte County Counsel
Jacqueline Roberts '13 was born and raised in Southern California and has lived all over the state, from San Diego to Crescent City. When she was an undergrad, she studied abroad in the Netherlands. While in law school, Jacqueline was able to work in Italy and then take a class in Salzburg, Austria. Currently, she works as a county attorney for the small rural coastal county of Del Norte. She enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, traveling, live music, motorcycle rides, and hanging out with her husband, nine-year-old son, four dogs, and five chickens.
Shareholder, Littler Mendelson, PC
Doug Ropel '14 is a Shareholder with Littler Mendelson, PC, at its office in Sacramento. Doug has defended employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters, including discrimination/harassment/retaliation cases, wage and hour claims (including class and PAGA actions), and public employee disciplinary appeals. He has handled administrative trials, jury trials, and appellate proceedings. Doug is a retired Air Force veteran.
Partner, Wright, L’Estrange and Ergastolo
Andrew Schouten '08 represents private and public entities in business and complex civil litigation, with a focus on antitrust, competition, government procurement, and regulatory matters. He advocates on behalf of clients in both state and federal court, and has considerable experience in complex procedural matters, including extraordinary writs and class action defense. Andrew provides strategic counsel and develops cost-efficient and effective solutions for his clients, and is often asked to partner with out-of-state law firms to serve as local counsel.
Andrew began his legal career as a clerk for the Honorable Dana M. Sabraw, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of California. He earned his Juris Doctor with Great Distinction from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, and was admitted to the Order of the Coif, an honor society for law school graduates. During law school, he served as an extern for Justice Fred K. Morrison (ret.), of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, and as the Chief Articles Editor for the McGeorge Law Review, where he published three student comments.
He serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association, which funds non-profits that provide pro bono legal services and ensures access to justice for underserved community members.
Andrew is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all state and federal district courts in California. He is a member of the California Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, Antitrust Section, the Federal Bar Association, and the San Diego County Bar Association. He is a current member of the Louis M. Welsh and a former member of the J. Clifford Wallace Chapters of the American Inns of Court.
Senior Judge, Commercial and Consumer Arbitrator for the State of Florida
The Hon. Caryn Canner Schwartz ’84 is a senior Judge in Florida. Judge Schwartz has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court to preside over all County & Circuit Court cases throughout Florida since Jan. 2019. She served as a County and Acting Circuit Judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit in Florida from 1993 to 2018 in Civil (primarily), Criminal, DV (Civil), and Family Divisions and served as Florida Bar Referee in numerous cases.
Judge Schwartz has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a JD degree from McGeorge School of Law, and an LLM in taxation from New York University School of Law.
Attorney, Jaurigue Law Group
Ashley Silva-Guzman is a 2021 graduate currently practicing plaintiff-side employment law in Los Angeles. She served as SacLegal’s co-chair and was appointed to the California Committee of Bar Examiners. She previously sat on the board of the National Disabled Legal Professionals Association, the first identity-based disabled attorney bar association. She is passionate about diversifying the legal field and advocating for change to make that happen. During law school, she served as president of the Student Bar Association and Public Legal Services Society. She worked with an excellent team to create the Bar Exam Support Stipend with the funding support of the Alumni Board. This encouraged her to join the Alumni Board to represent the interests of McGeorge graduates.
Chief Legal Officer, Western Health Advantage
Wendy Soe-McKeeman '19 is the Chief Legal Officer at Western Health Advantage, a non-profit Sacramento-based health plan. In this role, Soe-McKeeman is responsible for the Legal, Compliance and Privacy and Information Security programs of the company.
Soe-McKeeman began her state service career working on health care reform efforts spurred on by the Affordable Care Act. After leaving state service, she took on leadership roles at the California Association of Health Plans. Subsequently, Soe-McKeeman practiced health care law at a boutique firm, providing counsel to payor clients.
She also brings experience as state compliance officer for a behavioral health organization.
Soe-McKeeman obtained her JD from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. In addition to her law degree, she holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Global Studies and History from UCLA and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Since graduation from McGeorge, Soe-McKeeman has continued to stay engaged within the Pacific community, including teaching an Introduction to Law and Public Policy course in the MPA/MPP program.
Managing Attorney & Founder, Law Office of Charles Tolliver
Charles J. Tolliver ’10 is the managing partner at the Law Office of Charles Tolliver, where he brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished academic background to his practice.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from UC Santa Cruz, followed by a Master of Arts from SUNY Albany, and a Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law. Currently, he is pursuing an LLM in Taxation at the University of Baltimore.
Managing Attorney, Sacramento Office Kaufman Legal Group APC
Gary Winuk ‘97 manages the firm’s Sacramento office. Gary’s practice is focused on providing campaign, election and governmental ethics advice to government agencies, elected officials, ballot measure campaigns, candidates, nonprofits and other political entities. A seasoned litigator, Gary was selected for the Best Lawyers in America by his peers in 2024, and has been named a Top Litigator by the Los Angeles Business Journal. He is a recognized expert in the field and gives frequent lectures and media commentary on these issues.
Before entering private law practice, Gary was the Chief of the Enforcement Division at the Fair Political Practices Commission from 2009-2015. The Enforcement Division prosecutes political ethics violations across State and local government, targeting campaign finance, conflict of interest, and money laundering violations, among others. Gary prosecuted numerous major cases at the FPPC and was named one of the California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year by California Lawyer Magazine in 2013. He also was the lead on communications, press, legislation and policy issues for the FPPC during his time there.
Prior to working at the FPPC, Gary was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger as the Chief Deputy Director and General Counsel of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (OHS). OHS was responsible for the coordination of all State homeland security efforts. He was responsible for the day-to-day management of the Office and its $350 million budget and 160 person staff.
Prior to serving at OHS, Gary was a Special Assistant to the Cabinet Secretary for Homeland Security Issues in the Office of Governor Gray Davis. He also was appointed by Governor Davis to serve as a Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning. He has worked as a Deputy District Attorney in San Joaquin County and as a Legislative Aide in the California State Assembly.
Gary holds a BA in Political Science from Rutgers University and a JD, with distinction, from the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. He also completed the Executive Crisis Management course at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Additionally, he served on the Elk Grove Planning Commission, including a term as Chair, and has served as a member of the Adjunct Faculty at McGeorge School of Law.
Gary served for 13 years in the California Air and Army National Guard, serving in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and Global War on Terror Service Medal, among others.
Administrative Law Judge, Office of Administrative Hearings
The Hon. Claire Yazigi '04 is an Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Administrative Hearings, Special Education Division. Prior to that, Yazigi was senior staff counsel at the Department of Consumer Affairs, representing several state licensing agencies. Before entering administrative law, Yazigi practiced family and probate law.
Yazigi was one of McGeorge’s inaugural 10 Anthony M. Kennedy Fellows in 2001-2002. One of her fondest law school memories is when she and the other Kennedy scholarship recipients traveled to Washington DC and met with Justice Kennedy in chambers.
Yazigi earned her undergraduate degree in American Studies from the University of California, Davis, and is a native Sacramentan.
As an Alumni Board member, Yazigi looks forward to facilitating a positive experience for McGeorge students while in law school as well as McGeorge alumni while job seeking.
