Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is celebrating members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. These posts are part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.
As we continue publishing stories, we invite you to follow along and explore the stories of exceptional McGeorge alumni. The page features McGeorge alumni who have emerged as formidable forces in their respective industries, making significant impacts on their communities and even extending their influence to the government level. McGeorge alumni pave the way for the next generation of law professionals, with their stellar career histories, continued dedication for justice, and status as leading experts in their fields.
Highlighted Alumni
Mark Amodei, ‘83
Mark Amodei, ‘83, has been the U.S. Representative for Nevada's Second Congressional District since 2011 and serves as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee in the House Appropriations Committee. He has a background in law, serving with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps and in the Nevada Assembly and State Senate before his time in Congress. Amodei is involved in various caucuses in Congress.
Katharine Baragona, JD '90
Katharine Baragona, ‘90, has built an impressive career as a finance executive and lawyer. She has over 35 years of global experience. Currently, she serves as a senior infrastructure finance specialist at the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. She also served as the chair of McGeorge's International Board of Advisors for several years.
Eric Barnum, ‘94
Eric Barnum, ‘94, was the founding president of the McGeorge Black Alumni Association and the first chair of the McGeorge Alumni Diversity Board. In 2021, he founded the Eric and Daisy Barnum Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to McGeorge students from historically underrepresented communities. Barnum is a partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP in Atlanta, Georgia. He has garnered a plethora of recognitions, including Chambers USA, the Legal 500 United States, the Best Lawyers in America, and Minority Corporate Counsel Association Outstanding Outside Counsel.
Michael Belote, ‘87
Michael Belote, ‘87, has over 40 years of experience as a lobbyist in California, including 10 years as President of California Advocates, Inc. Capitol Weekly named him one of the Top 100 in California politics many times, and he was named the recipient of the annual President’s Award by the California Judges Association twice. Belote has supported McGeorge’s Public Legal Services Society by volunteering at their yearly fundraising auction, donating financially, and encouraging others to match his gifts.
Michael Bernstein, '85
Michael Bernstein, '85, is a highly regarded executive with decades of experience in the healthcare sector. Most recently, he served as an operating partner at Arsenal Capital Partners, which is a private equity firm with a focus on industrial and healthcare investments. Bernstein has held senior leadership roles in the healthcare sector, including as Regional Vice President, Executive Vice President, and CEO of several organizations.
Tia Boatman Patterson, ‘94
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Tia Boatman Patterson, ‘94, is recognized nationally as a policy expert in affordable housing, community development, small business, and economic development. She served as a special assistant to four Speakers of the California State Assembly and in the Executive Office of the U.S. President’s Office of Management & Budget.
Scott Boras, ‘82
Scott Boras, ‘82, was named as the most powerful sports agent in the world for the eighth time by Forbes Magazine in 2022. Boras is the founder, owner, and president of the Boras Corporation, a sports agency in Newport Beach, CA. Boras Corporation is the most valuable baseball (only) agency in the country, with 106 clients and more than $3.8 billion in active playing contracts.
The Hon. Michael G. Bowman, 88
Judge Michael G. Bowman, ’88, was honored as the Judge of the Year at the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Bench Bar Reception in April. Judge Bowman started his legal career as a deputy district attorney and ran a private criminal defense firm for over 20 years. Judge Bowman has served on the Superior Court of Sacramento County in California since 2013.
Robert “Bob” Buccola, ‘83
Robert “Bob” Buccola, ‘83, serves as the managing partner at Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP and practices personal injury litigation. Buccola’s accolades are numerous, ranging from Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards to recognition as a Top 100 Super Lawyer in Northern California. Notably, he is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, reflecting his expertise in the field. He is a supporter of McGeorge’s National Ethics Trial Competition and Homeless Advocacy Clinic.
Ruthe Catolico Ashley, '88
Ruthe Catolico Ashley, '88, is a prominent advocate for diversity in the legal profession. She chairs the California Legal Pathways Collaborative and previously chaired the State Bar's Diversity Pipeline Task Force. A former nurse and nursing professor, she became a lawyer at the age of 41. She’s held leadership roles in numerous organizations, chaired national committees, and earned several prestigious awards.
The Hon. Consuelo María Callahan, ‘75
The Hon. Consuelo María Callahan, ‘75, worked as a Deputy District Attorney for the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office after graduating from McGeorge School of Law, where she focused her practice on child abuse and sexual assault cases. In 1992, she became the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to the San Joaquin Superior Court. She now serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; nomination confirmed by a 99-0 vote by the Senate in 2003. Judge Callahan remains actively involved with the law school through speaking engagements, service, and her role on the University’s Board of Regents.
John Doolittle, ‘78
John Doolittle, ‘78, served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1991 to 2009. He retired from Congress and became a registered federal lobbyist in 2010. In this role as a lobbyist, he specializes in representation before Congress and agencies of the federal government.
Mark Drobny, '80, ‘81
Mark S. Drobny ('80 and ‘81) has over four decades of distinguished private practice. He founded Drobny Law Offices in 1989, where he helps clients address estate planning and probate legal issues. He has had an esteemed tenure as a Judge Pro Tem in the Sacramento Superior Court's Probate division spanning two decades.
The Hon. Jack Duran, ‘02
The Hon. Jack Duran, ‘02, currently serves as a Chief Judge for Indian tribes in California, Nevada, and South Dakota, in addition to maintaining a thriving law practice. In 2021, Duran was named as the Chief Justice of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Supreme Court in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Duran is a member of the McGeorge School of Law Diversity Alumni Board and has served as a mentor to many law students and newly licensed attorneys.
Robert Eglet, ‘88
Robert T. Eglet, '88, heads the trial team at the Law Office of Eglet Adams Eglet Ham Henriod and is the lead trial counsel on all major cases. His notable achievements include securing a $800 million settlement for victims of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting and more than $1.1 billion in opioid-related settlements for the state of Nevada.
Eglet and his wife and law partner, Tracy A. Eglet, made a historic gift to McGeorge School of Law in 2021. The $25 million gift supports scholarships for first-generation students and Students of Color, as well as the law school’s advocacy center.
Mara Elliott, ‘94
Mara Elliott, ‘94, is the first woman, mother, and Latina to be elected San Diego City Attorney and will complete her second term in December 2024. She is a national leader in preventing gun violence and a staunch protector of victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Elliott has also been a fierce advocate for California’s workforce, initiating lawsuits against the gig industry to ensure misclassified workers received the pay they were owed under the law.
The Hon. Morrison England, '77 and ‘83
The Hon. Morrison England ('77, ‘83) has more than 20 years of experience serving as a judge. He was nominated by President Bush in 2002, and today is a Senior United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California. Judge England has dedicated years serving on committees for the United States, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Eastern District of California, such as the IT Advisory Council and the State-Federal Judicial Council.
Noël Ferris, ‘79
Noël Ferris, ‘79, was the first lawyer in Sacramento to be inducted into the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers, subsequently serving as its president. She championed young women lawyers and advocated for their advancement on a consistent basis. The on-campus courtroom was named as the Noël M. Ferris Courthouse in 2017 and is utilized daily by McGeorge students.
Dana Fox, '85
Dana Fox, '85, is a highly respected trial attorney and partner at Lewis Brisbois’ Los Angeles office, where he co-chairs the firm’s General Liability practice and the Civil Rights Police Litigation Defense Task Force. He has earned a national reputation as a “go-to” attorney for high-profile, high-exposure cases, including catastrophic accidents, wrongful death, police use of force, and premises liability.
Ron Freitas, ‘88
Ron Freitas, ’88, is a career prosecutor and the current District Attorney of San Joaquin County. He is the founder of the San Joaquin County Homicide Task Force, Evidence Task Force, and the Grand Jury Task Force. Freitas has been published by the Pacific Law Journal, the California District Attorney’s Association, and the National District Attorney’s Association, and is a Chapter Author for the California Continuing Education of the Bar, Criminal Sentencing Enhancements manual.
Anna Frostic, ‘07
Anna Frostic, ‘07, is the Senior Vice President of Programs and Policy for the Humane Society International, overseeing all of Asian global programs and policy work. Frostic has many professional accomplishments, including eliminating a loophole in the federal law that allowed chimpanzees to continue to be subjected to invasive biomedical research.
Justice John M. Gerrard, ‘81
Justice John M. Gerrard, ‘81, became the youngest serving member of the Nebraska Supreme Court in 1995 at 41. He served for 16.5 years on Nebraska’s high court. In May 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Gerrard for a United States District Court judgeship. He was Chief Judge of the District of Nebraska from 2018-2021. Judge Gerrard took senior status in Feb. 2023 and continues to carry a full case load for the District of Nebraska.
The Hon. James Hardesty (Ret.), ‘75
The Hon. James Hardesty, ’75, served as Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court for four years and was on the Supreme Court from 2004 until he retired in 2023. In 2014, he led the Nevada Supreme Court’s educational effort to amend the Nevada Constitution to create a Court of Appeals, which the voters approved in the November election. Nevada’s Court of Appeals commenced on January 5, 2015.
Dr. Gordian Hasselblatt, LLM ‘95
Dr. Gordian Hasselblatt, LLM ‘95, is a partner at CMS Hasche Sigle in Cologne, Germany. He has many years of experience and comprehensive expertise in intellectual property law. Hasselblatt is highly respected for his deep knowledge in international trademark and design law, unfair competition law, press law, and cross-border litigation.
Jose Hermocillo, ‘83
Jose Hermocillo, ‘83, has been at the center of dozens of high-profile ballot measure campaigns and legislative and regulatory debates on issues ranging from workers’ compensation to natural resources and taxation. He has been recognized as “Public Affairs Executive of the Year” and one of the most influential people in the region by Sacramento Magazine.
Thomas W. Hiltachk, ’87
Thomas Hiltachk, ’87, has served as legal counsel and treasurer to numerous statewide and local committees, lobbyists, candidates, and officeholders. Hiltachk served as legal counsel for the campaign behind the Three Strikes Law and was also a legal counsel for the campaign to recall Gov. Gray Davis. Hiltachk has previously served as general counsel to the California Republican Party and lead counsel for former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Thien Ho, ‘98
Thien Ho, ‘98, is the District Attorney of Sacramento County. Over Ho’s 23-year career as an attorney, he successfully prosecuted sexual assault, gang, and homicide cases. Most notably, he successfully prosecuted the Golden State Killer. He also helped to build a nationally ranked trial advocacy program at McGeorge, winning multiple regional and national mock trial competitions.
Justice Andrea Hoch, ’84
Justice Andrea L. Hoch, ‘84, has served on the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District since 2011. Previously, she was in the California Governor's Office as the Legal Affairs Secretary from 2005 to 2011, where she advised on critical legal issues and shaped litigation strategies. Hoch served on the University of the Pacific’s Board of Regents from 2015-2024.
Mikayil Jabbarov, ‘98
Mikayil Jabbarov, ‘98, has served as the Minister of Economy in Azerbaijan since 2019. Before this role, he was the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Education, and Minister of Taxes. He put forward several initiatives to turn Icherisheher into a center for domestic and foreign tourism, including the restoration of the Maiden Tower, a UNESCO-listed Cultural Heritage site.
Karen Jacobsen, ‘83, '86
Karen Jacobsen, ‘83, '86, has built a successful legal career over 30 years, specializing in complex cases such as personal injury and construction defects. Jacobsen is a partner at Jacobsen & McElroy, which she co-founded in 1998. Jacobsen has served as president of several legal associations as well as a settlement conference judge, arbitrator, and mediator for several California courts.
Douglas Johnson, ‘00
Douglas L. Johnson, ’00, is an internationally recognized entertainment lawyer known for handling high-profile litigation for industry talent, including producers, actors, directors, writers, and musicians. Johnson has been ranked among the top 2.5 percent of litigators in Southern California. He co-founded Johnson & Johnson, LLP Law Firm in Beverly Hills.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (Ret.)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (Ret.), a foundational figure at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, had a profound impact on the institution for over five decades. He taught Constitutional Law and Comparative Free Speech, influencing generations of law students and contributing significantly to the school's Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program.
In 1965, he joined the faculty at McGeorge School of Law, where he taught as a Professor of Law for over 54 years. He is the longest-serving faculty member in McGeorge’s history.
Nora Klug, ‘01
Nora Klug, LLM ’01, serves as Group General Counsel for Bosch Global in Germany. Klug leads the legal department of a global company that ranks No. 95 on the Fortune Global 500 and employs nearly 400,000 people. Before her current role, she was General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of the global legal and compliance sector at BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich, Germany for over 7 years. Klug earned her LLM from McGeorge in Transnational Business Practice in 2001.
Matina Kolokotronis, ‘89
Matina Kolokotronis, ‘89, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Sacramento Kings and is the only woman in the NBA to have held the titles of COO and President of Business Operations. Kolokotronis’ leadership was essential to the development of the award-winning Golden 1 Center and its adjacent, $500 million development project, Downtown Commons. Her professional background includes sports and government law, community affairs, and contract negotiations.
The Hon. Barbara Kronlund, ‘89
The Hon. Barbara Kronlund, ’89, made history as the first South Asian American female judge in California on both the state and federal benches, and was appointed to the Superior Court of San Joaquin County in 2005. Throughout her tenure, Judge Kronlund has served in various capacities, including presiding over the Juvenile Court and assuming roles as a supervising civil judge and court commissioner.
The Hon. Margaret Kuroda Masunaga, '87
The Hon. Margaret Kuroda Masunaga, '87, grew up in Sacramento, California, and graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School, near McGeorge School of Law. She has served on the McGeorge Alumni Association Board since 2023. When she was a student at McGeorge, she was President of the Asian American Law Students Association, as well as Minority Representative on the admissions committee. Judge Masunaga had a lengthy career of public service in Hawaii in various capacities before serving on the bench for six years.
Kristine Kwong, ‘92
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Kristine Kwong, ‘92, has trained over 1,000 government agencies and college districts. Kwong has litigated cases in both federal and state courts throughout California involving labor, student issues, and operational compliance. She represented clients within the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Public Employment Relations Board and the National Labor Relations Board. Her knowledge and leadership resulted in community recognition as a minority leader of influence.
R. Marilyn Lee, JD '77
R. Marilyn Lee, 77, had a distinguished career spanning law, media, and community service. She was the first woman to become vice president of the Los Angeles Times. Lee has been deeply involved in her alma mater institutions and various non-profit organizations, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the California State Summer School for the Arts, throughout her career.
Capt. Michael Lilly, '74
Capt. Michael Lilly, '74, had a distinguished career as Hawaii’s Attorney General and as a successful trial attorney for 45 years. Capt. Lilly was licensed in Hawaii and California, appeared twice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and specialized in commercial, wrongful termination, and personal injury litigation. He also served as surface warfare Navy Captain for 30 years.
Darrin Lim, ‘04
Darrin Lim, ’04, is the co-founder and partner of Politicom Law LLP, an innovative and leading political compliance law firm. Lim supports some of the largest corporations throughout the U.S. to efficiently navigate the patchwork of campaign finance, lobby disclosure, and ethics laws. In addition, Lim is very active with the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws and is a passionate supporter of McGeorge School of Law. Lim is a founding member of the McGeorge Diversity Alumni Board.
Bill Lockyer, ‘86
The political journey of Bill Lockyer, ‘86, began in 1973 with a seat in the California State Assembly. Over the next 25 years, he served in both the Assembly and Senate, culminating in his role as President Pro Tempore, the highest position in the California State Senate. He served as the Attorney General of California from 1999-2007 and as the California State Treasurer from 2007-2015.
Timothy Long, ‘88
Timothy Long, ‘88, is the co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Sacramento office. He is a renowned expert in labor and employment law. Long has experience litigating complex labor and employment issues, having served as lead counsel in multiple classes, collective, and representative actions and advising on dozens more.
Joel Loquvam, ’86, and Gael Mueller, ’85
Joel Loquvam, ’86, & Gael Mueller, ’85, founded the Lambda Law Students Association at McGeorge School of Law in 1982, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Mueller now champions justice as a criminal defense lawyer and adjunct law professor. Loquvam, instrumental in implementing non-discrimination policies at McGeorge and in Sacramento, has a career in employment discrimination and estate planning. Their efforts created a lasting, inclusive impact on the McGeorge community.
Douglas Love, ‘95
Douglas Love, ‘95, joined Annexon Biosciences as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2018 with extensive business and legal leadership experience in biotech. He has previously served as Head of Operations for Elan Pharmaceuticals. There, Love led the Tysabri multiple sclerosis franchise, helping to propel it to nearly $2 billion in annual sales. He also led Elan’s Alzheimer’s Immunotherapy Program, which was licensed to Johnson & Johnson for $1 billion plus milestones and royalties.
Tre Lovell, ‘92
Tre Lovell, ‘92, is a highly respected litigator who has earned national recognition for exceptional achievements in the legal field. With over 20 years of experience, his extensive practice includes business law, entertainment, intellectual property, corporate law, employment law, and general civil litigation.
Pat Lundvall, ‘89
Pat Lundvall, ‘89, a partner at McDonald Carano LLP in Nevada, where she chairs the firm’s statewide Commercial & Complex Litigation Practice Group. Her success in Fremont Emergency Services vs. UnitedHealth Group is recognized as the largest in Nevada and the largest in Contract Law in ALM’s Top 25 Verdicts report covering the 13-state western U.S. region in 2021.
The Hon. Dana Makoto Sabraw, ‘85
The Hon. Dana Makoto Sabraw, ‘85, is the chief district judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Judge Sabraw was 37 years old when he was first appointed to the bench. Judge Sabraw is a member of the U.S. Judicial Conference Committee on the Judicial Branch and has been active in several professional organizations. In addition, he has received numerous awards from the community and bar associations.
The Hon. Craig Manson, ‘81
The Hon. Craig Manson, ’87, made history as the first Black editor-in-chief of the University of the Pacific Law Review. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles such as an attorney at Downey Brand LLP, general counsel for the California Department of Fish and Game, assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks at the U.S. Department of the Interior, a senior policy advisor, and many more.
Katherine Martin, ‘87
Katherine Martin, ‘87, serves as the chair of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati’s board of directors and a partner in the firm’s Palo Alto office, where she practices corporate and securities law. Martin led the team at her firm that advised Twitter, Inc. on a $44 billion acquisition in 2022 by Elon Musk.
Steve Martini, ‘74
Steve Martini, ‘74, is a New York Times bestselling author. He wrote a 17-book series called Paul Madriani. He came to Sacramento in July 1970 from Los Angeles as the Capitol correspondent and bureau chief for the Los Angeles Daily Journal. Martini wrote news, practiced law, worked for the state government, and lobbied in and around Sacramento for 22 years, between 1970 and 1992.
Iván Morales, JD '96 and LLM '97
Iván Morales (JD '96 and LLM '97) has leveraged his education to advance in prominent legal roles, including positions at Shearman & Sterling, Linklaters, and as Head of Legal Services and Government Relations for Latin America at Visa International. He is the founder and managing director of iCorporate Consulting, LLC and general counsel at Signaplex. Morales continues to make significant contributions to the legal field while remaining actively connected to his alma mater.
Ann Morgan, ‘79
Ann Morgan, ‘79, has decades of service on various bar associations, including serving as president of the State Bar of Nevada. Morgan is recognized as one of the pioneering women attorneys in Nevada and specializes in employment and labor law, aviation law, and general business law matters. She is the director at Fennemore, an Am Law 200 business law firm.
Jessie Morris, Jr., JD ‘78
Jessie Morris, Jr., ‘78, has served as a public defender for over 40 years, with a focus on criminal defense. In 2021, Morris was honored with the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Attorney of the Year award — an achievement marking the first time the award has been bestowed upon a public defender.
Carrie Nocella, '02
Carrie Nocella, '02, has demonstrated remarkable leadership as Director of External Affairs at Disneyland Resort, orchestrating the successful reopening of the park after a 412-day closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating closely with government officials and industry partners, Nocella ensured the safe return of the beloved theme park.
George Ogilvie III, ‘88
George F. Ogilvie III, ‘88, has over three decades of leadership in his law firm, where he has handled complex construction litigation cases and demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. Currently, he serves as the managing partner of McDonald Carano LLP where he leads the firm’s offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City.
Lance H. Olson, ‘77
Lance H. Olson, ’77, has advised scores of elected and public officials, including Speakers of the Assembly and Presidents Pro Tem of the Senate. He has provided legal advice to the California Democratic Party since 1982 and has played a major part in the drafting and passage of many of California’s major laws. Olson also serves as counsel to many of California’s foremost labor unions, several large trade associations, several major environmental organizations, and many of California’s leading tech entrepreneurs.
Emmanuel “Mickey” Ortega, LLM ‘20
Emmanuel “Mickey” Ortega, LLM ’20, is a passionate advocate for global citizenship who has made a significant impact in the Philippines and beyond. Ortega serves as the president of the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City, Philippines.
Analea Patterson, ‘03
Analea Patterson, ‘03, is the secretary of cabinet affairs for California Gov. Gavin Newsom and manages the state government for the fourth largest economy in the world. Patterson has served in all three branches of government and in private law practice. While working in private practice, Patterson led her firm’s national pro bono legal and legislative collaborative project with nonprofit entities to close legal loopholes that prevented full prosecution and denied justice to victims of sexual extortion.
The Hon. Raul Ramirez, ‘70 (Ret.)
The Hon. Raul Ramirez, ‘70, was the first Hispanic appointed to the Federal District Court in California and the youngest judge appointed to both the Sacramento Municipal Court and the Federal District Court. He specializes in resolving legal disputes, focusing on employment claims, civil rights disputes, personal injury, and complex business disputes.
The Hon. Johnnie Rawlinson, ‘79
The Hon. Johnnie Blakeney Rawlinson, ’79, was the first woman and the first Person of Color to serve on the Federal District Court in Nevada. In addition, Judge Rawlinson was also the first African-American woman to sit on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Rawlinson is a member of the Federal Judges Association, State Bar of Nevada, California State Bar, National Bar Association, American Bar Association, American Law Institute, and Duke University Board of Visitors.
Jessie Rivera, JD ‘78
Jesse Rivera, ’78, has exemplified dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to justice throughout his career. Rivera has tried over 100 jury trials, including civil rights cases and attorney malfeasance claims, and argued before appellate courts. He is now a named partner at the minority-owned law firm Rivera Hewitt Paul LLP, championing diversity in the legal profession.
Justice Ronald Robie, ‘67
Justice Ronald Robie, ‘67, serves as an associate justice on the Third District of the California Courts of Appeal. He has had a distinguished career spanning roles at the Sacramento County Municipal Court and the Sacramento County Superior Court. He has hired over 100 law clerks from McGeorge School of Law.
Brian Schall, ‘11
Brian Schall, ‘11, founded the Schall Law Firm, which focuses on putting clients first and achieving the maximum recovery possible. Since 2016, the firm has helped secure nearly half a billion dollars for investors who have been harmed by securities fraud and corporate malfeasance.
Bruce Scheidt, ‘91
Bruce Scheidt, ‘91, is a skilled litigator who represents both private and public clients in federal and state courts, handling cases at the trial and appellate levels as well as in arbitration proceedings. Scheidt is the manager of Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard’s labor and employment practice group.
Justice Arthur Scotland, ‘74
The legal career of the Hon. Arthur Scotland, ‘74, spanned over four decades, including 23 years on the bench. During this time, he received numerous honors for his commitment to justice, civility, diversity, and inclusion. He was appointed a Judge of the Sacramento County Superior Court in 1987 and an Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, in 1989, then Presiding Justice of the court in 1998. As Presiding Justice, he started an award-winning outreach program holding oral arguments before students in high schools within the court’s jurisdiction.
Nancy Sheehan, ‘83
The late Nancy Sheehan, ‘83, had a distinguished 34-year career as a civil rights and employment law litigator at Porter Scott, where she made history as the first female partner. After she passed away in 2019, the Sacramento County Bar Association established the “Nancy Sheehan Distinguished Attorney of the Year Award” in her honor.
Mark Slaughter, ‘02
Mark Slaughter, ‘02, has dedicated over 20 years to the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office and has handled cases ranging from traffic infractions to homicides. Slaughter is the supervising attorney of the Juvenile Division of the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office. He has worked with Juvenile Justice Partners to develop a Juvenile Trauma Response court to support youth who have experienced significant trauma and find themselves in the juvenile system.
Summer Stephan, ‘86
Summer Stephan, ‘86, has served as the San Diego County District Attorney since 2018. As District Attorney, she leads the second-largest DA’s Office in California, and the fifth-largest in the United States, managing a professional staff of 1,000 employees, serving as the People’s Prosecutor for San Diego County and its more than three million residents.
Vida Thomas, ‘93
Vida Thomas, '93, has been practicing law for over two decades. In that time, she has conducted over 200 workplace investigations and serves as an expert witness in state and federal employment lawsuits and mediates litigation and non-litigation matters. She is currently the managing partner of Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP. Additionally, she serves on McGeorge School of Law’s Diversity Alumni Board and regularly speaks to law students about topics related to diversity.
Brian Tippens, ‘00
Brian Tippens, ‘00, is the Senior Vice President and Chief Social Impact Officer at Cisco. He leads the company’s work in social justice, accessibility, and community impact. Previously, Tippens served as the Chief Diversity Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and President of the HPE Foundation.
Serge Tomassian, JD ‘83
Serge Tomassian, ‘83, is a founding partner of Tomassian, Throckmorton & Inouye LLP and a prominent member of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). His leadership roles include serving on the OCBA Board of Directors and chairing multiple OCBA committees. He chairs the World Affairs Council of Orange County, which he has been involved with for more than 30 years.
The Hon. Michelle Tong, ‘01
The Hon. Michelle Tong, ‘01, is a judge for the San Francisco Superior Court. Prior to this, she dedicated 17 years to the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, focused on social justice causes. After working in San Francisco serving low-income Asian immigrants for several years, Judge Tong attended McGeorge and was active in the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, and Minority Students Bar Association.
Pamela Tondreau, ‘87
Pamela Tondreau, ‘87, is the executive vice president and chief legal officer at Onsemi and has extensive experience in business compliance, antitrust, M&A, and patent portfolio management. Tondreau was formerly the chief legal officer for Cypress Semiconductor Corporation and spent 13 years at Hewlett-Packard. She is a strong advocate for diversity in the workplace, a believer in mentorship programs, and actively works to build the next generation of leaders.
Sue Ann Van Dermyden, '93
Sue Ann Van Dermyden, '93, is a founding partner of Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation and has been an employment attorney since 1993. She specializes in workplace and Title IX investigations. Van Dermyden serves as an adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law, sits on the McGeorge Alumni Association Board of Directors, and has been an active member of the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court's Executive Committee since 2022.
Dr. Margaret Vick, ‘83 and ‘10
Dr. Margaret Vick (‘83, ‘10) recently retired after more than 30 years of experience working with and advising Native American tribes and tribal organizations in the Western United States. She has advised governments on complex cross-jurisdictional legal issues including transboundary water, resources, and environmental issues, tribal-state-federal regulations, and government operations.
Parker White, ‘80
Parker White, ‘80, is a personal injury attorney at the Sacramento-based firm of Brelsford Androvich & White. White remains dedicated to his alma mater, McGeorge School of Law, through his philanthropic endeavors. He established a trial skills professorship and scholarship, ensuring future generations of McGeorge students have the resources and support to excel in trial advocacy.
Dan Wilcoxen, ‘72
Dan Wilcoxen, ‘72, has represented injured plaintiffs since opening his own practice in 1979, after working at Rust & Armenis defense firm for seven years. He has obtained over 90 multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements throughout his career. Wilcoxen is highly respected in the legal community. He has served on various boards and received many awards for his contributions to the field of law.
Kim Wilford, ‘94
Kim Wilford, ‘94, serves as Chief Legal Counsel for the fundraising platform GoFundMe, Inc. She is responsible for contracts, data security and privacy matters, IP portfolio, litigation process, payments, and other risk management issues in the role. Wilford was recognized as one of the top 20 general counsels in the world by the Financial Times in 2021.
Michelle Wong, ‘03
Michelle Wong, ‘03, focuses her practice on estate planning, wealth preservation, and estate administration. A significant portion of Wong’s practice is tailored to addressing the complex needs and issues unique to professional athletes and coaches as they progress through various stages of their careers and beyond, including clients in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. In addition, Wong teaches Wills, Trusts, and Estates as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law.
Allan Zaremberg, ‘78
The late Allan Zaremberg, ’78, left a legacy as a leading voice in California’s business community. His leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to advocating for policies that provided certainty and stability for job creators, ensuring an environment conducive to investment and growth. His tenure as president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce spanned over two decades.
Administrative Law Judges
Fifteen McGeorge School of Law alumni are currently serving as administrative law judges across federal and state agencies. These alumni uphold fairness and impartiality in administrative hearings, presiding over disputes with responsibilities similar to judicial judges.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Presidents
Eleven former Alumni Association Board of Directors presidents are currently serving as distinguished partners within their respective firms, including James Anwyl, ‘77; Carl Blaine, ‘75; Erin Dunston, ‘99; Jeffrey Huron, ‘88; Samuel Jackson, ‘77; Thomas Knox, ‘76; Lauren Layne, ‘10; Jennifer Miller Moss, ‘77; Megan Moore, ’08; Stephen Wagner, ‘75; and Daniel Wilcoxen, ‘72.
Alumni at the Office of Legislative Counsel
McGeorge School of Law is proud of its strong presence within California’s Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC), with McGeorge 34 alumni currently working at the institution. The OLC has provided nonpartisan legal support to state officials since the 1970s.
Alumni in Academia
Many McGeorge School of Law alumni passionately contribute to legal education through teaching, scholarship, and mentorship, extending their influence to law schools in 8 states. 12 alumni serve as full-time faculty members, showcasing McGeorge's enduring commitment to excellence in legal education.
McGeorge alumni that serve as full-time faculty at law schools across the country include: Ed Telfeyan, ’75; Sharon K. Sandeen, ’85; Dr. Clay Calvert, ‘91; Kim Peterson, ’91; Tim Harris, ’96; Mike Mireles, ’98; Dr. Carlo Pedrioli, ’02; Lindsay Harrington, ’03; Shakira Pleasant, ‘04; Colleen Truden, LLM ’04; Antonia Miceli, ’06; and Dan Croxall, ’08.
Alumni in Corporate Leadership
Many McGeorge School of Law alumni who hold prominent positions in the corporate world, excelling in roles that involve managing operations, overseeing strategic initiatives, and shaping organizational identity. Notable alumni include the chief privacy officer at Roblox, the chief legal officer at GoFundMe, and general counsel at Virgin Hotels.
Appellate Judges
McGeorge School of Law has more than 400 alumni serving as judges and justices across the U.S., some of whom are appellate judges. The following alumni serve on the bench as appellate judges and justices: the Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan, ‘75; the Hon. Morrison C. England Jr., ‘77 and ‘83; Justice Andrea L. Hoch, ‘84; the Hon. Herbert I. Levy, ‘77; the Hon. Johnnie B. Rawlinson, ‘79; the Hon. Jonathan K. Renner, ‘96; Justice Ronald Robie, ‘67; the Hon. Dana Makoto Sabraw, ‘85; and Justice Arthur Scotland, ‘74.
City attorneys
McGeorge School of Law celebrates having six alumni fulfilling the role of city attorney in their communities. A city attorney acts as the chief legal advisor for a city, handling legal matters, ensuring compliance, and representing the city in legal issues.
Alumni that serve their communities as city attorneys include: Dean R. Derleth, ‘92; Mara W. Elliott, ‘94; Sarah Knecht, ‘88; Jonathan P. Hobbs, ’96; Michelle M. Sheidenberger, ‘97; and William A. Vaughn, ‘81.
Current and former deans of McGeorge School of Law
Since the origins of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1924, the school has evolved under the guidance of 10 visionary deans who each contributed to the school’s journey from a small local institution to a prominent law school.
Michael Hunter Schwartz is the current dean of McGeorge School of Law. Former deans of McGeorge School of Law include: Vern Adrian McGeorge, Russell Harris, Gilford Rowland, Lawrence Dowrety, John Swann, Gordon D. Schaber, Gerald Caplan, Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker, and Francis J. “Jay” Mootz.
District Attorneys
Thirteen McGeorge School of Law alumni are serving their communities as district attorneys, including two district attorneys in counties where the University of the Pacific houses a campus.
Alumni that serve their communities as district attorneys include: Krishna Abrams, ‘93; Stephanie Ward Bridgett, ‘01; Stacey Eads, ‘01; Ron Freitas, ‘88; Thien Ho, ‘98; Brian Kunzi, ‘83; Anne Langer, ‘86; Kevin Pasquale, ‘84; Todd Reibe, ‘90; Jeff Reisig, ‘96; Michael Ramsey, ‘77; Summer Stephan, ‘86; and Jesse Wilson, ‘11.
Trial Court Judges
There are over 400 McGeorge alumni serving as distinguished judges in various jurisdictions and more than 150 of them serve as trial judges. Trial judges play a critical role in the judicial system, presiding over trial courts where they manage legal proceedings and uphold the principles of fair justice.
