Class of 1983
When someone is a born achiever, struggles are seen as mere learning opportunities. Linda Rousse, the Managing Attorney for the Fifth District Court of Appeal, was hired by Justice Kenneth Andreen after graduating from SJCL in 1983. In fact, it was at the graduation reception that Justice Pauline Hanson approached her and encouraged her to apply for a job with the court! Justice Andreen said at the time he “took a chance” in hiring Linda because she had been the valedictorian of her graduating class.
Since joining the court of appeal those 40 years ago, Linda has worked for Justices Jay Ballantyne, Charles Hamlin, Steven Vartabedian, and Jennifer Detjen. She has represented herself and her alma mater as the consummate legal professional. In 2011 she was selected by Presiding Justice Brad Hill to become the managing attorney of the court, the highest position that can be attained at a State Court of Appeal.
And yet, these accomplishments were not without struggle. Linda began law school at SJCL the same year she was married, and her first son was born in the summer between her second and third year of school. While these struggles were real, she credits SJCL’s top-notch program and professors like the Honorable Hollis G. Best and the Honorable Oliver Wanger to push her and her fellow classmates to be their best.
In addition to raising a young family while starting her legal career, Linda overcame breast cancer, assisted her aging parents, and cared for her husband as he struggled and lost his 10-year battle with cancer in 2014. Linda says each of these challenges became opportunities to learn.
In addition to being a beloved member of the court of appeal:
Linda was a member of the Chief Justice’s Appellate Case flow Workgroup to reform the statewide appeals process to prevent undue delay
A member of the statewide team evaluating the Document Management System which will provide electronic access to documents for the court, parties, and the public
A member of the management committee that implemented electronic reporter’s transcripts and electronic filing of all documents by the parties
A major participant in organizing the visit for oral argument by the California Supreme Court in 2010
A member of the committee that coordinated the dedication of the current court building of the Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Linda was born and raised in Fresno and currently lives in the home that she grew up in, which was designed by her father. She has two children – Jonathan Rousse and Brett Rousse, one daughter in law – Camelia, and three grandchildren – Aria, Alexa, and Liam.
Linda says she is honored to join the ranks of inductees to the Hall of Fame whom she considers to be a prestigious group that brings honor and pride to San Joaquin College of Law.