PREPARING Leaders for
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LEADERS FOR
The McGeorge Michelle Teran is pursuing an MSL degree at McGeorge.
Advantage MSL degree gives professionals the tools to succeed
Photo by Anne Stokes
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WHY ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP 10 LEGAL EDUCATORS CHOSE McGEORGE: a MESSAGE FROM THE NEW DEAN I chose McGeorge School of Law based on my sense of the community — in every sense of that word. As a legal educator who has focused my career on putting students first, I found kindred spirits on this campus. My colleagues delight in student success, actively seek to be transformative teachers and give of themselves as mentors. I fell for the law school’s spirit of innovation and willingness to imagine what a 21st century
student-centered, communityengaged legal education could be. I’ve discovered that Sacramento is much more than the state’s center of law and government; it is a hub for technological innovation and a rapidly expanding and diverse business environment. Forbes ranked it the second happiest city in which to work. With all this going for it, how could I resist joining the McGeorge community? - Michael Hunter Schwartz Incoming Dean
ichelle Teran will complete the Master of Science in Law (MSL) program at McGeorge in 2017, but she has already seen the benefits of the innovative advanced degree. Teran, 27, has had a passion for farmworker advocacy since her junior year at University of California, Merced, when she began an internship with the United Farm Workers of America. Once she graduated, she was hired on full time. As she worked with a small team of consultants, lobbyists and the organization’s vice president, she realized they had years of experience and skills that she lacked. Teran researched the MSL, a degree designed specially for working professionals who seek advanced legal knowledge and skills in their fields without becoming a lawyer. She toured the campus, sat in on a class and was immediately impressed. “When I [was] there, I’m thinking: I absolutely have to do this,” she remembers. The program’s flexibility allowed her to pursue the degree while maintaining a full-time work schedule during the day. While evening courses worked best for her schedule, MSL students can shape their schedule to include weekday classes. Teran says she further benefited from being in the classroom with traditional law students in the JD program. While she was initially intimidated by second-year law students, she quickly saw the advantage of sharing classes with them. “The JD students are very understanding of where we’re coming from and we’re able to work together,” Teran says. “We help each other out. … We study for midterms together and it’s been wonderful.” MSL students have the option to customize their curriculum or to choose a concentration — Criminal Justice,
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“ The MSL program has been invaluable. I’ve received rigorous training and experience in interpreting policy, decision making, and lobbying. I find it all fascinating.” Michelle Teran MSL ‘17
Government/Public Policy, Health, Human Resources, or Water/Environmental. Teran’s focus is in Government/Public Policy, an area where she has already made an impact. With the United Farmworkers of America, Teran was part of a team advocating for the passage of Assembly Bill 1066, a bill to phase in overtime pay for farmworkers. She says courses such as the Persuasive Public Speaking class helped her advocate more effectively for the bill, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed in September 2016. “The MSL program has been invaluable. I’ve received rigorous training and experience in interpreting policy, decision making, and lobbying. I find it all fascinating,” she says. Teran was recently hired as a legislative aide for District 28 Assemblymember Cristina Garcia — another achievement that she credits to her experience and the contacts she made while earning an MSL at McGeorge. Learn about the MSL degree at go.mcgeorge.edu/msl or call 916-739-7019.
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Vanessa Adamé is earning an MPP degree at McGeorge.
Professional graduate degree programs
Photo by Anne Stokes
value
McGeorge School of Law offers degree programs with flexible schedules to fit students’ diverse needs.
of a Professional POLICY Degree FROM A Law SCHOOL
Juris Doctor (JD) This legal degree prepares students to take a bar examination and practice law. McGeorge’s innovative, experience-oriented approach to legal education prepares students for a profession that is highly customized, proactive, interdisciplinary and everevolving.
MPP, MPA degrees give working and aspiring professionals an advantage
Master of Science in Law (MSL)
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espite being a student at McGeorge School of Law, Vanessa Adamé isn’t interested in a career in the courtroom. Her passion lies in water policy and data analytics. Adamé is pursuing her Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree — one of two graduate programs for public service professionals offered at McGeorge. The other is the Master of Public Administration (MPA). These programs focus on policy analysis and formation, and administration and implementation of policy. Adamé is an extern with the State Water Resources Control Board Office of Information Management and Analysis and aspires to launch her own water policy and environmental consulting firm. “I’m hoping to be able to analyze policy for ... those who really need it — nonprofits, farmers, even small urban farmers,” she says. She recognizes that understanding the intersection of law and policy is essential to working in and with government agencies. Earning the professional degree will help her advance her career. “It’s really useful to get that edge up, especially if I’m going into a government field where people have their doctorates or JDs,” she says.
John Kirlin, founding director of the public policy programs at McGeorge, agrees that a deep understanding of policies and regulations is vital to working within local, state and federal legal frameworks.
“ It’s really useful to get that edge up, especially if I’m going into a government field where people have their doctorates or JDs.” Vanessa AdamÉ MPP ‘18
“If you [work in] the government side, and you’re implementing a policy ... you have to comply with a variety of regulations on procedures,” he says. The need for that knowledge also extends to professionals working in nonprofit organizations.
“Most nonprofits work in either advocacy, where they’re trying to change policy, social service delivery or natural resource management, where they’re also working in those highly regulated environments,” he says. “It becomes a huge advantage just knowing, in important detail, the context in which you’re working.” The school’s MPP and MPA degrees benefit a wide range of professionals, such as those working in the public sector and business professionals whose work often intersects with government. Those professions include investment banking, civil engineering and health industries. The master’s programs of study — which give students an understanding of statutory interpretations and regulatory processes that are critical to modern governance — can benefit working professionals looking to further a career, as well as those like Adamé who are launching one. “Being able to say, ‘I can read statutes along with policy,’ and being comfortable with doing analysis, I think that will give me a leg up on the competition.” Learn about the MPP and MPA degrees at go.mcgeorge.edu/publicpolicy or call
This legal degree for professional advancement for those who do not want to practice law offers advanced training in legal reasoning and analysis. Optional concentrations include Criminal Justice, Government/Public Policy, Health, Human Resources, and Water/Environmental.
Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) These graduate degrees prepare students for careers in government, advocacy and nonprofit settings. The MPP focuses on policy analysis and formation, while the MPA focuses on administration and implementation of policy choices.
Master of Laws in Water Resources (LLM) This graduate legal degree is for attorneys seeking additional expertise in water resources law to serve the diverse needs of businesses, farmers, ranchers, nonprofit organizations and public agencies.
916-340-6192.
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making an impact in the courtroom
McGeorge graduate is well-prepared for her career as an advocate b y M att J oc k s
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hen Selena Farnesi rose from her chair to make her first argument before a judge and jury, they were all there: nerves, jitters, butterflies. But there was something else there as well — self-confidence. “Of course, it’s nerve-wracking,” Farnesi says. “The stakes are high and you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. But I was not nervous about my ability. And that’s because of all the training I had.” The training came through McGeorge’s Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, where activities like lawyering skills classes, mock trial competitions and externships take students’ education well beyond lectures and books. Mostly, though, it is preparation for real courtrooms, where the stakes are higher than in simulations. Now a deputy district attorney in her home county, Fresno, Farnesi deals
with that pressure daily. And she draws on her experience gained through the Center. “The most important thing to be a successful lawyer is to be flexible, to be able to think on your feet,” she says. “I’ve never gone against somebody who I felt was better prepared than I was.”
“ I’ve never gone against somebody who I felt was better prepared than I was.” Selena Farnesi JD ‘15
JD graduate Selena Farnesi serves as a deputy district attorney in Fresno County. Photo by laura facciani
At McGeorge, Farnesi learned skills like opening and closing arguments, crossand direct examination, brief-writing, ethics, professionalism, and demeanor. Skills that are taught through readings and lectures come alive, she says, when you are competing with peers. As Farnesi says about the mock trials, “The people in the court are the people who sit next to you in class. If you do a terrible job, they’ll know.” Farnesi’s skills landed her a spot on a McGeorge traveling competition team and an invitation to the prestigious Baylor University Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition, where she brought home the Professionalism Award. Her success was based on hard work and also the recognition that listening skills can be just as valuable as speaking. “You need to listen so you can adjust to what’s actually going on as opposed to what you might have expected to be going on,” she says. “You need to hear the story that’s being told and you’re also listening to what is said without being said.” Along the way, Farnesi also benefited from the knowledge and professional connections of her faculty and alumni coaches. “You work with people who give you the feeling they care as much about your success as you do,” Farnesi says. “That’s pretty amazing.” So too is the path that has led Farnesi back to her hometown to fulfill a goal she has had since childhood: to be a lawyer and give back to her own community. “Every day I wake up and feel this is crazy that I get to do this,” she says. “It’s still kind of surreal.” Learn about the JD degree at go.mcgeorge.edu/admissions or call 916-739-7105.
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Experience the McGeorge DIFFERENCE McGeorge’s innovative curriculum emphasizes handson, active learning. The National Jurist Magazine recently ranked McGeorge in its top 20 law schools nationally for practical training. • SKILLS CLASSES: McGeorge’s nationally recognized Global Lawyering Skills program gives all students two full years of integrated experience in legal research, writing, and advocacy. Advanced courses build skills in negotiation, mediation, and trial and legislative advocacy. • COMPETITION TEAMS: McGeorge is ranked No. 10 nationally in trial advocacy. Students on Moot Court and Mock Trial teams receive individualized coaching and compete against teams from schools across the country. • CLINICS: Students can choose to serve real clients under faculty supervision in one of McGeorge’s many pioneering legal clinics. These include the Federal Defender Clinic, Elder & Health Law Clinic, Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic, and Immigration Law Clinic. Every year, students and local attorneys host a Citizenship Fair assisting hundreds of community members with immigration needs. • EXTERNSHIPS: McGeorge students gain practical experience under attorney supervision while earning academic credit in externships in government agencies, district attorney and public defender offices, courts, nonprofit entities and selected private placements.
Make Connections that Change
JD graduate Aaron Brieno currently serves as a legislative aide to State Sen. Ben Hueso. Photo by Anne Stokes
Your Life McGeorge graduate now working to improve the lives of Californians
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COLLEGE STUDENTS: McGEORGE HAS A SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOU Capital Experience · Internship & Immersion
“ Every day I learned something new.” - Ameer Othman, ‘18
“ What incredible networking!” - Sarah Gamble, ‘17
“ They made me part of the team.” - Alex Gianini, ‘17
Learn about CapEx at go.McGeorge.edu/CapEx or call 916-340-6183.
amily examples moved Aaron Brieno to find ways to serve his community, especially through politics. Growing up in the small Central Valley farming town of Hanford, Brieno found inspiration in his grandparents, who were migrant farm workers, and in particular his grandmother, who enrolled in adult school at the age of 40. Brieno’s father served on the city council and as interim mayor in their hometown, showing Brieno how public service could help those, like his grandparents, who were disenfranchised. “I saw the opportunities for social change that the American political system provided,” Brieno says. “I quickly realized, though, that to help people effectively, I needed to refine my advocacy, writing and speaking skills.” Law school seemed the obvious path to get these skills. McGeorge, with its network of alumni and a specialized curriculum to train students to work around the Capitol, was the obvious choice. At McGeorge, Brieno took skills classes in research, writing and persuasive speaking, which helped develop his ability to communicate effectively. And he took advantage of being near the Capitol by landing a summer internship with Assemblyman Henry T. Perea. He also found mentors such as Adjunct Professor Rex Frazier, ‘00, himself a McGeorge graduate, to guide him toward success. Frazier started McGeorge’s Legislative and Public Policy Clinic, and Brieno was part of the first class. “This was truly a unique opportunity,” Brieno says. “Students got to work on ideas for bills and then learn how to present the ideas to lawmakers.” Each year the governor has signed most of clinic students’ bills into law.
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Then Frazier recommended Brieno apply for the California Senate Fellows program — an extremely competitive program that received some 500 applicants for Brieno’s class of 18 fellows. Brieno translated his one-year fellowship into his current, permanent position as a legislative aide to Senator Ben Hueso.
“ I quickly realized ... that to help people effectively, I needed to refine my advocacy, writing and speaking skills.” Aaron Brieno JD ‘14
Every day, Brieno says, he runs into other McGeorge graduates working in legislative offices, agencies, and nonprofits, or lobbying in the Capitol. And Brieno gives back to current McGeorge students, offering advice and introductions to help them launch their own careers. Although he’s in Sacramento for now, Brieno knows his McGeorge law degree will take him wherever he decides to go. “I would like to eventually run for office from my home district, whether it be local or state politics,” he says. “My journey began in a small Central Valley town, and I’d like to continue helping families with difficulties.” Learn about the JD degree at go.mcgeorge.edu/admissions or call 916-739-7105.
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Tapping Into the
Best
Jennifer Harder is a professor in the Water & Environmental Law Program at McGeorge. Photo by Anne Stokes
at McGeorge
Water Resources LLM degree benefits students in diverse fields b y M att J oc k s
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The legal issues surrounding water — control of alifornia has been a pioneer in the area of water property, access, and environmental issues — have always and environmental law and the issues around been prominent in California. the vital resource are growing more urgent “When California adopted prior appropriation laws and complex. That means there is a constant need for in the 1800s, the western U.S. followed,” Harder says. lawyers and other diverse professionals trained in these “On water and environment, California is a leader in the areas. nation and internationally.” For Jennifer Harder, water issues have been a passion In her courses, Harder starts with a foundation of since she worked on a fish repopulation project as a high core lawyering skills, applicable to any discipline of school student in Petaluma. From writing letters to the the law. The exciting part, she says, is when those skills City Council, Harder followed a path through studying are applied through externships, public policy, interning at an which allow students to work environmental advocacy group, and with local, state, federal and attending law school. nonprofit agencies on water- and Today, she is a professor at environment-related legal and McGeorge, where she teaches policy issues. JD and graduate students who “Those hands-on opportunities focus on water, environmental, allow students to apply the and public agency law. Harder is principles they’re learning to realproud of McGeorge’s innovative life issues,” she says. Water Resources LLM degree, Having a school located in the which welcomes students with a state capital certainly doesn’t hurt. variety of interests, ranging from Jennifer Harder “It is a rich place to study,” pure water law to environmental Professor, Water & Environmental Law Harder says. “Students find law and environmental advocacy themselves at the confluence of to legislative work, finance, public two of California’s major rivers, agency, business, agricultural, and surrounded by unique species, habitat, agriculture and municipal law. McGeorge JD students can take advantage water infrastructure, all raising concerns that vie to of the Fast Track Water Resources LLM, earning the influence state, national and international policymakers. degree in just one additional semester. The diversity of McGeorge’s home within the capital region provides students seeking the Water Resources LLM adds valuable students seeking the Water Resources LLM access to key perspectives to the classroom. leaders, legislators, agencies and organizations so that “You have such a wide range of experience and it they can be part of this important dialogue,” she says. enhances the educational experience of everyone,” Harder says. “It makes the learning more interesting, as people see Learn about the Water Resources LLM degree at that this touches on science, history, public policy, finance.” go.mcgeorge.edu/waterlaw or call 916-739-7019.
“ On water and environment, California is a leader in the nation and internationally.”
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Career Connections McGeorge’s Career Development Office (CDO) gives students the tools they need to take charge of their careers. One tool is the McGeorge Alumni Mentor Network, consisting of nearly 500 McGeorge alumni who share their knowledge, experiences, and contacts with current McGeorge students. “McGeorge has a rich network of alumni,” says Professor Jennifer Harder. “Mentoring allows students to learn the core values we teach — transparency, accountability, fairness, justice — and see those values in action.” The Externship Office offers a wide array of opportunities for students to gain practical experience in full-time or part-time externships throughout the capital community and beyond. In Harder’s specialty, Water & Environmental Law, this could mean working with attorneys in public agencies, private law firms, or nonprofit legal organizations. In addition to providing career-planning support for students, the CDO offers multiple opportunities for employers to recruit at McGeorge, from its On-Campus Interview programs, to job fairs, to a free online job posting system. These events and services allow employers to find ideal candidates for law clerk, entry-level or experienced attorney positions, and provide students the opportunity to effectively connect with employers. Learn about the Career Development Office at go.mcgeorge.edu/cdo and externships at go.mcgeorge.edu/externships.
#IChoseMcGeorge Students and alumni reflect on the McGeorge advantage
Isabel Glaese
Kellan Patterson
JD ‘17 Undergraduate degree: Spanish education, University of Georgia Highlights: • Legal Spanish course and an externship in a study-abroad program in Guatemala • Supporting McGeorge students in the Immigration Clinic as a team leader • Small school size with a supportive faculty and student body #IChoseMcGeorge: “The fact that they offered the Inter-American Program for study and work during the summer in Guatemala was one of the reasons I decided to go to McGeorge. Studying abroad in undergrad, I really appreciated that experience. That swayed my decision.”
Tori Sundheim
JD ‘15
Rosemary Deck JD ‘17 Undergraduate degree: Political science, Humboldt State University Highlights: • A small campus community where students and faculty build relationships • Working as a research assistant to Professor Michael Vitiello • Writing and editing for the University of the Pacific Law Review #IChoseMcGeorge: “To be able to have close relationships with several professors and benefit from their mentorship was key to me. They know my name, my background, they know what I’m passionate about and what I need to do to become a better, more wellrounded attorney. Instead of being one of 300 faces in a room, I need to be able to participate.”
Undergraduate degree: Political science, minor in African American studies, UC Berkeley Highlights: • Accessible and skilled professors • Experiential learning through moot court and mock trial programs • Location in his hometown and California’s state capital #IChoseMcGeorge: “McGeorge prepares you to be comfortable in dealing with tough issues. Through different programs, McGeorge encourages you to get out there and make a change. They have the resources available that students can take advantage of to really hone their skills in the policy arena.”
Michelle Oberg MPA ‘18 Undergraduate degree: Vocational education, Sacramento State University Highlights: • Flexible course schedule including nights and weekends to accommodate a full-time work schedule • Applying the tools gained at McGeorge in the workplace to advance professionally • Highly qualified faculty #IChoseMcGeorge: “It closely resembled a family to me. After meeting with the advisers of the department, I felt they really cared and valued me and my education. I knew that pursuing education would be more of a human commitment and it was a serious choice. The leadership in the public policy program is incredible.”
JD ‘13 FAST TRACK WATER RESOURCES LLM ‘15 Undergraduate degree: Business administration, Emory University Highlights: • Establishing the McGeorge Water Law Society as a co-founder • Launching the California Water Law Journal as the founder • Serving as the public relations chair of the Jewish Law Student Association #IChoseMcGeorge: “If you have an idea and can articulate that idea to your colleagues or administration, then it’s my experience that they’ll do everything they can to support you and make sure that it’s successful. That’s a really important thing — to feel validated and know that you can create something and be part of a legacy.”
John Wenger MSL ‘15 Undergraduate degree: Political science and public administration, Chico State University Highlights: • Opportunities for professional development • Flexibility to earn a degree while working full time • Practice lobbying a bill #IChoseMcGeorge: “The MSL program at McGeorge seemed like the right fit for my career at a lobbying firm. I needed a legal education but didn’t need to be a lawyer, so it was perfect. I could take the classes that I needed for professional development. It helped me advance my career.”
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BECOME A LEADER FOR WHAT’S NEXT TAKE A TOUR AND SIT IN ON CLASSES FIVE DEGREE PROGRAMS Juris Doctor (JD) go.mcgeorge.edu/admissions, 916-739-7105, mcgeorge@pacific.edu Application deadlines: Priority February 1; Regular April 1. Contact JD admissions for fall enrollment this year.
Master of Science in Law (MSL) go.mcgeorge.edu/msl, 916-739-7019, graduatelaw@pacific.edu Rolling admissions; Semesters start in August and January.
Master of Public Policy (MPP) Master of Public Administration (MPA) go.mcgeorge.edu/public policy, 916-340-6192, publicpolicy@pacific.edu Rolling admissions; Semesters start in August and January.
Master of Laws (LLM) go.mcgeorge.edu/llms, 916-739-7019, graduatelaw@pacific.edu
Professor Blake Nordahl with students in his Immigration Law Clinic.
Rolling admissions; Semesters start in August and January.
STATE CAPITOL
CAPEX PROGRAM (COLLEGE STUDENTS) go.mcgeorge.edu/CapEx, 916-340-6183, CapEx@pacific.edu MIDTOWN
5-week program starts in May. YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM We thank you for your service. McGeorge is a proud 100% matching school for all degree programs for veterans and active duty personnel.
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