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Top 10 news stories of the year: McGeorge School of Law's noteworthy highlights of 2024
The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law made its mark in 2024 with numerous achievements, community engagement, and academic excellence. From historic visits by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to groundbreaking legal scholarships and faculty appointments, McGeorge School of Law remains at the forefront of legal education.
Below are the top 10 news stories of the year, illustrating the law school’s ongoing dedication to shaping the next generation of legal professionals and advancing the field of law.
(From left to right) The Hon. Morrison C. England Jr. (Ret.) '77, '83; the Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan '75; and the Hon. Johnnie B. Rawlinson '79 answer questions from McGeorge School of Law students after the special sitting.
McGeorge School of Law had the distinct honor of hosting oral arguments by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a part of our Centennial celebration events. Oral arguments were followed by a short Q&A, and a panel of appellate lawyers who were able to provide students with their experience practicing appellate law.
The Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan, ‘75; the Hon. Morrison C. England Jr. (Ret.), ‘77, ‘83; and the Hon. Johnnie B. Rawlinson, ‘79, shared their time with the McGeorge community. All three are McGeorge alumni.
The Hon. Allan Hardcastle is a double tiger. He received an undergraduate degree from the College of the Pacific in 1977 and a JD degree from McGeorge School of Law in 1979.
The Hon. Allan Hardcastle (Ret.) '77, '79 was the 2023-24 president of the University of the Pacific’s Alumni Association. Judge Hardcastle is a double tiger. He received an undergraduate degree from the College of the Pacific in 1977 and a JD degree from McGeorge School of Law in 1979.
As a first-generation college student, Judge Hardcastle never forgot the University of Pacific's impact on him. That experience drove him to serve as president of the Pacific Alumni Association, volunteer in the admissions offices on both the Stockton and Sacramento campuses to help recruit incoming students, and serve as a judge for McGeorge School of Law’s Trial Advocacy courses.
The members of McGeorge School of Law's 2023-24 moot court team excelled in competitions.
McGeorge School of Law students excelled during the fall 2023 moot court competitions, raising McGeorge’s moot court program ranking to No. 10 in the nation. The moot court program also finished second among California's ABA-approved law schools for the second consecutive year.
McGeorge’s continued success in moot court highlights the quality of the school’s legal education and commitment to providing students with the skills needed to succeed as advocates.
Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz presents Mondis Vakili '24 with her diploma at the McGeorge School of Law commencement in May.
Graduates from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law excelled on the February 2024 Bar Exam, earning the highest bar pass rate in the state among ABA-accredited law schools.
McGeorge graduates also maintained the law school’s perfect, 100 percent bar exam pass rate for first-time test takers from the school’s Accelerated Honors Program.
“We take pride in the fact that the program's rigor consistently translates into success for our students,” said Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz.
(From left to right, top to bottom) Dominique Hinson, Rachel Van Cleave, Steven Macias, Omar Yousef Shehabi, Linda Coco, Andrew Jurs, Erin O'Neal, Pamela Izvănariu, and Oyango Snell.
McGeorge School of Law is excited to introduce nine new faculty members to the community, marking one of the largest groups of new appointments in recent memory. These distinguished educators and legal professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will enhance McGeorge’s academic offerings and contribute to the school's ongoing commitment to excellence in legal education.
In August, the following individuals became members of the McGeorge faculty: Linda Coco, Dominique Hinson, Pamela Izvănariu, Andrew Jurs, Steven Macias, Erin O'Neal, Oyango Snell, Omar Yousef Shehabi, and Rachel Van Cleave.
Third-year law student Khalil Ferguson takes the Oath of Professionalism alongside his classmates at McGeorge School of Law in 2022.
Third-year law student Khalil Ferguson has received several accolades for his work as an activist and community leader. Ferguson is a business owner, community leader, activist, and published author.
Less than a year before starting law school, Ferguson received the Sacramento Bee’s inaugural Top 25 Black Change Makers Award for his work to transform Sacramento and neighboring communities through leadership and innovation. Ferguson was also recognized with the 2022 Black History Month Legacy Award of Excellence, announced at the 35th Annual Black History Month Legacy Awards Gala.
In addition, he is pursuing the Capital Lawyering Certificate of Concentration, exploring his interests in Business Law and Marijuana Law. He has previously served as the president of the Black Law Student Association at McGeorge School of Law.
McGeorge School of Law proudly inaugurated the Stephen C. McCaffrey Endowed Professorship to honor one of its most dedicated and long-serving faculty members, Stephen C. McCaffrey.
McGeorge School of Law celebrated the successful completion of a transformative $500,000 campaign to establish an endowed professorship in international law and resource sustainability, honoring the renowned career of Professor Stephen McCaffrey.
The Stephen C. McCaffrey Endowed Professorship will support the teaching, scholarship, and service activities of the faculty member in this role. McCaffrey, who has dedicated more than 47 years to McGeorge, is the world's foremost scholar in international water law.
Professor Ederlina Co teaches a Global Lawyering Skills class at McGeorge School of Law in 2023.
8. McGeorge School of Law professor recognized as a leading scholar in reproductive rights and justice
Professor Ederlina Co was recognized in the 2023 Pacific Magazine as one of the "People of Pacific." Co is a strong advocate and nationally recognized scholar in reproductive rights and justice. At McGeorge, Co teaches courses on Global Lawyering Skills I and II, the Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic, and Reproductive Rights and Justice.
In recognition of her work in educating the community and fellow lawyers, Co was presented with the 2022 Community Service Award from Women Lawyers of Sacramento, a bar association dedicated to advancing women in the legal profession.
(From left to right) Maria Martinez '24, Senior Assistant Dean Valerie D. James, and third-year law student SJ Hammon walk across campus at McGeorge School of Law.
Valerie D. James, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives at McGeorge School of Law, is advancing the school’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by recruiting and supporting a dynamic cohort of law students each year. James was recognized in the 2023 Pacific Magazine as one of the "People of Pacific."
“In all things, I want to ensure every student has an educational experience that is engaging and transformative, so they are prepared to make an impact in their community,” James said.
Professor Ron Hochbaum, Staff Attorney Tori Larett, and alumna Rachel Lewis '24 worked together to submit an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Grants Pass v. Johnson.
In April, McGeorge School of Law's Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic continued its fight for civil and human rights for those experiencing homelessness by submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Grants Pass v. Johnson.
Professor Ron Hochbaum, staff attorney Tori Larett, alumna Rachel Alstrom ‘24, and a dedicated team of attorneys representing the Western Regional Advocacy Project collaborated on this important work in the spring.
