“SJCL offers an environment of excellence that provides ample opportunity to gain experience in a multitude of areas of law.”
Gabrielle Grieser
Criminology
California State University, Fresno
Diana Malcolm
“As a mother of two young children, it is very important to balance my law school schedule with my personal life. I chose SJCL for the flexible class schedule.”
Diana Malcolm
Bachelor of Law
EW HA Woman's University, Seoul, Korea
Rosie Palomino
“Higher education has set me free from the cycle of poverty, crime, and family violence. I am no longer imprisoned by the stereotypes and stigmas. I have chosen a different life and created opportunity here at SJCL.”
Rosie Palomino
Criminology
Fresno Pacific University
Jesica Gonzalez
“I chose SJCL because the students and faculty here are very supportive and are always willing to provide help if needed, which makes the success rate much more achievable."
Jesica Gonzalez
Criminology
California State University, Fresno
Dusty Nunes
“I am a first generation college student who grew up in a small town. Choosing a law school in a region where the job market for attorneys is promising is the primary reason I chose SJCL for my legal education.”
Dusty Nunes
Political Science
University of California, Merced
Landon Sciacca
“I chose SJCL because of the Alumni networks that open the doors to opportunities for externships and for the numerous jobs available once I graduate.”
Landon Sciacca
Psychology
University of Southern California
Besan Farra
“San Joaquin has offered me the opportunity to pursue a law degree while still being able to maintain a full time job to support my family. Working with several SJCL alum and witnessing their success in the community has inspired me to continue my work locally after graduation.”
Besan Farra
Biochemistry
University of California, Davis
Ashley Simpson
“As a student advocate for the New American Legal Clinic, SJCL’s on campus clinic, I have gained invaluable experience both in learning immigration law and interacting with actual clients and their families.”
Ashley Simpson
Criminal Justice
Fresno Pacific University
Jocelyn Stevens
“Injustice is both systemic and a choice, and I choose not to perpetuate the problem. I see the unification of our differences as a necessity. The powerful influence of a law degree at San Joaquin College of Law will equip me to be the voice others need.”
Jocelyn Stevens
Political Science
Azusa Pacific University
Jaymie Eaton
“SJCL is home to an invaluable team of faculty and staff fully committed to ensuring our academic success as we enter into the community as advocates of justice. I feel supported, heard, and connected. I wouldn't have wanted a law school experience anywhere else.”
Jaymie Eaton
Art
California State University, Fresno
Gurjot Brar
“Having completed my law degree in India, I am glad I chose this law school over other schools because professors are so helpful in preparing me for the bar exam."
Gurjot Brar
Bachelor of Law
Panjab University, India
James Proctor
“SJCL is very welcoming to Veterans and the admissions staff is very helpful with the application process.”
James Proctor
Business Administration
Fresno City College
Careers in Law
See the latest postings from local firms and agencies.
Amy Guerra, of Fresno County, has been appointed to serve as an Associate Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Guerra has served as a Judge in the Fresno County Superior Court since 2018.
In his 1961 Citizenship and Constitution Day proclamation, President Kennedy urged schools to hold ceremonies on September 17th “to inspire all our citizens to keep the faith of our Founding Fathers and to carry out the ideals of United States citizenship.” For over 150 years, one of these ideals has been the Fourteenth Amendment’s promise that every baby born in the United States is a citizen of our nation, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Executive Order 14160 seeks to end this right, leaving hundreds of thousands of children and future generations stateless.
The SJCL motto “One Degree, a World of Options,” is greatly exemplified by the legal career of 2009 graduate Sung Bae Park, who currently lives and works in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
By David Weiland (Law ’92), SJCL Board of Trustees Member
The United States Supreme Court Bar was first established in 1790. Since that time, thousands of attorneys have had the honor of being admitted. As of June 5, 2025, I am proud and humbled to be counted among them.
Most highly accomplished people share traits in common that contribute to their success. They often exhibit multi-faceted talent and smarts, in addition to having reached a pinnacle of academic pursuit. The four newest inductees to the SJCL Hall of Fame share these attributes in spades.
I met my husband, Vince Tennerelli, when we were students at the University of Chicago Law School in 2006. This year, we teamed up on September 19 for SJCL’s 2024 Constitution Day Lecture (Video of the event is below), yielding an in-person audience of 50+ people and an online audience of 20+. (Offering my Fresno City College students extra credit for coming can’t hurt, right?)
Balancing family life and her law school dreams with fierce determination, Deyci Nunez Garcia is a testament to resilience and ambition. As a second-year law student at San Joaquin College of Law, Deyci has overcome many obstacles to reach this point and she's setting an inspiring example for first-generation and Latino students.
The Class of 2024 was cheered by a crowd of over 1,000 family members and friends as the graduates basked in the spotlight at the Saroyan Theatre in June.
SJCL’s 51st commencement included the heartwarming moments of triumph, inspiration, and gratitude we’ve come to cherish throughout the law school’s history.
Have you moved? Changed firms? Opened one of your own? Gottern married? We’d love to hear from you! Fill out the SJCL Alumni On the Move Form or email Diane at dskouti@sjcl.edu
Judge Amy Guerra
Gov. Gavin Newsom tapped Guerra for the Fifth District Court of Appeals.
Hon. Mary Thornton
The Honorable Mary Thornton (Law '08) has been reappointed by Governor Newsom to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Board of Parole Hearings, where she has served since 2019.
Feras Khoury
Feras Khoury (Law '12) is now the Virginia Market President with CenterWell Senior Primary Care (Humana). He is leading and supporting operations statewide for the centers providing patient care in Virginia.
Tomas Ross
Tomas Ross (Law '13) has been admitted into the American Board of Trial Advocates, San Joaquin Valley Chapter.
Rena Harrison
Rena Harrison (Law '19) is now a Deputy District Attorney III working in Child Support at the Madera County District Attorney's Office.
Sean Quint
Sean Quint (Law '21) has joined the Fresno County District Attorney's Office as a Deputy District Attorney.
Jeffrey Castleton
Jeffrey Castleton (Law '17) is a Deputy District Attorney with the Merced County District Attorney's Office.
Rose Oregel Gonzalez
Rose Oregel Gonzalez (Law '22) is has joined the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a Judicial Law Clerk.