Class of 1978
The Honorable Georgia L. York (Law ’78) did not originally plan to be a lawyer. She selected criminology/corrections as a major in her third year of college, but wasn’t especially excited until she took a few required law classes. An astute instructor, Bob Perez, who taught at both Fresno State and SJCL at the time, took note of her writing talent and encouraged her to consider law school. Judge York says intellectual curiosity convinced her to enroll. Of the 80 students that started SJCL together that year, less than 30 remained by year two. Judge York says the brilliant, lifelong friendships, and the challenge of law school were the very best parts, even better than the practice of law itself.
Upon graduating and passing the bar, Judge York worked for the Fresno County Public Defender’s office. She learned a lot there, but moved on to the Fresno County Counsel’s office upon realizing criminal law was not for her. She worked in that “fabulous office with its many good lawyers and mentors,” for eleven years. Most of her time there was spent advising school districts in Fresno County. She spent two years as a researcher at the Fifth District Court of appeal before applying to the California Unemployment Appeals Board as an Administrative Law Judge. She remained there for the last 16 years of her career. Judge York says she liked the independence of the position along with the reasonable working hours, which made it feel tailor made for her. She also enjoyed working and talking directly with the public.
Upon the retirement of her significant other, Tom Riggs, in 2008, Judge York scrapped her plans to continue working, and followed within six months. They relocated to Sandpoint Idaho where she fills her days with friends, family - she has a daughter, Erin - and a multitude of activities ranging from skiing and yoga, to kayaking and travel, gardening, camping, ukulele-playing, disc golf, cooking, and reading. Judge York says she attributes her wonderful career as a lawyer to SJCL. She is thoroughly enjoying her sweet and fulfilling retirement.