Breadcrumb
Highlighting 100 McGeorge alumni for school’s 100-year anniversary: Posts 91-100
Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is celebrating members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. These posts are part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni and friends of the law school.
As we continue publishing stories, we invite you to follow along and explore the stories of exceptional McGeorge alumni. This article spotlights McGeorge alumni who have emerged as formidable forces in their respective industries, making significant impacts on their communities and even extending their influence to the government level. McGeorge alumni pave the way for the next generation of law professionals, with their stellar career histories, continued dedication for justice, and status as leading experts in their fields.
John Demas, ‘89 and JD ‘92
John Demas, ‘89, ’92, is the founding partner of Demas Law Group. He is a highly respected leader in personal injury law and widely recognized as one of California's top plaintiff’s attorneys. With over 30 years of experience exclusively representing injured victims, Demas has achieved numerous record-breaking verdicts and settlements.
Randall Miller, JD ‘84
Randall Miller, ’84, is a legal titan in the field of professional malpractice. He has more than 35 years’ experience as a litigator focusing on defending and counseling professionals, corporations, directors, officers, and insurers. He is a legal malpractice specialist and principal at Miller Law Associates in Los Angeles.
David Neill, JD ’96
David Neill, ’96, is a dedicated public servant who has devoted his career to serving the state of California. He currently holds the position of chief counsel at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Throughout his career, Neill has been a steadfast mentor, fostering the next generation of legal professionals.
The Hon. Ronald Sargis, JD ‘82
The Hon. Ronald Sargis, ’82, is the former Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District. He has served in this role since 2010 and was reappointed in 2024 for a second 14-year term. Before his judicial career, he practiced law for 26 years at Hefner, Stark & Marois.
Stuart Somach, JD ‘79
The remarkable career of Stuart Somach, ’79, has spanned over 40 years. He is one of the most respected water law attorneys in the nation. He is a shareholder at Somach Simmons & Dunn. His influence spans litigation, policy shaping, and legislative work in water and reclamation law across California and the Western U.S.
Reinhard von Hennigs, LLM '98
Reinhard von Hennigs, LLM '98, is a distinguished alumnus known for his impressive accomplishments in corporate and international law. Reinhard is the chairman and founder of Bridgehouse Law, an international law firm with European roots that operates with a full-service approach through multi-jurisdictional teams.
Alumni on the Rise
Nine graduates from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law – recognized as Alumni on the Rise – have made significant strides in their fields, demonstrating exceptional achievements, leadership, and community contributions across private practice, public service, and emerging industries.
The nine recognized Alumni on the Rise are Trevor Quirk, ‘03; the Hon. Dena Coggins, ‘06; Patricia Eichar, ‘07; Ognian Gavrilov, ’08; Lauren Layne, ‘10; Bennett Bearden, JSD ‘11; Aaron Brieno, ‘14; Lexi Howard, ‘15; and Nicole Low, ‘17.
McGeorge School of Law Current Full-time Faculty
McGeorge School of Law’s distinguished full-time faculty provides students with unparalleled opportunities to learn from their expertise across diverse fields of law. From international arbitration to criminal justice, environmental law to public policy, our professors bring real-world experience and academic excellence to the classroom, preparing students to excel in their legal careers.
McGeorge School of Law Former Full-time Faculty
McGeorge School of Law’s former full-time faculty, spanning nearly 300 individuals who taught at the institution between 1950 to 2024, represents a profound legacy at the institution. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of legal disciplines.
Women in Sports
Female alumni in the sports industry have been making remarkable progress, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women professionals. Notable female McGeorge School of Law alumni include the Chief Operating Officer of the Sacramento Kings and a two-time U.S. Olympic athlete.
Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary in 2024. Check out earlier posts from the series: