University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law is ranked No. 1 in the nation for government law for the second consecutive year, tied with New York Law School and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in an annual report from National Jurist Magazine.

“Earning the No. 1 ranking in Government Law is an incredible achievement for McGeorge,” said Professor Erin O’Neal, director of the Capital Center for Law & Policy. “It highlights our commitment to giving students meaningful opportunities to engage in policymaking through expert faculty instruction, hands-on experience in our Legislative and Public Policy Clinic and opportunities for engagement with our unparalleled alumni network in the Capital arena.”

McGeorge School of Law is located three miles from the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento. The school is home to the Capital Center for Law & Policy, Capital Lawyering Certificate of Concentration and a one-of-a-kind Legislative and Public Policy Clinic. 

“We are incredibly proud to be ranked No. 1 in Government Law once again,” said Michael Colatrella, dean of the law school. “This recognition reflects the excellence of our faculty and the lasting impact of our alumni, who continue to lead and shape public policy at the highest levels.”

The Legislative and Public Policy Clinic, directed by alumnus Aaron Brieno ’14, provides practical skills experience in researching, drafting and pursuing adoption of California state legislative and public policy changes. Students interact with client sponsors, elected and appointed officials in state government and their staff, lobbyists and public affairs professionals, often working to develop coalitions in support of a legislative proposal.

Since the clinic began in 2013, students have worked on 15 bills that later became law. Most recently, McGeorge students helped shape a bill passed in 2025 that makes law school externships more accessible. Starting Aug. 1, California law students can get paid and earn academic credit for their externship work.

“Students value the law school’s strength in government law because it offers a direct connection between legal education and real-world impact. The No.1 ranking was a huge deciding factor for me,” said Alexandria Tolman ’27. “I’m getting the Capital Lawyering Concentration, and as president of the Capital Lawyering Association, I’ve organized events with city council members, state assembly members, the attorney general and attorneys in this field. These opportunities have not only shaped my experience at McGeorge but create meaningful access for other students to engage directly with policymakers and practicing attorneys.”

Through the support of the Capital Center Alumni Board, students gain access to valuable job opportunities, internships and professional networking connections. McGeorge graduates are represented at every level of government and in legislative advocacy throughout California’s capital.

Alumni continue to demonstrate the impact of a McGeorge education in public leadership. Recent speakers on campus have included Tia Boatman Patterson '94, associate director of housing, treasury and commerce for the Joseph Biden administration; Nathan Barankin ’06, chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom; Ann Patterson ’03, former cabinet secretary to Gov. Newsom; California State Senator Angelique Ashby ’03; California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani ’95; and Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan ’00. Last month, Attorney General of California Rob Bonta spoke to McGeorge students about public service.

More than 90% of graduates from the Capital Lawyering Concentration have obtained employment within one year of graduation in the last seven years.

“I chose McGeorge for its connection to the Capitol and the amazing Legislative and Public Policy Clinic,” said Emy Quevedo ’26. “Through the Capital Lawyering Concentration, I helped draft the Equal Pay Enforcement Bill. Working as a team, building relationships in and outside the Capitol—McGeorge truly prepares us to be advocates.”  

McGeorge offers degrees with concentrations in government law for the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy and Master of Science in Law programs. These concentrations are designed to prepare students for careers in public service, policy and government.