University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is welcoming two new faculty members this spring. These professors bring a wide range of expertise in advocacy, policy, elder law and health law that will further strengthen McGeorge’s programs and support students in preparing to be practice-ready lawyers.

“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding faculty members to McGeorge,” said Dean Michael Colatrella. “Their expertise will provide our students with invaluable, real-world perspectives.” 

Lacey Mickleburgh has been appointed as the supervisor of the Elder and Health Law Clinic and a Clinical Professor of Law. Mickleburgh will teach a class on the Elder and Health Law Clinic.

"I am thrilled and deeply honored to lead the Elder and Health Law Clinic at McGeorge. This work sits at the intersection of two things I care about most — training the next generation of compassionate advocates and serving vulnerable older adults in our community,” Mickleburgh said.

Mickleburgh joined the McGeorge School of Law community in 2017 as a Clinical Legal Fellow. Throughout the past eight years, she has held a variety of positions in the legal clinics, including staff attorney, senior staff attorney and interim director of the Elder and Health Law Clinic. Prior to working at McGeorge, Mickleburgh worked in law in Portland, Oregon and practiced in Granite Bay, California.

In addition to her teaching workload, Mickleburgh has served as of counsel at McLaughlin Dixon, LLP in Sacramento since 2022.

She has a forthcoming publication, “Home is Where the Heart is: Protecting Older Adults from Financial Abuse in the Place they Love,” which will be published in the Stetson Law Journal on Aging in May.

Mickleburgh earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon and a JD degree from Whittier Law School. 

J. Brandon Philips joins the McGeorge faculty as an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration and the Director of the Public Policy Programs, bringing national recognition as a scholar and teacher in law and public policy. Philips will teach classes on public sector leadership, organizational behavior, and nonprofit management. He will join the faculty in May 2026.

“I am very excited to start my journey at McGeorge. The placement of the public administration and policy programs in a law school has so much potential for innovative collaborations that benefit students. I look forward to meeting students and listening to ideas that continue the creativity and success of the school,” Philips said.

Previously, he served as the Master’s of Public Administration Program Graduate Coordinator at California State University East Bay. He has taught courses on public affairs and administration at California State University East Bay and the University of South Florida. He has also taught at institutions based in Texas, including the University of Texas, Arlington, Tarleton State University and Tarrant County Community College

In addition to his academic service, Philips has served as the owner and CEO of Philips Grant and Administrative Consultants LLC since 2022.

In 2024, Philips has published an article, “Hood Academics and the Strength of Street Knowledge: The Role of Educators from Marginalized Backgrounds in Nonprofit Education,” in the Journal of Public Affairs Education and a chapter, “Latino Critical and Critical Race Theory as Drivers of Social Innovation: Fighting HIV/AIDS in the Texas Latino Community,” in the Handbook of Critical Perspectives on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action.

Philips earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of North Texas, a master’s of public administration from the University of Texas, Arlington, and a PhD from the University of Texas, Arlington.