Alumni Success

Alex worked for Congressman Cal Dooley for four years before attending law school. During law school and upon graduation, he worked for Cal’s brother Dan Dooley at Dooley & Herr which ultimately became Dooley, Herr, Peltzer & Richardson. In 2013, Peltzer & Richardson was formed doing primarily legal work and strategic and policy planning for municipalities and public water agencies. The firm is the City Attorney for Visalia. Alex enjoyed the different personalities of the professors at SJCL and even taught Torts himself for a year. Alex said he went to law school to combine his public policy experience with legal expertise and that is exactly what he is doing.

As a Westside farmer, Gabriel had seen the impact of water law issues. He hoped to use a legal education to help farmers on those issues. In law school, he completed an externship with Magistrate Sheila K. Oberto at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. In January of 2014, immediately after passing the bar exam, Gabriel joined the Linneman Law firm. He does transactional work for private clients and public agencies and serves as general counsel for multiple water agencies. Linneman Law has offices in Dos Palos, Los Banos, and Merced. He finds the work challenging, but gratifying as he continues to work with people he knows from farming. Of law school, he remembers the relationships he formed with both classmates and professors, some of which continue today.

As General Counsel for an international technology company, Jesse handles privacy, employment, corporate and contract issues. He works as a problem solver, promoting collaboration, but defending FocusVision’s departments and roles when necessary. FocusVision has offices and entities in London, Bulgaria, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Shanghai, Portland, New York, Stamford, Fresno, and Atlanta. Jesse supports a global sales team that covers 8 time zones. He always wanted to be a lawyer. He felt his business and corporate experience would meld well as in-house counsel. “My relationships with other students helped make my law school experience a positive one. They wanted me to succeed and not only supported me but my family too.”

Serita was completing the Paralegal Program at SJCL when she was approached by Jan Pearson who encouraged her to consider law school. Serita decided that would lead to a great future for her and her daughter. Through evening law school, Serita worked full-time and raised a small child. It was difficult to balance, but she persevered through hard work and dedication, carrying her flash cards everywhere she went.
Upon graduation, Serita worked at Barker and Associates for four years. In 2011 she opened her own criminal defense practice and now handles major felonies at the State and Federal level. Serita is extremely proud that her daughter who was a small child then, Lanae Oviedo, is now a second year student in the Three Year Option at SJCL. She, too, seems headed towards practicing criminal defense.

Charles had always wanted to go to law school. After working in sales for four years, he felt it was time to do it. It helped that his wife, Julie MacMichael, was starting at SJCL at that time. During law school, Charles clerked at two plaintiff’s personal injury law firms and a business defense firm. Upon entering the Bar, Charles worked with Barsamian & Moody for two years handling business and employer defense cases. Two years ago, he joined Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, PC. Charles represents employers in litigation, including wage and hour issues, harassment and discrimination cases, and administrative actions before the NLRB, ALRB, CalOSHA, and others. “I loved the comradery of our study group including Julie, John Orman, Jordan Penner, Michael Titus, and David Olmos. We stay in touch with each other regularly still today.”

Oliver joined the Petrie Dorfmeier LLP, firm immediately upon passing the bar. His work primarily involves civil litigation insurance defense in personal injury, premises liability, employment, and general business cases. While in law school he worked as a full time private investigator for governmental entities, Worker’s Compensation carriers, attorneys, and third party administrators, handling anything from catastrophic death cases to alleged teacher/student misconduct. This background gave him the expertise and confidence to adapt to the legal profession and big cases. Oliver became a partner in 2017 in what is now a firm wherein three of the four named partners are SJCL graduates. In law school, Oliver served three years on the Student Bar Association Board, was a major organizer of the Back-to-School and Barristers’ Ball events, and the 2009 third-year student of the year.

Prior to law school, Beth was the Senior Law Enforcement Officer in Yosemite National Park representing Yosemite in Federal Magistrate Court. (Beth felt she would be more comfortable in that role with a law degree.) At the end of her third year at SJCL, she left the NPS and clerked for Walter & Wilhelm. Beth remained there as an attorney for a couple of years after graduation. She worked with Weiss & Salinas for two years in medical malpractice defense litigation. Then for 3 ½ years she worked with Borton Petrini in insurance defense cases and became a partner. In August of 2017, she moved to the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office. Beth enjoys the balance that is possible in criminal prosecution and working with county partners to fix the problems that led to an incident.

Ever since he was seven years old, John wanted to be a lawyer. He enrolled at McGeorge School of Law but was pulled out by the draft in the 1970’s and became an intelligence officer. Eventually he was readmitted to McGeorge, but when he and his wife married, he transferred to SJCL. While in law school, John was operating a private investigation business and a document shredding business, while also helping to run the family farm. He says it was challenging, with no social life and no study group. The businesses grew rapidly, so John never got to actually practice law, but “his law degree was invaluable, particularly in the investigations business.” He became a full-time partner in the farming business in 1995 and sold Loss Protections and Investigations in 2018. John began The Mill at Kings River in 2015 producing olive oil. Look for Cullen Creek or Sprouts’ California Olive Oil.

Kyle joined the Fresno County Counsel’s Office in 2016 and says he enjoys the good will and sincerity within the network of attorneys from SJCL.  “Our alumni have a strong footprint here in government, which is a testament to SJCL and the quality of attorneys they produce.  Local government attorneys with local roots are invested in the outcomes of their efforts, which creates strong communities with strong institutions.”

Marla was working for the State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento when she became intrigued by the legal issues involved in their hearings. Beginning at the end of her third year, she clerked with Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez and became an Associate in December of 2013. “One part of law practice that I really enjoy is seeing how Civil Procedure applies and works in real life situations.” Marla represents plaintiffs in personal injury, employment, wage and hour, discrimination, retaliation, and elder abuse cases. “I miss the study groups in law school. It was fun to sit around arguing about concepts like how many causes of action we could find in an old Torts exam. I don’t miss the heavy books.”

David had signed a lease for his offices before he even got his bar results. He opened his own practice immediately and has proudly been on his own since then. David specializes in personal injury litigation including medical malpractice, automobile accidents, and assault and battery. He is a Certified Civil Trial Practitioner and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. “My life now is the best it’s ever been.”

Sung Bae says that after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, he realized daily lives and business depend upon law. He decided to go to law school to be a necessary person. After finishing his J.D. and a Masters, he returned to South Korea. In order to work as an US licensed attorney, he had to work for an industry with overseas businesses. In 2014, he joined Daewoo Engineering & Construction, handling construction projects in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. In 2016, he moved to Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction where his work focused on power plants. Currently, he works with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the largest construction company in South Korea and in the top 15 in the world. He moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE to join a nuclear power plant project, a joint venture of Hyundai and Samsung, building the first nuclear power plant in the Middle East.

Matthew went to law school to effect a positive change in his community. During law school, he clerked with William Delaney doing plaintiff’s Workers Compensation work. During his fourth year, he joined Yarra Law Group where he continued as an Associate for a year after passing the bar exam. In October of 2018, he moved to Lozano Smith. Matthew represents several municipalities, primarily the City of Clovis and the County of Madera, in various capacities including civil litigation, land use issues, contracts, and code enforcement cases. “Law school was a lot harder than I thought it would be. But the faculty were always available and helpful, especially Professor Kucera. I survived law school and now enjoy serving my community through my current practice.”

During law school, Steve clerked first with the Public Defender’s Office, then with the District Attorney. Upon graduation, he continued working for the D.A.’s office pending bar results. Once being sworn in, the D.A.’s Office was not hiring at that time, so Steve worked for a civil defense firm and then a criminal defense firm for brief periods. Finally in March of 1998, he was hired as a Deputy District Attorney I. He worked the typical succession of cases from misdemeanors through homicides. In January of 2015, Steve became an Assistant District Attorney overseeing the Homicide, General Felony, and Violent Crime Units, in addition to coordinating the Officer-Involved Shooting/In-Custody Death Team and being the office’s “unofficial” PIO. As to law school, he remembers a very diverse group of students and faculty where “everybody wanted everyone to succeed.”

Tim was between careers when his wife said, “There’s a good law school in town.” He signed up for the LSAT the next day. During law school, he clerked for the Fresno District Attorney’s Office and the Tulare Public Defender’s Office. He says he bugged the Public Defender until they hired him as a Deputy Public Defender. Tim worked there for 8 years, then pursued his own practice in criminal defense for three years. He handled cases in 16 counties and federal court. Then, Tim returned to the Tulare P.D. He has worked for that office for a total of 22 years, currently supervising the Juvenile Team and handling death penalty cases. Tim remembers great professors at SJCL and being the last class to graduate from the Shields building.

Elizabeth went to law school so she could help make a positive impact on the agricultural industry. While at SJCL, she clerked for three years as a certified law clerk at Hammerschmidt Broughton Law, where she gained valuable courtroom experience. Upon passing the bar, she joined Emerson Church Law. The firm’s primary wheelhouse is insurance defense. Elizabeth handles cases ranging from simple auto collisions to large multi-million-dollar personal injury and property damage cases. A large portion of her practice consists of agriculturally-based litigation, including crop loss, tractor and equipment-related accidents, big-rig accidents, and animal injury cases. She is the sole handling attorney on all construction defect and habitability cases in her office. Elizabeth has served on the Fresno County Women Lawyers Board of Directors, including as Vice-President. She is grateful to Rayma Church, a 2018 SJCL Hall of Fame inductee, for giving her the opportunity to grow rapidly as a lawyer. As to law school, she fondly remembers the hard work it took to get her law review comment published in the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review.

Michelle holds both a Juris Doctor degree from SJCL and Master of Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, the latter of which she attained when she discovered a passion for Human Resources. Two days after she took the California bar exam in July 1998 (which she passed), she drove cross country to New York to attend Cornell. For 20 years Michelle has held numerous administrative and management positions within the Chevron Corporation. In the first three years there, she was the Executive Resources and Leadership Development Consultant, HR Business Partner, and Expatriate Administration and Development Specialist. She developed and implemented the design and administration of the Chevron Contribution Plan. She has served as HR Advisor in Luanda, Angola and General Manager of Human Resources in the Asia South Business Unit in Bangkok, Thailand. Michelle now serves as Vice President of Human Resources, Downstream and Chemicals, of Chevron. She is also Director of the Chevron Federal Credit Union.

Paul entered college with no particular career goal although as early as the eighth grade, his teacher was projecting he would be an attorney. This was also the suggestion of his parents. After getting his BS in Criminology, he completed the Lawyer’s Assistant Program at the University of San Diego and worked in that capacity for about two years. “I might as well do law school.” His paralegal position with the Law Office of Craig A. Davis transitioned naturally into clerking and his first attorney position doing plaintiff’s personal injury cases. Wanting to be in court more, he moved to a small firm doing personal injury and criminal defense. Finally in 2004, he opened his own practice and continues in those fields. “I like to be personally deeply involved in every one of my cases. Now, I do not have to advertise because most of my cases come by referral from previous clients.” Paul says law school was a trying thing, but everybody pulled together, and he benefited greatly from his study group friends.

Upon graduation, Mao worked with Julia Brungess (’82) in family law. She wanted a focus more on the children in a difficult situation, rather than the parents, so she eagerly accepted a position with the Fresno County Counsel as a Dependency Attorney in November of 2018. Now she feels that “at the end of the day she has done something wonderful for the kids.” Mao thinks law school was very rewarding. “It made me really push myself to be the best person I could be.”

Paul attained the undergraduate degrees of Paralegal Studies and Public Administration before tackling law school. Since his admittance to the Bar, he has spent most of his legal career as an attorney at Central California Legal Services, serving as the Supervising Attorney of the Voluntary Legal Services Program, and currently the Deputy Director of Development. In 2016 Paul received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management through the OneJustice Executive Fellowship Program. For the past 16 years he has taught courses in the Business Division at Fresno City College, as well as a “Street Law” class at SOUL Charter High School. He has also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Fresno County Superior Court. In 2017 Paul was awarded the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award by the Fresno County Bar Association.

Rod thought he wanted to be a CPA but had issues with credits and debits. During law school, he clerked for Wagner & Jones in civil litigation. Upon passing the bar, he continued to work there for a few years, followed by short periods with Craig Davis, Hanna, Brophy, and Bradford & Barthel. From 2003-2012, he operated his own practice. For the last six years, Rod has been a partner at Yrulegui & Roberts doing Workers’ Compensation defense and subrogation cases. Rod describes the workers’ compensation practice as “narrow, but deep”. Rod remembers the great professors at SJCL that gave him a solid preparation for the rest of his life (Caeton and Purvis, in particular) and the wonderful friends he made in law school.

Since the 7th grade, Jason wanted to be a lawyer. During law school he clerked for the Fresno County Public Defender, in civil law with Joseph Uremovic, and for Federal Magistrate Judge Dennis Beck. Upon graduation, he worked for a year with the Public Defender on an extra help contract, but the death of his mother led him to a more permanent position. He worked with Emerson, Corey & Barsotti in insurance defense and subrogation, then with Lang, Richert & Patch in construction and contract litigation. In 2005, Jason finally made his way back to the Public Defenders’ Office. He joined the Major Crimes Team in 2010 and became its Chief in 2017, managing 13 attorneys. “Law school is a blur for me but I remember the great people I met.”

In the 6th grade, Keith’s class was required to research 3 possible careers and choose one. He chose law. He commuted from Hanford and ran his own business during law school. Keith worked for five years with the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, then twelve years with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. His prosecutorial focus was homicides, gang crimes, and narcotics violations. In Tulare County he was the sole prosecutor handling gang crimes. In January of 2015, he was elected the Kings County District Attorney, and is now in his second term. Over the years, he has handled 90 – 100 trials. His work now is largely administrative with occasional major trials. The office handles more than 10,000 cases a year. The workload is immense, but Keith loves what he does.

A lifelong interest in serving humanity has lead Alicia to five separate degrees in higher education, and what she considers the perfect career. Her solo consumer law practice is well served by her experience in computer science, quality and compliance for medical devices, peacemaking and conflict resolution, comparative religious studies, and restitution and restoration through a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. “Consumer law provides me the opportunity to help people who are being taken advantage of and nurture my desire to fight for the underdog. I come to work every day and learn something new.”

Nick’s undergraduate degree in music (classical guitar) came from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Prior to entering the conservatory, he was planning an education and career beyond music. While still a teenager, one of Nick’s music mentors was also an attorney. Having the goal to obtain a multi-dimensional education, pursuing a law degree and legal career seemed a perfect fit. Upon joining the Bar, Nick became a Deputy District Attorney in Tulare County. Over 15 years, he handled misdemeanors to death penalty cases, including years in the homicide, major narcotics, and sexual assault units. In 2008, he was promoted to a supervisor. In January of 2015, he served as the Assistant District Attorney for Kings County. In June of 2017 he returned home to Tulare County as a Senior Deputy Public Defender. “Having worked both sides of the legal aisle adds a crucial depth of understanding of the system. Drawing from my music continues to make me a better attorney and law a better musician. I am so fortunate to have studied at SJCL and the music conservatory. The combination of the two created the exact foundation and career I always desired.”

While attending law school, Stephanie continued to work full time, as well as raise her children. As a student she clerked at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the Bar she became Deputy District Attorney. In her current role at the Tulare County Counsel, Stephanie has the opportunity to work in a variety of practice areas including education, labor and employment, and civil litigation. She says she was lucky to make lifelong friends during her time at SJCL.

Rick was working as a court reporter in Municipal Court when he decided to give law a try himself. Upon graduating, he worked for five years in insurance defense and then in 1994, he joined Ninnis & Cribbs handling Workers’ Compensation applicants’ cases. In 1998 he became a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist. The Monge Law Firm opened in 2001, doing exclusively applicants’ cases. “This field is a good fit for me because it has wide variety and I enjoy helping working individuals.” Rick worked full-time as a court reporter during law school – in court all day, producing transcripts during non-court hours, and going to law school at night. “It was four years of 16-hour days, but I’m glad I did it. I certainly learned good time management skills and made many good friends.”

Even while working for his Father’s construction company, Kendall says he dreamt of being a Federal Agent. His J.D. from SJCL provided the opportunity after he served at the Fresno District Attorney’s office for three years. As one of only 48 chosen from 8,000 applicants for a position with the DEA, Kendall says his training in law school helped to hone his analytic and writing skills. “My job provides a real pro-active, hands-on impact by taking out major narcotics distributors.”

Marlene was struck with the law school lightning bolt on the first day of a Business Law class at CSUF. She worked as an IRS auditor throughout law school, which explains why she blew the top off the scores in Ron Henderson’s Taxation class. Marlene was a member of the 1991 founding Editorial Board of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review, while delivering a son that spring semester. Having won awards for SJCL in national moot court competitions with Patricia Williams (’93), Marlene later taught Moot Court at SJCL from 1993-1997. After graduation she worked in insurance defense, first as an associate and then as a partner, with Sarah Schmidt (’88), then with two different insurance defense firms before opening her own firm. Marlene does special appearances and contract work for over 400 attorneys, in courts in 6 counties, along with her own cases. Her specialty is defending commercial truck drivers in criminal prosecution of violations of their special traffic and federal regulations. Marlene leads a special ministry at NorthPointe Community Church – the Elder Care Ministry. They help elderly residents, family and caregivers, provide education and support in elder issues, and create a sense of community in assisted living facilities. Marlene thanks a dedicated faculty for a superior education and the start of her rewarding legal career.

Having volunteered at Rape Counseling Services of Fresno, Kim thought she wanted to be a sex crimes prosecutor, but during law school civil classes piqued her interest. Her practice now is business litigation with emphases in real property and probate litigation and contract, partnership, and commercial lease disputes, as well as civil appeals and accessibility defense. “I remember trying to juggle full-time work, night classes, weekend study, and family. I made such great friends and have met so many fellow alumni through being on the Alumni Association Board and attending SJCL events. There is always a connection with other alumni throughout the Fresno area, whether it’s a judge, a long-time colleague, or a recent SJCL grad.”

Will was pursuing a Masters in Biology at CSUF when he heard of an attorney combining his science background with law. Will enjoyed the idea of a mixed disciplinary practice and the plan to go to law school was born. Upon graduation, Will first worked for the high-tech patent prosecution firm he had clerked for in law school. When that firm dissolved, Will joined Sierra IP Law. His practice now is much broader, including patent work, copyright and trademark cases, and trade secret and privacy protection. Will’s time was stretched to the limit between work and class in law school, but he says “I really hunkered down for bar review and it worked!”

Ivan began to think about law school in his high school AP Government class. He had seen numerous injustices, particularly discrimination, he felt law could redress. During law school he worked at Centro La Familia as a Human Trafficking Victim Advocate and in a criminal defense practice. In December of 2018, he joined Stockwell, Harris, Woolverton & Helphrey as a paralegal. Upon his admission to the bar in December of 2019, he became an Associate there, focusing on Workers’ Compensation defense. “I really enjoyed the professors who included practical advice about the practice of law as well as teaching the law.”

John’s first career was as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army working in Military Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and System Integration and Maintenance. A desire to be his own boss, inspired John to use his G.I. Bill benefits to attend law school. “When you wake up at 6am in a war zone, getting shot at, and getting paid minimum wage, it really puts the stress of law school into context. I never really stressed about law school.”

Mario’s stepfather was an attorney. The work looked interesting and Mario thought he had the aptitude for it. While in law school, he clerked with the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office as well as a worker’s compensation defense firm. Upon graduation, he and a classmate, Jason Kerlan, opened a partnership, with Mario focusing on bankruptcy law. He remembers he was so eager to get started, he asked Judge Caeton to swear him in in the underground parking lot of the state courthouse. In 2002, Mario opened his own office, continuing to work on Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases. “Law school was more difficult than I expected, but I enjoyed the faculty and classes and made lifelong friends.”

Doug was hired by Ed Hunt as a Deputy District Attorney and worked there for 28 ½ years under three different District Attorneys. He worked in every capacity, including Juvenile Court, sexual assault, major felonies, major narcotics vendor unit, MAGEC, and homicides. In January 2006, he became Chief Deputy District Attorney where he at times supervised multiple units including the felony trial team, domestic violence, rural crime, and prison prosecution units. He has been certified as a criminal law specialist since 1993. Theoretically, Doug retired in November of 2011, but still has been working for seven years half-time as a “retired annuitant”. He routinely teaches at the Police Academy teaching topics like handling drug arrests and giving courtroom testimony.

Growing up, Scott always had an interest in being a lawyer and participated in Mock Trial while in High School. Later, his work in court as a Deputy Probation Officer for Fresno County refueled his interest, leading him to attend SJCL at night. Upon admission to the bar, he went into criminal defense, beginning his legal career with the Caine Law Office. One year later, he moved to the Alternate Defense Office, where he spent the next four years representing conflict cases. Scott then switched fields to Workers’ Compensation defense and worked with Yrulegui & Roberts for two years before joining Coleman Chavez & Associates in March of 2019, where he currently represents insurance companies, employers, and third-party administrators. Scott worked full-time throughout law school and was a father of two young daughters, so his clearest memory of law school is late nights studying after class so he could save some free time for his kids on the weekends.

In the late 1980’s, Rose immigrated to the United States from Armenia and was fascinated by the TV show, “L.A. Law.” From then on she did everything possible to become a lawyer. Upon graduation from SJCL, she opened her own practice for about two and a half years. In 2004, she joined Wilkins, Drolshagen & Czeshinski LLP. In early 2018, she joined Borton Petrini where she focusses on insurance defense, real estate, estate planning, and business litigation. She is grateful for the connections she established with other law students during her three years at SJCL. With her J.D. she was able to take the Real Estate Broker’s exam. For the last fifteen years she has owned and operated her real estate business. Currently, Rose is the Treasurer of the SJCL Alumni Association.

In 2003, Gary was furloughed from his pilot position at United Airlines. Gary was an associate with McCormick, Barstow and then Powell & Pool. In April of 2009, he opened his own practice which evolved into Lawvex, an innovative trust and estates law firm with six partners. Lawvex provides a flexible and balanced work environment where partners are able to work remotely and be accountable for excellent client service instead of billable hours. “Lawvex is about addressing the frustrations and unmet needs in our industry both for clients and our partner attorneys with a fresh approach to both.”

Todd entered law school because he didn’t like the accounting work his father did, his uncle was an attorney, and aptitude tests pointed him in the direction of law. During law school, he interned with the United States Attorney’s Office and loved the trial work. After graduation Todd worked with Blanco, Tomassian & Pimental doing personal injury and civil litigation. From 1999 to 2005, he and a partner continued that type of work. Finally, in 2005, the Law Office of Todd J. Armas was born. His practice consists primarily of family and landlord-tenant cases as well as estate planning. “My best memory of law school is the helpful relationships I had with the SJCL staff – especially Joan Lassley, Lonzetta Hightower, Jill Randles, and Jackie Margritz.”

Paul always loved debate, so a legal career seemed like a good fit. He clerked with Commissioner, now Judge Kalemkarian, in law school. Upon graduation, he worked for two years in insurance defense with Brown (’76) & Peel (’85), then for six years in Worker’s Compensation defense with Parker, Kern Nard & Wenzel. Two years with Grancell & Leibovitz followed, until he returned to PKNW for three years. In 2011, he and Jeremy Lusk (‘03) opened a partnership. In 2014, he opened his own office. “I love being on my own.” Paul remembers the hilarious banter between Professors Artenian and Cartier. “There was the same banter between Professors Conklin and Boone in Moot Court. It was a great class that totally spiked my confidence level.”

Chris joined Miles, Sears & Eanni as an Associate immediately upon graduating from SJCL and became a partner two years ago. His practice is entirely plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death, involving primarily motor vehicle accidents and premises liability, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist arbitrations and occasional medical malpractice. His interest in the law stemmed from the stories he heard growing up from his father about his personal injury cases and the injured clients he helped, which made it seem like gratifying work. In every year since 2012, he has been selected for inclusion in the Northern California Rising Stars list. “Law school was pretty enjoyable but the bar was horrible.”

Michelle works as a neighborhood problem solver, assigned to one of 21 divisions in the City of Los Angeles. Her job is to work to resolve any issue that deteriorates the living conditions in the neighborhoods to which she is assigned, including illegal dumping, abandoned buildings, homelessness issues, or illegal sales of alcohol to minors. The work is designed to build relationships in the community. (Jan’s note. What a great job to have!) Michelle said “I loved law school. It was one of the happiest times of my life.” Her study group members have become life-long friends, including Linda Richardson, Nancy Stegall, and Gitta Merrill (deceased). They studied for the bar for a week on Nancy’s boat in the Oakland Harbor.

Jane entered law school because she was always disturbed about the unfairness in the world and wanted to help. Upon graduation from SJCL, she did not immediately take the bar exam, becoming instead the Director of the Fresno Needle Exchange program. When she finally took the bar in February of 2000, she passed on the first attempt and went to work with Fresno County Legal Services. When she discovered she wanted to be in court more, she joined the Fresno Public Defenders Office. She retired from that position in March of 2019 after 17 years, and now operates her own criminal defense practice, taking only the cases she really wants to defend, some of them pro bono. Jane says she made dear friends in law school, ones she with whom she is still in contact today.

Tracy worked for about 9 years with Lang, Richert & Patch, ultimately as a partner. Six years as the Compliance Officer for Valley Children’s Hospital followed. She left Valley Children’s for a short period of time, working at Walter & Wilhelm Law Group for about 2 ½ years, focusing on health care and employment law. In July of 2015, she returned to Valley Children’s as the Deputy General Counsel and handles the hospital’s litigation, as well as employment, contract, and risk management issues. Tracy remembers her great study groups and the small class sizes at SJCL, but she still has nightmares of it being exam time for a class she didn’t remember taking. (Sound familiar?)

Kirsten insures that the University abides by California State University policies and all applicable state and federal regulations related to recruitment and hiring at Fresno State. She serves as the EEO Officer and COI Officer, monitoring affirmative action and conflict of interest policies. She is the ADA Compliance Officer insuring ADA accommodations are legally provided for faculty and staff. Since graduating from law school, Kirsten practiced at Parker, Kern, Nard and Wenzel in employment and Workers’ Compensation defense and McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte and Carruth in personal injury and medical malpractice defense. She also worked at Dooley, Herr, Pedersen and Bailey, representing Tulare District Hospital and other public entities. As an adjunct, Kirsten has taught paralegal courses at Fresno City College. Kirsten has been a member of Fresno State’s administration since 2014. Kirsten was in law school during SJCL’s move to the new building and was excited for the school’s opportunity for growth. “Having both a Masters of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor is crucial to my job. Plus, I rely on my different practice experiences to tackle the challenges of my job every day.”

Upon graduation, Karen worked with Baker, Manock & Jensen doing exclusively medical malpractice defense. In January of 2016, she joined White Canepa LLP as a partner, continuing to defend hospitals and doctors. “My SJCL education prepared me well for the bar exam. I appreciated the small classes and the fact that many classes were taught by local attorneys who were in active practice in the subjects they taught, but very approachable.”

Peter says the County Counsel’s Office is a great environment for an attorney due to the extensive variety of issues they handle. They provide legal services to the Social Services Department (some 7,000 employees alone), in addition to the Board of Supervisors, the CAO, and all other County departments, boards, and agencies. “My aspiration has always been to stay here (in Fresno) and contribute. There is a huge and beneficial comradery in the legal community here.”

With the encouragement of her father, Jonette knew since she was a freshman in high school that she wanted to be an attorney. During law school, she clerked for two years for Hagop Bedoyan at Caswell, Bell & Hillison in bankruptcy law. She remained with that firm for a year after passing the bar exam. In 2006 she joined the Dias Law Firm, becoming a partner in 2011. Jonette handles all of the estate planning and estate litigation for the firm as well as probate and trust administration, with a little family law and general litigation. “I love it!” Aside from her degree, she says the best thing coming out of law school was her friendship with her study partner and now work partner, Ella Floresca (’04). “We are quite a team.”

Darcy always wanted to go to law school but family came first. She settled down in the Valley and law school didn’t seem feasible until she discovered SJCL. While in school, Darcy balanced her coursework with motherhood and an internship at a local law firm. She has always been drawn to public service, so she joined Central California Legal Services in February, where she is a member of the Housing Team. “Law school was the time of my life. It was fun because it challenged me. It gave me the tools to participate effectively in making my community and country a better place.”

During law school, Bill had internships at two insurance defense firms, but in 1999 he discovered he loved criminal defense, and began working with the Kapetan Brothers Law Firm. In 2001, he carried that same love of criminal defense through 12 years with Kahn, Soares & Conway, then nearly four years as the Managing Partner of the Hanford office of Hammerschmidt Broughton. In January of 2017, Bill opened his own practice in Hanford, still focusing on criminal defense. Bill remembers the comradery of the students and faculty at SJCL. “Everyone was genuinely trying to pull each other up.” Oh, and the little incident with the Welsh flag on Tom Jones’ birthday.

Jackie joined Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey in September of 1992 while she awaited bar results and became an Associate when those results were posted. In 1997 she became the first female partner in the firm. Her practice was primarily insurance defense with a small percentage of family law work. After 22 years at Stammer McKnight, Jackie joined Hartsuyker, Stratman & Williams-Abriego, counsel for Farmers Insurance in May of 2014. Of law school, Jackie remembers BARF statements, a Constitutional Law exam in which a giraffe was hooked up to execution electrodes, and making lifelong friends.

After forming a successful real estate corporation, Harry completed his studies at SJCL, passed the bar, and opened a practice that focused on all aspects of real estate and business law. In addition to serving as an instructor at SJCL, Harry has served on numerous real estate boards. With a thriving practice he has enjoyed for over 30 years Harry says attending SJCL was life changing.

Linda always thought about becoming a lawyer, but when she got a traffic ticket and beat it in court, she felt empowered and applied. She planned to practice family law, but NALC was born while she was in law school. Connecting with people who really needed her help resonated with her. In her third year she clerked with Phillip Kim’s immigration firm and upon graduating law school she joined Lazaro Salazar Law, Inc. first as a clerk, and then as an Associate. Linda has also worked for the national non-profit, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). In November of 2018, she joined SJCL’s faculty and was named Director of the New American Legal Clinic. “I am excited about the growth of the Clinic and the ability to assist even more people.” Linda was recently selected as one of the 2019 “40 below 40” to watch by Business Street Online.

“My parents would say I always wanted to be a lawyer. As a kid, I even created a paper desk nameplate that said Tristao, Tristao & I’m not Tristao – I’m Kirk. My youngest brother did not want to be called Tristao.” During law school, Craig clerked for Kahn, Soares & Conway in Hanford, then for Joseph Uremovic. He remained as an Associate with Uremovic after passing the bar. Thereafter, Craig worked with Perkins, Mann & Everett for 8 years, joining Coleman & Horowitt in February of 2017. Craig’s field is civil litigation in the construction, agriculture, and environmental arenas. As to law school, Craig greatly enjoyed his Constitutional Law and Business Organizations classes with Professor Purvis and working with his study partners – Mike Burgess and Quentin Cedar. Craig would like to thank his wife, Kristin, who supported him throughout law school and in his career. Without her, he would not be the person he is today.

Deborah began her law career as a paralegal at Parichan, Renberg, Crossman & Harvey. Harold Parichan encouraged her to attend law school. She continued there as a law clerk during law school, an Associate in 1991, and then a partner. In 1999, Deborah joined Baker Manock & Jensen, PC. She litigates in the areas of product liability, construction, agriculture law, business, and personal injury. Her goal is “to put the 'civil' back in civil litigation.” Deborah has enjoyed serving on the Board of Trustees of SJCL for many years and is the current Fresno County Bar Association President. She enjoys golfing with friends and her husband, Greg; cooking; and spending time with her family.

Shawn worked for the Internal Revenue Service handling Labor Relations throughout law school. After passing the bar, he worked briefly with Yarra, Kharazi, and Associates, but the call of public service drew him back to the IRS within a year. He was quickly promoted upon his return to a senior position in Labor Relations and within two years was promoted to Section Chief of Labor Relations. For three years now, Shawn has been working on the National Labor Relations Strategy & Negotiation team for the IRS. Shawn feels his law degree was instrumental in his rapid advancement. He has used the skills learned in law school every single day and enjoys what he’s doing. Employment and Labor Law electives during summer school helped him realize that he would enjoy the field. “Thanks to my study groups and professors, especially professors Purvis, Conklin, & Boone, and all the fellow students in the SBA that helped me not only survive but also thrive during law school. I’m grateful for the relationships that I developed through SJCL.”

Francine worked for 10 years as a dental hygienist before enrolling in law school. As the Supervisor of the City Attorney’s Office Litigation Unit, she supervises eight in-house litigators and the staff that responds to Public Record Act Requests. The City Attorney’s Office represents and advises the elected officials, administration, and City run departments like municipal utilities, police and fire departments, airports, and public transportation systems. “My favorite class in law school was civil procedure, which is probably why I still love the litigation process and have worked as a litigator ever since.” 

Rissa has worked continuously since graduation at KSC in Hanford, where she is a partner. Her practice has evolved to be primarily civil and complex litigation, including business, agriculture, employment, land use and wage and hour defense. She has advocated for clients before various appellate courts, the California Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Rissa says working at KSC has been a wonderful opportunity because the firm’s work is so diverse, enabling great learning and a fabulous career. No day is ever the same. The lawyers in the firm are highly collaborative, as well. As to law school, Rissa says “I have lifelong friendships with my law school study group – Carla Kahl and Mary Jarvis O’Leary.”

Chris went to law school to help plaintiffs who might otherwise not have their rights protected. Throughout law school he worked with Georgeson & Belardinelli and joined the firm as an Associate upon admission to the bar. He handled primarily personal injury and business litigation, becoming a partner in 2012. In 2014, he won a $128,610,000 verdict in a land and water dispute in Kings County. It was one of the largest jury verdicts in California in that year. In late 2014, he joined Kabatcheck, LLP in Los Angeles continuing his work in personal injury litigation, class actions, and insurance bad faith cases. He became a partner there in 2017. “What do I remember about law school? Meeting my wife there!” Chris married fellow graduate Alexandra Belardinelli Noyes (’09) who is currently “inactive” raising their two sons in their home in San Marino

Prior to attending law school, Tiffany worked as a paralegal for 10 years. She decided she wanted to be able to do the entire job and wanted to be a role model for her children. After going through law school as a single mother, Tiffany was committed to passing the bar on the first attempt. She studied 12 hours a day for three months and completed more than 6000 MBE questions to reach that goal. As to law school, Tiffany found it challenging but she felt supported by her fellow students, the faculty, and staff. Upon passing the bar in November of 2018, she worked first for Peel & Garcia, then moved to Quall Cardot. Her practice is exclusively in creditors’ rights. Her goal is to eventually work in dependency law or juvenile justice.

Gary immigrated to the U.S. from England in his late teens and served in the US Navy as a member of the exclusive Triple Threat Company. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gary entered college and worked as an investigator for several law firms. His investigations assisted in the dismissal of hundreds of cases. He then enrolled in law school where he received awards for academic excellence and gained accolades in both State and National Moot Court competitions. Gary joined his father’s firm upon passing the Bar Exam in 2012 and has practiced Criminal Defense ever since.

Carla was a high school teacher looking for a more challenging career when she entered law school. She clerked for Wilson, Altschule & Wittig, on a thrilling death penalty case, but stayed upon graduation to do family law. Four years later, when the Tulare County Family Law Facilitator’s office was formed, she was drawn to it because it incorporated teaching and law practice. Carla ran that very successful program for 20 years. After “retiring” from the Court, Carla worked with C.D. Harbottle’s (‘90) office in Visalia. In July of 2019, she joined Kahn, Soares & Conway continuing her family law involvement. Carla remembers their study group (Rissa Stuart (’93), Linda Bacon (’93), Mary Jarvis(’94)) and watching Mary waive the three of them off to take the bar exam. Carla was a member of the SJCL Tax Law Moot Court Competition team that won 1st Place Brief and Carla won 1st Place Oralist at the competition in Florida in 1993. Carla raised six children, but now that they are grown, she had to fill the empty nest somehow. Now she has six-plus goat-children that make her laugh every day.

David’s interest in law came from his father, who was an attorney. He kept the idea of following his father’s footsteps in mind as he tried out other, less satisfying areas of endeavor. After enrolling in law school, David clerked at the public defender’s office and various civil litigation offices in town, including his father’s criminal defense practice. Eventually David joined friend and fellow classmate Ian Wieland at Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland, where the specialty is labor and employment defense. David’s practice includes representing employers in civil cases, before the Labor Commissioner, and other forums. David likes the fact that many of his colleagues at the firm are fellow SJCL alumni who became friends in law school well before they became co-workers.

Since high school Peter’s interest in law inspired him to read each big Supreme Court decision. He opened his own office after graduating from SJCL and was hired to review DACA applications for Insure America, a local non-profit founded by the Nisei Farmer’s League. Today Peter serves as the Director of Insure America and General Counsel for the Nisei Farmers League. These roles enable him to assist farmers and educate officials on the impact of regulations from the State Department of Industrial Relations and the U.S. Department of Labor on agriculture. Peter says he greatly enjoyed working in the New American Legal Clinic during law school, which led him to choose immigration law as his career.

Dennis was already working for the Fresno Public Defender doing trials while in law school. Admitted in 1977, he formally became a Deputy Public Defender. In 1980, he moved to Tulare to join what is now Mederos, Soares, Ormonde & Rascon. His broad general practice initially included a lot of criminal trial defense, but has transitioned to transactional work and estate planning. Dennis has always been actively involved in the Tulare community including being Legal Counsel for the Tulare Chamber of Commerce and serving as President of the Tulare County Bar. Then he took the big step and ran for Tulare City Council, won in November 2018, and was immediately chosen by the Council as Vice Mayor.

Nancy was working as a legal secretary when her boss said, “You better go to law school rather than constantly saying how bored you are.” So she did. Upon graduating, Nancy worked with the Tulare County Counsel’s office for four years in dependency and environmental health cases. After two years in her own practice, in 1997, she joined McCormick, Kabot, Jenner & Lew, where she has now worked for almost 22 years. She does municipal and employment law for Porterville, Exeter, and Dinuba as well as defending most litigation against those cities. As to law school, she remembers getting home really late and then getting up really early to go to work.

Lourdes was inspired to attend law school by a speech given by then Public Defender, Jose Villareal. She later interned at the P.D. office while still in law school and was hired on in December of 1993, when a position opened at the P.D. Lourdes has worked there ever since in nearly every kind of case including misdemeanors, felonies, major crimes, and dependency. She feels blessed that SJCL was available to her as she could not have left Fresno for law school.

At the time Kathy was looking for a Liberal Arts graduate degree, SJCL was one of the very few options in the Fresno area. Upon graduation, she worked for the Fresno County Public Defender for 6 and ½ years. A three-year stint with Barry Bennett followed handling criminal and labor law cases. In January of 1988, Kathy opened her own offices but her practice remained in those fields. Kathy is most proud of two things: the 25-30 appeals she has handled in the Third District and Fifth District Court of Appeal or Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the death penalty clients whose sentences she got commuted to life or life in prison. Kathy has always loved travel and hiking. She has published many a story about those pursuits in the Dicta and the Fresno County Bar Bulletin. As to law school she appreciated the “great comradery. We were all in it together with a common goal.”

Bill enrolled at SJCL soon after returning from his second deployment as a Navy strike-fighter pilot in the Vietnam War; and continued flying as a Naval Aviator through law school. He clerked as a certified law student for two firms and tried several jury trials. His early years of private practice included use of his aerospace engineering background in products liability and aviation law, other plaintiff's and defense litigation, and eminent domain law. He then served as Assistant City Attorney for five years handling condemnation trial and appellate work, together with land use and environmental litigation. In the mid-80’s he joined the Motschiedler firm where he has remained for 32 years. He received a Presidential appointment in 2004 and served as a member of the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. Currently he represents agricultural, commercial, and industrial enterprises whose properties are being taken and damaged by the high speed rail project. Bill also farms red sweet cherries on the Kings River. He and Linda, married 48 years, have three children and five grandchildren. At SJCL, he enjoyed the comradery among students, winning the Moot Court with study partners Gary Austin and John Dicks, and studying under the exemplary mentors of the Central Valley legal community, including the late Hollis Best and Oliver Wanger.

Ella was always fascinated by the law and its continuous evolution: she always wanted to go to law school. She clerked at Dias Law Firm and ultimately became an Associate. Personal injury litigation was her initial focus, but now her work encompasses a wide range of civil litigation, including employment, family, real property, and high-speed rail issues. She does a great deal of research and writing. “I love the firm and the variety of the work I do.” As to law school, her immediate memory was of the great people she worked with in the Library – Jonette Montgomery and Spencer Gong.

Brande majored in Criminology – Victimology at CSUF. At SJCL, she worked as a contract paralegal in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the enforcement of criminal restitution, special assessments, and fines for a group of Hurricane Katrina fraud cases and in the affirmative civil litigation unit to recover damages for intentionally or negligently caused wildland fires on federal lands. Brande later joined Weakley & Arendt PC. Her practice is public entity defense, representing cities, counties and school districts in civil litigation. The bulk of her cases involve defending law enforcement officers in civil rights cases. The highlight of law school for Brande was meeting with other students to work through ways of mastering rules and preparing for exams. Brande was a member of the Board of Directors of the SJCL Alumni Association. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the San Joaquin Valley chapter of the Federal Bar Association, a member-at-large of the Judicial Advisory Committee of the Eastern District of California, and a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.

Upon graduation, Kathi worked with Bennett & Ostroff for a year and half, then in a partnership with Keith Lusk handing wills and trusts and dissolution cases. Thereafter, she shared space with Mary Louise Frampton and Barbara Karshmer further developing her dual practice. After sharing space again with Doris Coleman and Ruth Ratzlaff, Kathi went completely on her own in 1995, doing almost exclusively wills and trusts cases. Kathi has taught Wills and Trusts continuously at SJCL for many years. Kathi says law school was one of the best times of her life because of the comradery amongst the students.

Upon graduation, Allison worked with a local litigation firm until Deloitte & Touche hired her as a Special Projects Coordinator. That entailed doing what no one else could figure out how to do. She was invited to Deloitte’s national management development program. During that time, she met and married her husband and moved to North Carolina where he maintained a law practice. Allison went to work for Wachovia Bank (later merged with Wells Fargo Bank) where she headed their Estate Tax Department. Four years ago, Allison opened her own consulting business. Having heard the variety of what she does, some law, some not, Jan says, it’s back to: We have a project we have no idea how to do! Call Allison! She can do it!

Diana was appointed Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency and Chair of the Board of Covered California in 2011. Before that, she served as president and chief executive officer of the California Children’s Hospital Association, and as general counsel and vice president of Valley Children’s Hospital. Her appointment to the state’s top administrative post ended with the end of Governor Brown’s term, at which time Diana says she will reflect on what comes next. “I enjoyed SJCL’s academic rigor, but I really appreciated the pragmatic approach to using the law to solve problems.”

Mike’s service on a long, high-profile homicide jury convinced him to go to law school. During law school, he interned with the Fresno District Attorney’s Office. Upon passing the bar, he was immediately hired there. He handled homicide cases along with major financial crimes. In 2012, Mike opened his criminal defense practice, continuing to focus on real estate fraud, financial crimes, and serious felonies and murders. Mike worked 50-60 hours a week through law school, so he had to manage his time closely. During the first year, he briefed every case, which made the second, third, and fourth years easier.

Melissa is responsible for the work of the U.S. EEOC for the 10 counties of the San Joaquin Valley, developing employment discrimination cases. Together, she and her staff work to promote equality in the workplace through rigorous enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws and community education. Melissa is a national trainer for new investigators. She has also trained agency staff on negotiation techniques and class action case development. Melissa’s work has always been in fighting housing and employment discrimination, first with the Fair Housing Council of Fresno County, then with California Rural Legal Assistance, and, since 2006, as the Local Director of U.S. EEOC. “Law school was like learning a foreign language. It was very challenging, but I always thought about all the marginalized people I could help once I became a lawyer.”

“Discussions with my sister-in-law, Linda Rousse (’83), coupled with my delight in arguing, piqued my interest in going to law school.” Ken worked with Michael Berdinella for five years after passing the bar exam. In 2000 he became a Research Attorney for the Fifth District Court of Appeal. When funding for the position ended, he served on the appellate criminal appointment panels for the First, Third, Fifth and Sixth District Courts of Appeal. In 2005, Ken became a Research Attorney at the Fresno County Superior Court. He handles primarily pre-trial motions and other motions up to trial. “I have always enjoyed research. Law school was long and hard but now I am doing what I love to do in the law.”

Jessica was attracted to law after competing on her high school’s Mock Trial team and later serving as an attorney coach for the team. She enjoys the challenges associated with the study and practice of law, as well as being able to help those who may not know their rights or how to exercise those rights effectively. She clerked for Hammerschmidt-Broughton during law school and while awaiting Bar results. While there, she worked on a variety of complex, high profile criminal defense cases in both the State and Federal forums. She joined Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel as an associate attorney upon being admitted to the Bar in 2015. She currently represents employers, insurance companies and TPA’s in the defense of a variety of WC Insurance, Employment and some cross-over in Civil Litigation matters. She says this about law school: “I enjoyed my time at San Joaquin College of Law. It was a small, supportive community of diverse, but like-minded/goal-oriented individuals. There was always someone available to help if needed. I appreciated that the professors had real-world experience as attorneys and judges. Learning about cases they have handled over the course of their careers better helped us understand the real-world applications of complex issues and legal theories.”

Kelsey began working in the legal field during high school, starting out with bankruptcy trustee Beth Stratton. Beginning in college, and for the next 10 years, she worked in the bankruptcy practice of her father, Tom Armstrong. Kelsey subsequently did clerkships with Granville Homes, Magistrate Judge Erica Grosjean, and Hammerschmidt Broughton. In January 2018, Kelsey began clerking with Coleman & Horowitt where she now is an Associate. Kelsey represents clients in creditor’s rights, bankruptcy trustee representation, as well as commercial, real estate and banking litigation. “Law school was more reading than I ever imagined possible, but I grew as a person and made great lifelong friendships. I love bankruptcy because it crosses over to so many areas of the law. It is very complex. I truly enjoy solving complex problems for clients.”

Traci first worked in the D.A.’s Office through an internship during law school. While awaiting bar results she was an Executive Fellow in the California Department of Food and Agriculture under Secretary Ann Veneman. Upon passing the bar, she returned to the D.A.’s Office as a Deputy, then as the Chief Deputy D.A. of the Juvenile Unit. In 2018, she became the Assistant District Attorney, overseeing the Chiefs of the Misdemeanor, Financial Fraud, and Juvenile Units. This is a management level position entailing personnel issues and procedures and policy creation. Traci remains directly active in court as she staffs the juvenile human trafficking court. Traci was SBA President at SJCL and remembers picking out the furniture for the new Student Lounge in the Clovis building. She attributes the personal connections with students and faculty with helping her to pass the bar on the first try. 

Lisa wanted to have a career that would be stimulating and provide her with an opportunity to make a positive difference in her community. In her role as Deputy County Counsel she practices Dependency law and works alongside several fellow SJCL grads. Lisa likes the fact that the field of law provides opportunities to learn something new every day. She says the unique status of her alma mater as a small but mighty law school makes for terrific, and rare, comradery among peers. “I don’t think you see this level of reception and co-operation among legal communities a lot.”

From a young age, Scott gravitated toward law in order to help people who would otherwise not have representation. He clerked during law school for Perez, Makasian & Williams, then was hired on after passing the bar exam and worked with the firm for a total of 17 years. His focus was personal injury, product liability and Workers’ Compensation. He was trying cases within 60 days of passing the bar and learned a great deal about trial preparation. In 2006, he joined Craig Davis’ (’88) firm, ultimately purchasing the firm from Craig. He now represents plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice, and Workers’ Compensation cases, employing a staff of eight paralegals and support staff. “In first year of law school, I could not understand in Torts why anyone would care about what color banana peels were on the floor and had no idea what Judge Wanger was talking about in Civil Procedure until I began studying for finals. Now, ironically I use both areas of law in practice every day.”

Jim’s career focus has been defending public entities and their employees. He has been involved in many high-profile public entity cases and is considered one of the top litigation practitioners in the Fresno area. His clients have included elected officials and public figures, such as judges, district attorneys, chiefs of police, and administrators. He has served as a mediator, arbitrator, and judge pro tem. Jim is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and all California courts. He is a member of multiple organizations, and has often served in leadership capacities. These include the Federal Bar Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Public Agency Risk Managers Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Litigation Section of the State Bar of California. Jim has served on educational panels for SJCL and is a donor to SJCL. Jim conducts himself with courtesy and dignity at all times.

Michael always planned to go to law school. While in law school he clerked for Quinlan, Kershaw & Fanucchi, LLP and remained with them for two years after passing the bar exam. From June of 2014 to August of 2019, he worked with Frame Matsomoto & Coelho LLP representing agricultural entities in transactional, arbitration, and tort matters, notably the “Cuties” litigation. Effective August 26, 2019, Michael became Legal Counsel for Table Mountain Casino, pursuing the in-house counsel role he had always desired. His work includes insuring the Casino is compliant with all California and Federal gaming laws while protecting tribal sovereignty. Michael is very proud of his additional current role as President of the Padrinos of Valley Children’s Healthcare (Padrinos Guild), raising money for the Hospital. Michael, his wife Rachel, brother-in-law Mario Gonzalez, and mother-in law Leah Cole are all graduates of SJCL.

Bill was just named the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney of the Year by the California Lawyers Association! To think he went to law school just to find a job in a building with air conditioning. Upon graduation, Bill first worked for Eldridge, Anderson & Weakley handling insurance defense cases. From 1997 to 2003, he served as in-house counsel for A&L Products, Inc. doing transactional and corporate compliance work. In 2003, he joined Mullen & Filippi as an Associate, becoming an Associate Partner in 2007. He defends businesses, public agencies, and schools in Workers’ Compensation cases. “I loved law school, the students, staff, and faculty. Purvis was my favorite.” At SJCL, Bill also met his wife, then Michele Creighton, who was the MCLE Coordinator for several years and made the mistake of feeding Bill.

Jeff is the principal land use attorney for the City of Sacramento. He advises the City Council and the Planning and Design Commission on all land use matters, including CEQA, floodplain management, historic preservation, assessment districts, and other public financing. He is an updates author for the CEB book California Land Use and Practice. “I was a farm boy, but got tired of lifting heavy objects. I felt I could make better contributions by using my brain and am grateful to SJCL because I could go to law school and keep farming.”

As a youngster, Ann was inspired by Matlock but thought she wanted to be a research attorney at a court. Instead, she always wants to be in court. Upon graduation, Ann first worked with Silveira, Mattos & Lewis in Merced doing civil litigation. When that firm dissolved, Ann was hired by the Merced County District Attorney where she worked for two years. She then moved to the Merced County Counsel’s Office where she handled and loved the Juvenile Dependency calendar. On January 1, 2019, Ann joined Berliner Cohen, the largest firm in Merced. She is part of the litigation department, handling anything civil. Ann likes having the smaller-town atmosphere coupled with access to all the resources and dynamism of the main firm in San Jose.

David wanted to serve the rural area of southeast Fresno County and northeast Tulare County. He had a degree in Ag Business and had taken the CPA Exam, but a law degree completed the education necessary to serve the rural population. Upon admission to the bar in 1993, he worked for Mick Marderosian for 2 years in insurance defense, learning a great deal about how to practice law. In 1996, he opened his own practice in Reedley, subsequently moving to Dinuba. Michael Karby (’95) ultimately joined him. David’s practice consists of estate planning, probate, trust administration, family law, and real property matters. As to law school, David remembers students being stacked to the walls in the Shields Avenue building. “We were just trying not to get in each other’s way.”

Kathy enjoyed law school because it was fun to study late into the night surrounded by friends, and the professors were amazing. During law school, Kathy worked with Bob Gilmore (’78) for 2 ½ years in civil litigation. After passing the July 1993 bar, she became a Prosecutor in the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. With the D.A., she was on numerous teams including sexual assault and major narcotics while also handling all of the animal abuse cases. In 2006, she transferred to the Public Defender’s Office on the major crimes unit handling life top cases, homicides, gang crimes and a death penalty case. Kathy has done over 75 jury trials and is now enjoying her assignment in the juvenile unit. “When I switched sides from prosecution to defense it was very eye-opening. People cannot be defined by their crimes and criminal law is not one-dimensional. In a courtroom the defense attorney has the most information about the case yet the least amount of power. Being a public defender has been extremely difficult but has made me a better person.”

After completing her undergraduate work, Teju was considering an MBA or a JD, but was told that the JD would be more flexible. She had always had an interest in criminal law. While awaiting bar results, she clerked with the Tulare District Attorney’s Office. Two weeks before bar results, she interviewed for a permanent position and was hired immediately upon getting those favorable results. Currently she serves on the misdemeanor team handling a variety of cases, including DUI’s, drug cases, batteries, and domestic violence prosecutions. As to law school, her overwhelming memories are of the friendships she made and the encouragement she received from professors, particularly Professors Atkinson, Goodrich, and Wrest.

Jodie tried for many years to get the services she felt her son, Bren, needed for his autism. There was no lawyer in the San Joaquin Valley area advocating for children with special needs and their families. So, Jodie educated herself, wrote a book about the law and advocacy, and conducted trainings for families, therapists and administrators starting in Fall of 2018. At the same time, Jodie was attending law school. She graduated in May of 2019 and has just passed the bar exam.

In fall of 2019, the BREN Clinic opened.

• B – Bolster partnerships between families and schools.
• R – Reform special education services within communities.
• E – Empower families and individuals to self-advocate.
• N – Network Peer to Peer

The Clinic was made possible by a generous grant from GRAND, “Growing Resources for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders,” a private organization supporting special education children and families. Jodie had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, caring for Bren. Law school looked a bit intimidating, but she loved “my brain being engaged in a totally new way.” She graduated Valedictorian of the Class of 2019.

Jeff has worked for 27 years now at the Griswold firm in Hanford. Initially, he emphasized civil litigation, but his practice transitioned to landlord-tenant, family law and business litigation as the makeup of the firm changed. Jeff also owns a Kings County real estate and property management business. Jeff believes that those who have attained a successful life in the Valley should give back, so he is a donor to West Hills Community College, California State University Fresno, and San Joaquin College of Law. He remembers the first year of law school as being mentally tough, but a good foundation for his career.

Michelle Sassano had two young children at home, a three-year-old and a 3-month-old, when she enrolled in law school. She says the help of her study partners and professors helped her make it through. As an Associate Attorney at Weakley Arendt, Michelle represents entities like school districts in areas like negligent supervision, discrimination and harassment, in addition to the areas of business, contracts and real estate disputes. “I loved law school, I loved the learning.”

Upon graduation, Michelle worked at Lang, Richert, and Patch and then for Riley Walter. She then operated her own practice for 8 years, representing trustees in bankruptcy proceedings and doing creditor collections. In 2010, she joined the Small Business Administration. The mission of the SBA is to help small businesses grow, a mission that is near and dear to Michelle. The SBA has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, loans to purchase commercial real estate, and other assistance to small businesses. As to law school, Michelle says “I absolutely loved law school, although it was incredibly challenging (and I was often sleep-deprived!). It makes me so happy that SJCL has become a family affair, with my sister Suzanne Golden (Class of 2001) and my daughter Jennifer Oleksa (Class of 2016) being proud alumni.”

The Paralegal Program was so much fun, Mike figured law school would be, too – and that it would continue to be less painful than his previous vocation as a welder. He clerked throughout both programs with Myers & Overstreet doing insurance defense. In 1992, he became a litigation associate with the firm, shifting over time to an exclusive focus on law and motion and appellate work. In 2000, Mike opened his own practice doing contract research and writing and appellate work for other attorneys in civil cases. Mike has argued before the California Supreme Court once and before the California Court of Appeal several times, most recently in March 2019 in a case permitting the recovery of treble damages for theft from a business by one of its owners. Mike remembers the old Shields building, the donut and video shops, the parking lot student lounge and meeting his wife, Gwen, at a Paralegal Forum at SJCL.

As a teenager, Phil met a labor lawyer on a picket line in Farmersville. The way the man spoke and carried himself left a lasting impression and left him dreaming of becoming an attorney. After military discharge, Phil attended CSUF, graduating summa cum laude in Literature, and then attended SJCL. After passing the bar, he worked for an attorney in Visalia and encountered District Attorney Will Richmond at a bank opening, pressing him for a job. The following Monday he was interviewed and hired as an entry level Deputy District Attorney. Over the next 12 years he worked in the District Attorney’s Office, including seven years trying homicide cases before being selected as Assistant District Attorney by District Attorney, Gerald Sevier. After Mr. Sevier was elected judge, Phil became District Attorney, serving for 20 years. Since retiring in 2012 he remains active in the law, teaching Constitutional Law at the College of Sequoias and serving as a consultant for companies working with the legislative process. He also writes a blog on Constitutional Law (philcline.com). “I was one of the lucky ones. I had John Loomis for Contracts, Dan Eymann for Torts and Justice Hollis Best for Evidence. They engendered in me a love of the law and how it works.”

As a young man, Jody was encouraged by friends, family, and his 8th grade teacher to go to law school. While there, he studied hard with his brother Gary Winter, externed with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, and clerked with Gilmore, Wood, Vinnard & Magness, quickly learning he gravitated towards litigation. After the bar exam, he became an Associate with the firm. Jody practiced civil litigation, doing business and real property related cases, with fellow SJCL alumni Scott Jones. In January of 2012, Jody opened Lloyd Winter, P.C. where he has continued to practice in those areas, and is now joined by two other attorneys, including another fellow alum, Sean Fredin. Jody remembers law school as a whirlwind of information coming at you like a fire hose. “I feel very blessed, and I use what I learned in Contracts, Torts, Remedies, Civ Pro, and Real Property, every day.”

Joy’s interest in law began when she volunteered as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for foster children. She saw that the kids served by this department deserved more good attorneys and enrolled in law school with the sole purpose of becoming a lawyer in the Dependency Unit at the District Attorney’s Office. When, during her last year of law school, the Dependency Unit went from the County to a private firm, Joy joined the Health Team at CCLS. As a former EMT, she had a terrific foundation to build on and she has remained in that department since. Joy says she most enjoys working outside of “Big Law” where a client’s ability to pay has no impact on the assistance she provides. “I can take the knowledge and skills I’ve learned and use them to make a real difference in the lives of people who otherwise would not have any help or representation.”

Deborah was operating her own public relations firm when she developed the overwhelming desire to go to law school. She dove in, interning at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Kahn, Soares & Conway in Hanford. She remained at KSC until joining Walter Wilhelm in 2005. Her practice is trusts and estates, probate, conservatorships, and business transactions. Deborah says, “I received everything I wanted out of law school.”

With a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science/Ecosystem Management to complement his J.D. from SJCL, Art was appointed by two governors to serve as chair of the California Water Resources Control Board. He had previously served two terms as a Mariposa County Supervisor and is past president of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators. “The breadth and quality of graduates from SJCL never ceases to amaze me, but the one common bond they share is how much they give back to the community.”