Eight University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law students are participating in a unique project this academic year for which they have received a $5,100 stipend to review conservatorship case files across California, contributing to a state-mandated study on probate conservatorship effectiveness. The project was undertaken under the auspices of McGeorge’s Elder & Health Law Clinic.

The Elder and Health Law Clinic provides students with essential hands-on experience in civil law, preparing them to tackle complex legal issues involving vulnerable populations As part of their clinical work, students gain practical skills in interviewing, counseling, case management, and legal research.

The conservatorship case review project, stemming from Assembly Bills 1195 and 1756, assesses the effectiveness of probate conservatorship in protecting the rights of conservatees. Students are reviewing approximately 260 cases each — working both in person and remotely — and will complete the project by fall 2025. This opportunity allows students to contribute meaningfully to the field of Elder and Health Law, while gaining valuable experience working with courts, advocates, and policymakers.

“I have really enjoyed being able to help those who need assistance. It has been meaningful to understand real issues that people have to deal with and figure out ways I can help them,” Zach Byrne ’25 said. “Whether this is in gaining knowledge in ensuring people keep their rights via conservatorships, or letting them know they still have personal autonomy, I enjoy making sure people retain their rights and understand the process in which it takes.”

Under the attorney supervision of Senior Staff Attorney and Adjunct Professor Lacey Mickleburgh and Clinical Professor Melissa Brown, students will review conservatorship case files from eight courts across California of different sizes and locales. The students are responsible for collecting data on these cases and the research will help inform future legislative recommendations on conservatorship practices.

“This project highlights the dual purpose of our work in the Elder & Health Law Clinic, which is to provide educational opportunities for our students and provide critical assistance for vulnerable populations. Conservatees deserve autonomy, care, and certainty that all statutory requirements are met during a potential conservatorship case. Our students have the opportunity to investigate previous conservatorship matters and their research will help inform the future of conservatorships across the state. It is a very unique opportunity for our students to be able to learn a tremendous amount about a growing field of law,” Mickleburgh said.

For some students, the clinic experience has shaped not only their skills but also their career goals.

“The time that I have spent working with Lacey Mickleburgh and Melissa Brown in the Elder & Health Law Clinic has inspired me to pursue Elder Law after graduation,” Bryne said.

In addition to the Elder and Health Law Clinic, McGeorge operates six other legal clinics in Sacramento, including the Bankruptcy Clinic, Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic, Federal Defender Clinic, Immigration Law Clinic, Legislative and Public Policy Clinic, and Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic.