2021-2022 Law Catalog - San Joaquin College of Law
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2021-2022 Law Catalog
A
legal education is a professional education. You will use the
substantive legal knowledge and practice skills you develop
in law school every day of your life as a lawyer and community
leader. Your law school experience is the opportunity of your lifetime to
build the foundation of your future successful legal career. Accordingly,
you must choose the environment in which you personally will learn the
most and grow the most.
At SJCL, your personal growth as a legal practitioner is our foremost
objective. This is apparent from the small sections and individualized
attention students receive in first-year writing courses to the myriad
practice skills courses embodied in SJCL’s curriculum. Class sizes are
small, averaging 25 people per section, providing you an unparalleled
opportunity to interact with your professors and classmates. Faculty
have an open-door policy, enabling you regularly to obtain assistance or
Dean Janice Pearson compare ideas. As grading is not on a curve, faculty and students are all
motivated to work as a team for everyone’s success.
Opportunities for real-life experience abound in the San Joaquin Valley
area. Internship and clinical placements in federal and state courts, district
attorney’s offices, administrative agencies, legal aid, and private firms are
readily available. Moreover, employment opportunities in the area have
always been available even when scarce in other markets.
The San Joaquin Valley is the growth area for California’s future.
Outstanding legal practitioners will be needed. San Joaquin College of
Law offers you the opportunity to be a part of that future or any future you
choose. Come grow with us!
Accreditation
Western Senior College
Individual Attention ing body recognized by the Council for Higher and University Comission
At SJCL, the study of law is an intense Education Accreditation and the U.S. Depart-
endeavor, but the skills and doctrines learned ment of Education. SJCL is accredited by the 985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100
will benefit you professionally on a daily basis. Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar Alameda, California 94501
Our small class sizes allow students to receive of California, giving SJCL its degree-granting (510) 748-9793
individual attention from faculty. At SJCL, authority and qualifying SJCL graduates to take
the competition is against one’s self and high the California Bar Exam and obtain admission www.wscuc.org
professional standards – not other students. to the practice of law in California.
Committee of Bar Examiners
Learning Outcomes A Unique Student Body The State Bar of California
The Juris Doctor program at San Joaquin SJCL students don’t fit a particular mold. 180 Howard St.
College of Law seeks to create a program of le- They are simply motivated and ready to learn. San Francisco, CA 94105
gal education which produces graduates who are Our students represent a variety of ages and
backgrounds. If you’re seeking a legal career,
(415) 538-2000
highly skilled individuals who can contribute to
the development of legal and social institutions looking for a change of pace, or wanting to www.calbar.ca.gov
and to the integrity of the legal system. To this enhance your professional skills – SJCL is for
end, the Faculty has formally adopted a set of you. Our student body reflects SJCL’s progres-
measurable Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) sive and diverse environment.
which all courses, collectively, are designed • Ages range from 22 to 56, averaging 32
to meet. Each professor will articulate in the • Approximately 70 percent are change-of-
course syllabus those specific SLOs taught and career students
assessed in the particular course. • Approximately 57 percent are women
Outcome 1. Comprehend the structures and • Approximately 66 percent identify as being Contents
processes of the U.S. legal system and founda- part of an under-represented minority group Curriculum............................... 2
tional substantive law. • Approximately 51 percent identify as a
Typical Curriculum................... 3
Outcome 2. Demonstrate proficiency in legal first-generation college student
Clinics & Externships................ 4
analysis and problem solving.
Outcome 3. Demonstrate competence in Abundant Careers Academic Standards................. 5
written and oral communication. The SJCL course of study combines theoreti- Student Organizations............. 7
Outcome 4. Demonstrate mastery of ap- cal knowledge with practical skills. Our clinical Faculty..................................... 8
propriate strategies and technologies to legal opportunities place students in a variety of legal Law Library............................ 10
research. settings, providing students with the stimulat-
Outcome 5. Recognize and resolve ethical Adjunct Faculty...................... 11
ing job experience and professional contacts to
issues. facilitate a natural transition into the legal field. Required Courses................... 18
Student attainment of the SLOs will be Most SJCL graduates find employment locally, Elective Courses..................... 20
reflected, not only in the grades students while some venture into California’s most Admissions............................. 26
receive in their individual courses, but may competitive markets. As SJCL is the only law
also be separately assessed from time to time by Financial Information............. 27
school in the Central Valley our students benefit
mechanisms independent of individual course from the multitude of internships, clerkships Academic Calendar................. 30
assignments and examinations. and career options without the competition. Disclosures............................. 32
Accreditation Ensuring Success
San Joaquin College of Law is accredited by The staff at SJCL understands that many
the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State students have responsibilities that extend
Bar of California, permitting SJCL graduates to beyond law school. Every effort is made to
sit for the California Bar Exam, as well as by the facilitate each student’s personal academic
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges success. Dedicated faculty members regularly
and Universities of the Western Association of hold study and review sessions. Students are
Schools and Colleges, an institutional accredit- encouraged to organize study groups – building
camaraderie that translates into professional
contacts after graduation.
1
Curriculum requirements within 5 years of initial
enrollment, or 6 years from initial
Required Courses for
San Joaquin College of Law offers
a flexible program leading to the Juris
enrollment if the student was granted
the right to repeat the first year,
Graduation
Doctor degree. The degree can be
unless such limitation violates some Course Units
CURRICULUM
attained in three, four, or five years. Advanced Research & Writing........... 3
state or federal, statutory or regula-
Attainment of the degree requires: Appellate Advocacy.............................. 2
tory, provision.
• Completion of 86 semester units: 68 Business Organizations I & II............. 4
units of required courses and 18 units Civil Procedure I & II ........................ 5
of electives, not more than four (4) Four-Year Program Community Property ........................ 3
of which may be clinical work. An SJCL’s Four-Year Program is designed Constitutional Law I & II .................. 6
additional four (4) units of clinical for a diverse community. The cur- Contracts I & II.................................. 6
work may be completed in the New riculum is intended to accommodate Criminal Law and Procedure ............. 6
American Legal Clinic. the needs of working students, parents, Evidence I & II................................... 6
• A cumulative grade point average commuters, and others who have Legal Methods I & II ......................... 4
of 65 or better at the end of spring substantial commitments outside of Moot Court ....................................... 2
semester. (Although transfer units their studies. The program requires Professional Responsibility ................. 2
from an ABA or state accredited law an average of ten classroom hours Property I & II.................................... 5
school may be accepted, only work each week throughout the four years. Real Property Drafting ...................... 1
completed at SJCL is credited toward A student should expect to spend Remedies I & II.................................. 4
a student’s cumulative GPA). approximately two to three hours Torts I & II......................................... 5
• A minimum grade of 55 in all in preparation time for each hour Wills & Trusts I & II.......................... 5
required courses. of classroom time. The program is
• Course attendance totaling a designed primarily as a night program, Total Required Units 69
minimum of 16 semester units per but there are some daytime sections of Total Elective Units 17
academic year. classes offered depending on demand
• Completion of all graduation and availability. Total Units 86
Cooperative Degree Program
SJCL seeks to add a new set of skills to the
lawyer’s toolbox for resolving conflict by offering a
cooperative degree with Fresno Pacific University.
This program joins the discipline of law with the
humanistic approach of peacemaking to create a
new breed of professional that promises to transform
Facilities & Location the way our society resolves conflict. Students
SJCL occupies a Mediterranean Renaissance simultaneously enrolled in both degree programs
building in a park-like setting in downtown (MA/JD) can complete both degrees in four years
Clovis. The facility consists of seven classrooms, because of the mutual recognition of elective units.
courtroom, library including group and individual Read more about this exciting program at www.sjcl.
study spaces, the New American Legal Clinic, Law edu/coopdegree or at http://peace.fresno.edu.
Journal/student organizations offices, student
lounge, and faculty and staff offices.
2
Three-Year Option Sample Four Year Program
Students in the Four-Year
TYPICAL CURRICULUM
Program who complete the first Year 1 Year 3
year with a minimum cumulative Fall/Spring (20 Units) Summer (2 Units)
GPA of 75 can accelerate their COURSE TITLE UNITS COURSE TITLE UNITS
studies by transferring to the Civil Procedure I & II...........................................5 Clinical and/or Electives.....................................2
Three-Year Option. Students who Contracts I & II....................................................6
wish to transfer to the Three-Year Legal Methods I & II...........................................4 Fall/Spring (20 Units)
Option are required to meet Torts I & II...........................................................5 COURSE TITLE UNITS
with the Director of Student Constitutional Law I & II.....................................6
Services, Academic Dean, Dean Year 2 Evidence I & II.....................................................6
of Students, or Dean for approval Summer (2 Units) Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning I & II..............5
before transferring. If receiving COURSE TITLE UNITS Clinical and/or Electives.....................................4
financial aid, the transferring Professional Responsibility................................2
student must also meet with Year 4
the Director of Financial Aid. Fall/Spring (20 Units) Summer (4 Units)
The Three-Year Option requires COURSE TITLE UNITS COURSE TITLE UNITS
students to take additional courses Business Organizations I & II..............................4 Clinical and/or Electives.....................................4
during the second and third year Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure ......................6
of the program and complete Appellate Advocacy (Fall) ..................................2 Fall/Spring (20 Units)
a minimum of four (4) clinical Property I & II ....................................................5 COURSE TITLE UNITS
units. Any outside employment Real Property Drafting.......................................1 Advanced Research & Writing............................3
in excess of (20) hours per week is Moot Court (Spring)...........................................2 Community Property .........................................3
prohibited. Remedies I & II ..................................................4
Clinical and/or Electives.....................................7
Five-Year Option
Students who must extend
their education because of family,
work, or other commitments can Sample Three Year Option
reduce the per semester course
load and complete the program in Year 1
Fall/Spring (20 Units) You must have a cumulative
five years. Students who wish to
select this program must first seek COURSE TITLE UNITS GPA of 75 or higher after
authorization from the Director Civil Procedure I & II...........................................5 completing 20 units to transfer
of Student Services, Academic Contracts I & II....................................................6 into the Three Year Option.
Dean, Dean of Students, or Dean. Legal Methods I & II...........................................4
The Juris Doctor degree must be Torts I & II...........................................................5 The Juris Doctor degree must
completed within a total of five be completed within a total
years from the time of admission. Year 2 of five years from the time of
Summer (4 Units)
COURSE TITLE UNITS
admission.
Professional Responsibility................................2
Clinical and/or Electives.....................................2
Year 3
Fall/Spring (30 Units) Summer (4 Units)
COURSE TITLE UNITS COURSE TITLE UNITS
Business Organizations I & II..............................4 Clinical and/or Electives.....................................4
Constitutional Law I & II.....................................6
Criminal Law......................................................3 Fall/Spring (28 Units)
Criminal Procedure.............................................3 COURSE TITLE UNITS
Evidence I & II.....................................................6 Advanced Research & Writing............................3
Appellate Advocacy (Fall) ..................................2 Community Property.........................................3
Moot Court (Spring)...........................................2 Remedies I & II...................................................4
Property I & II.....................................................5 Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning I & II..............5
Real Property Drafting.......................................1 Clinical and/or Electives...................................11
*Programs subject to change
3
Elective Courses Students are eligible for externship
Academic Enrichment
CLINICS & EXTERNSHIPS
study upon completion of the first year
The elective units required for gradu- Appellate Advocacy
of law school.
ation are obtained through elective Moot Court
Established placement opportunities
courses offered primarily during the Appellate Advocacy has been added
to obtain legal experience and clinical
evening. Elective credit can also be to supplement Moot Court and is a
units are available with numerous
earned via other academic activities, separate, 2-unit required course that
governmental agencies and private law
such as external Moot Court competi- focuses on appellate-level legal writing.
offices. Many of these are ongoing, but
tions, externship work, or the New Appellate Advocacy/Moot Court is
the number of students that a firm or
American Legal Clinic. Study abroad now a two-semester requirement for all
agency can accommodate is limited.
classes offered by ABA accredited law students.
A student alternatively may create an
schools or otherwise approved by the The spring Moot Court course
individual clinical, where he or she
Faculty Committee also count for requires students to orally argue the
works under the supervision of an
elective credit. topic assigned during their Appellate
attorney, with the approval of the Dean
of Students. Information on clinical Advocacy course in the fall in an intra-
In-House Clinics placements may be obtained from the mural competition. These arguments
are judged by local judges, attorneys,
New American Legal Clinic Director of Student Services.
The placement process is like faculty, and alumni.
Students enrolled in the clinic, under
applying for a professional position. SJCL participates in statewide and
clinical director supervision, take on all
The student should submit a resume national Moot Court competitions
major aspects of representing a client
along with a personalized cover letter to (Roger J. Traynor, National Securities
before the United States Citizenship and
the contact person. Typically a writing Law and National Tax Law), and has
Immigration Service (USCIS), including
sample is also needed, so the student distinguished itself among teams from
interviewing clients, preparing forms,
should have one ready. The student top ABA institutions. Those who go on
analyzing and arguing complex legal
should register for the clinical units to these competitions receive additional
issues, and attending USCIS applicant
through the admission/registrar’s office coaching from the Moot Court profes-
interviews. The Clinic also has a class-
after he or she has been selected for sors and experts in the community.
room component in which students learn
the basics of immigration, citizenship, the position. For further information
and laws protecting immigrant victims of regarding the placements see either
the Director of Student Services or the
Teaching and Research
human trafficking and family violence.
Dean of Students. Assistantships
Disclaimer: San Joaquin College of Students may be invited by faculty
BREN Clinic Law does not affirm or represent that to act as teaching or research assistants.
Students enrolled in the BREN Teaching assistants may be asked to
any particular posting or opportunity
Clinic will take on all major aspects of help the professor prepare for class,
for an off-campus, non-SJCL intern-
representing a client’s special education help evaluate student work or conduct
ship, externship, job, or other place-
interests under externship director supplemental class sessions, small sec-
ment, whether paid or unpaid, complies
supervision including conducting tions, etc. as directed by the professor.
with The Fair Labor Standards Act
client interviews, analyzing complex Research assistants typically will pursue
and/or other applicable Federal and
legal issues and applicable evidence, research on a particular topic or subject
State Labor and Employment Laws.
and providing oral advocacy services at matter as directed by the professor and
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) report, in writing, in a format requested
meetings and/or due process hear- Practical Training of Law by the professor. Students can earn
ings. The Clinic also has a classroom
component in which students will learn
Students Program, or elective units for teaching or research
assistantships. Students who qualify for
how to use the legal tools contained “Certified” Law Students federal financial aid may alternatively
in the Individuals with Disabilities Pursuant to California Rules of receive hourly compensation for their
Education Act (IDEA), the Americans Court, rule 9.42, the State Bar of work through federal work- study.
with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 California’s Practical Training of Law Teaching or research assistant positions
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to Students (PTLS) program certifies DO NOT qualify as clinical experience
advocate for individual remedies. law students to provide limited legal and may not be used to satisfy any
services under the supervision of an required clinical units.
Externships attorney. To be eligible to apply for
certification a student must have
Legal work heightens a student’s
understanding of class content,
completed one full year of law school Study Abroad
(270 hours). The student must also SJCL does not sponsor a study
enhances practical skills and introduces abroad program, but students can
be enrolled in and attending, or have
the student to the “real world” of law request approval for credit in a program
successfully completed, Evidence and
practice. SJCL provides and encourages offered through another institution.
Civil Procedure courses. For complete
a variety of placement opportunities.
rules see the California Bar website at
4 www.calbar.ca.gov.
Contact the Dean of Students several
months in advance to submit a request
to advance to the second semester.
First-year core courses are Torts, Civil
Graduation with Honors
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
The degree of Juris Doctor “With
for approval to the SJCL Faculty Com- Procedure, and Contracts. Students
Honors” will be awarded to any student
mittee. Students can receive elective who do not meet both criteria will be
who completes the degree requirements
credit on a pass/fail basis for approved academically excluded. No probation
with a cumulative GPA of 82 or better.
study abroad programs. Students seek- will be granted to such students to
ing financial aid to cover tuition costs advance to the second semester.
must contact the Director of Financial For all students, a cumulative GPA Graduation with High
Aid at least two months in advance of
the start of any study abroad program.
of 65 or better thereafter is required
for advancement to each subsequent
Honors
The degree of Juris Doctor “With
year in law school and for graduation.
High Honors” will be awarded to any
Grading Standards Each student’s cumulative GPA is
calculated annually, at the end of
student who satisfies the following
San Joaquin College of Law employs requirements:
the Spring semester, for purposes of
a rigorous, objective grading policy. 1. Completion of the degree require-
advancement to the next year in law
Grading is NOT on a curve. Strict ments with a cumulative GPA of 85
school. Academic disqualifications
academic standards assure students that or better,
are determined at that time. Except
they possess the training and discipline OR
under extraordinary circumstances, a
necessary for the legal profession. 2. Completion of the degree require-
student must complete the program
Course grades are based primarily ments with a cumulative GPA of 82
within five (5) years of initial enroll-
upon final examinations. These are or better, and:
ment. See the sections on “Academic
administered under a system that A) Preparation, with no more than
Disqualification- Probation Status” and
ensures the student’s anonymity. two (2) other students, of at least
“Juris Doctor Degree Requirements”
Some professors also consider outside one moot court brief for any
for additional information.
assignments, class attendance, and class national or regional competition,
preparation in grading. The standards provided that the Dean and
used by each professor are announced Academic Disqualification Faculty Chairperson deem such
at the beginning of the course.
– Probation student’s contribution to the brief
to be of high quality.
First year students who are disquali-
Numerical Grading OR
fied for failure to attain a cumulative
All courses are graded numerically, B) Preparation of a Law Review
GPA of 65 at the end of Spring Semes-
with the exception of Law Review, article which satisfies the require-
ter may petition the Faculty Committee
clinical programs, independent study, ments for candidacy on the SJALR
to continue on Probation or to restart
and some skills courses for which a or a scholarly article accepted for
the program. Advanced students who
grade of PASS or FAIL will be entered. publication by any other recog-
are disqualified for failure to maintain
nized law journal.
a cumulative GPA of 65 may petition
OR
Grading Scale the Faculty Committee for Probation.
C) Successful completion of the
85 – 100...............................Excellent Students granted probation have until
cooperative degree program with
75 – 84......................................Good the end of the next Spring Semester
Fresno Pacific University.
65 – 74................................ Adequate to raise their cumulative GPA to 65.
55 – 64......... Inadequate, But Passing Except under extraordinary circum-
Below 55......................... Not Passing stances no student shall be granted Attendance and
A grade of 55 is the minimum pass-
more than one probationary period.
Students receiving federal financial
Preparedness Policy
Class attendance and preparation are
ing grade. No credit is given for courses aid and/or veteran’s benefits can only
crucial for success in law school. The
in which the student has earned a grade receive such aid and benefits during
California Committee of Bar Examin-
of FAIL (a grade lower than 55), or has one probationary period.
ers requires that a student must attend
failed to sit for any required examina-
at least 80% of the scheduled sessions
tion. A student who fails a required course
is required to repeat the course. The Law
Graduation with of a course to receive credit.
School does not permit any course to be Distinction Students are permitted the following
number of absences per course per
challenged by examination. The degree of Juris Doctor “With
semester or summer session, regardless
Distinction” will be awarded to any
of the reason for the absence:
Satisfactory Progress student who completes the degree
requirements with a cumulative GPA of
All first year students must pass (a
78 or better.
passing grade is 55 or better) at least
two first-year core courses and attain
a 60 cumulative GPA to be eligible
5
Number of Permitted Course for submission of required financial Federal Direct unsubsidized loans must
Session Absences aid forms is April 30 of each year. New be applied for first.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
1 - 3 sessions.............................. None students should complete the forms as Federal Work-Study jobs are
4 - 7 sessions ....................................1 early as possible, but no later than June available on a limited basis to students
8 - 11 sessions...................................2 30 (exceptions can be made for late with need. Most positions require the
12 - 16 sessions................................. 3 admits). completion of the first year of law school
17 - 22 sessions................................. 4 to qualify. Contact the Financial Aid
23 - 27 sessions ................................5 Types of Financial Aid Available Department for further details or visit
28 - 32 sessions................................. 6 Federal Direct Loans are the major SJCL’s on-line listing of employment
Upon exceeding the permitted form of financial aid for law students. opportunities called Jobs at www.sjcl.
number of absences, the student will be Any eligible, regular student enrolled edu/jobs.
automatically dropped from the course. at least half-time may borrow Federal Scholarships, ranging from $500
The student will receive a refund of Direct Loans. The maximum annual to $2,500, are awarded each spring
the unearned tuition consistent with loan limit is the lesser of $20,500 or to about 35 recipients. Private groups
SJCL’s dropping a class refund policy. the cost of attendance minus other outside San Joaquin College of Law also
For more details, see the SJCL Student financial aid. Most students are eligible offer scholarships to SJCL students. All
Handbook. for the $20,500 maximum. Loan limits scholarship information is emailed to
may be less for students without a all students. Announcements provide
Career Services BA/BS degree. Contact the Director
of Financial Aid for specific loan
specific information about provisions,
qualifications, and deadlines. SJCL
Career Services assists students and
maximums. scholarships are listed on the website at
alumni by informing them of career
Grad PLUS Loans, graduate www.sjcl.edu/scholarships. For further
options and job search strategies,
students are also eligible to borrow information about scholarships, contact
and connecting them with potential
under the Federal PLUS Program up the Director of Student Services. For
employers. Career Services provides
to their total cost of attendance minus outside scholarships and grants, go to
career counseling, résumé reviews,
all other estimated financial assistance. the SJCL website at www.sjcl.edu/finaid,
and mock interviews along with an
click on “Search Outside Scholarships.”
extensive resource library and programs
throughout the year designed to help
students narrow their areas of interest.
Additionally, Career Services maintains
an on-line listing of employment op-
portunities called Job Board at sjcl.edu. Alumni Association
Students are encouraged to participate SJCL’s Alumni Association endeavors to strengthen alumni
in clinical study which heightens a
connections and provide support to current students,
student’s understanding of class content,
enhances practical skills and introduces graduates, the law school, and the community. The Alumni
the student to the “real world” of law. Board, along with the help of committees and volunteers,
Career Services assists in the placement present several events each year. Among them are the SJCL
of students in a wide variety of posi-
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Senior Citizens Law
tions ranging from judicial clerkships
to misdemeanor prosecutorial teams. Day, Got MCLE?, the Marjaree Mason Christmas Party,
Students are also encouraged to partici- Bar Survival Talks, and the Judy Wiseman Memorial Golf
pate in uncompensated work, beginning Tournament. Through these and other events, the Alumni
their professional obligation to engage in
Association provides scholarships for law students as well
pro bono work.
as community service programs and mentoring activities.
Financial Aid In addition, SJCL Alumni maintain a strong professional
Financial aid is available to qualify- network among their classmates. SJCL graduates have
ing students seeking help in meeting distinguished themselves as judges and court commissioners
the cost of their educational endeavors.
A Financial Aid Administrator is on
(thirty-six), the California Health and Human Services
staff to provide detailed information Secretary, the former Deputy Undersecretary of the
and assistance. California Environmental Protection Agency, and the
Financial aid application instructions current District Attorneys for Fresno and Kings Counties,
and forms are updated each January
at the school website, www.sjcl.edu/
just to name a few.
finaid, for the upcoming academic year.
For continuing students, the deadline
6
Student Bar Association Delta Theta Phi LSCA
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The San Joaquin College of Law We encourage law students to Law Students for Community
Student Bar Association, of which all consider being a member of the nation’s Advancement’s (LSCA) primary mis-
students are members, provides an premier law fraternity. Delta Theta Phi, sion is to invigorate a culture of
opportunity for public service and the which can trace its roots to 1900, has engagement at SJCL and empower the
discussion of student issues. initiated more than 136,000 members student body by facilitating positive
Each group of students in the same locally, across the country, and in and impactful relationships with our
class year at the Law School selects two several other nations. Many of our community. We believe that as law
class representatives, which form the members are distinguished persons in students and future legal professionals,
governing group of the Student Bar government, in business, in interna- we have a duty to advocate for social
Association. The representatives of the tional affairs, on the judiciary, and in justice in our community. We seek to
first year class are selected each fall. the general practice of law. Membership prioritize knowledge over information
The representatives of the upper classes is open to all students enrolled in the by restoring the value of language and
and the officers are selected annually law program. promoting dialogue. LSCA opposes
during the spring semester. Officers As members, students have an racism, sexism, homophobia, and other
include the President, Vice President, opportunity to become involved in the forms of oppression, and provides a
Treasurer, and Secretary. legal community, while participating in place for like-minded students to access
The Student Bar Association professional seminars, social events, and resources and organize their efforts.
coordinates a number of annual events, community service. They may qualify Through community outreach and
including portions of the first year for scholarships and award programs, education, we hope to create a com-
orientation, the new student reception, student loans, and grants through the munity that embraces knowledge and
and the annual spring awards banquet. local or national Senate. Delta Theta promotes tolerance.
The Student Bar Association Phi is the only law fraternity with an
coordinates the Outstanding Student authoritatively recognized law review.
Award Program, in which candidates Each member also receives the “Paper
are nominated by members of their Book,” a quarterly publication of Delta
respective classes based on outstand- Theta Phi.
ing scholarship, leadership, and
contributions to the class. The Student LawSUIT
Bar Association also coordinates Law Students United in Tolerance
the Student Mentoring Program. In (LawSUIT) exists to build a sense
addition, the Student Bar Association of unity between members and to
sponsors scholarships. promote appreciation of diversity
issues within the student body and the
Christian Legal Society community through our pursuit of aca-
The Christian Legal Society (CLS) demic excellence, service to the school,
is a nationwide Christian fellowship and the coordination of activities:
committed to acting justly, loving • To promote SJCL to the diverse
mercy, and walking humbly with their population of the Central San
God. Founded in 1961, CLS defends Joaquin Valley.
religious liberties for all Americans • To provide support and encourage-
in the legislatures and the courts and ment to new students adjusting to
serves those most in need in our society life as a law student.
through Christian Legal Aid. They • In furtherance of these objectives,
are organized in more than 1100 cities LawSUIT extends its invitation of
into attorney chapters and law student membership to all.
chapters across the United States. Four
students committed to creating a faith
based fellowship on campus founded
the CLS chapter at SJCL in September
2017.
7
Janice L. Pearson where she remains Of Counsel assisting with
J.D., University of California, Berkeley complex immigration cases. She graduated
B.A., University of California, Berkeley from San Joaquin College of Law where she
Prior to her 1985 appointment as Dean of was honoured various Witkin Awards for
San Joaquin College of Law, Dean Pearson Academic Excellence. Ms. Barreto is licensed
served as Staff Attorney, Managing Attor- in California and is admitted to practice in
FACULTY
ney and Interim Director of Fresno-Merced the Executive Office for Immigration Review
Counties Legal Services, Inc. (1976-1984). (immigration court) in all locations across
Dean Pearson teaches Torts. During her ten- the United States and is a member of the
Janice L. Pearson American Immigration Lawyers Associa-
ure as dean, she was a finalist in the YWCA/
Fresno Bee Outstanding Business/Profession- tion, The American Bar Association and the
al Woman of the Year Competition (1990) Fresno County Bar Association. She is fluent
and received the Fresno Women Lawyers’ in both English and Spanish.
Justice Pauline Hanson Award (1992) and
the Fresno County Bar Association Liberty Christine A. Goodrich
J.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Bell Award (1993). She also was awarded the
B.A., University of California, Berkeley
Soroptimist Women Helping Women Award
Professor Goodrich, joining the Full-Time
(2001).
Faculty in 2010, is currently teaching Torts.
Justin B. Atkinson Since 1989, she has taught courses as an Ad-
J.D., University of Utah junct Faculty member in Legal Process, Ad-
M.A., University of Utah vanced Research and Writing and Research
Justin B. Atkinson
B.A., University of Utah and Writing. Professor Goodrich has for over
Professor Atkinson teaches Contracts and 20 years practiced law with Lozano Smith,
serves as Academic Dean. Prior to joining and is currently Of Counsel in the Fresno
the SJCL faculty in 2010, Professor Atkinson office assisting with public construction
practiced general litigation with the Fresno law matters. Before practicing with Lozano
firm of McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Smith, Professor Goodrich represented pri-
Wayte and Carruth LLP. Later, Professor vate clients in business litigation and creditor
Atkinson joined the Office of the Fresno bankruptcy proceedings at Jory, Peterson
County Counsel. At County Counsel, his and Sagaser and during law school externed
focus was civil litigation with an emphasis in with the Honorable Robert J. Kelleher at the
public entity liability. His practice included Federal District Court, Central District of
extensive motion and trial work, as well as California.
Linda Barreto appellate work, at both the state and federal
level. In law school he was an executive edi- Denise M. Kerner
tor of the Utah Journal of International Law, J.D., San Joaquin College of Law
M.A., California State University, Fresno
and published work on topics related to in-
B.A., California State University, Fresno
ternational law and literature. Before attend-
Professor Kerner served as a Deputy
ing law school, Professor Atkinson taught
Fresno City Attorney from 1985-89 draft-
Spanish and Latin-American literature at the
ing, negotiating, reviewing and interpreting
University of Utah.
contracts for all city departments. She served
Linda Barreto as a Research Attorney for the Fifth District
J.D., San Joaquin College of Law Court of Appeal (1983-85). Professor Kerner
B.A., University of California, Merced has been a full-time faculty member at SJCL
Professor Barreto is the Director of the since March of 1990, teaching Civil Proce-
Christine A. Goodrich New American Legal Clinic and teaches Im- dure I & II and Professional Responsibility.
migration Law. Prior to joining the full-time
faculty at SJCL, she worked defending the Mark J. Masters
J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
rights of immigrant children as a staff at-
M.L.I.S., University of California, Los Angeles
torney for the non-profit organization, Kids
Mark Masters has been teaching Legal
in Need of Defense (KIND) and as an as-
Methods I and II since the fall of 2014. Be-
sociate attorney for Lazaro Salazar Law, Inc.
fore serving as San Joaquin College of Law’s
Denise M. Kerner
8Library Director, Mr. Masters was the refer- pal Code. Dean Tennerelli practiced corpo-
ence and collection development librarian at rate bankruptcy and real estate law at Gold-
the Fresno County Public Law Library for berg Kohn in Chicago, IL before moving to
five years. Prior to becoming a law librarian, Fresno, California and earning her Master’s
he practiced as a civil litigator in Ventura in Counseling at Fresno State University. She
County for five years. His areas of practice graduated from the University of Chicago
FACULTY
were first-party insurance policy issues, Law School with honors and was a member
common-interest community law, education of the The University of Chicago Law Re-
law, and neighbor disputes. Mr. Masters re- view. During her time in law school, she also
ceived his Master’s in Library Science from received the Lord, Bissell & Brook Prize for Mark J. Masters
the University of California, Los Angeles and Outstanding Brief in the law school’s Moot
his Juris Doctor from the evening program Court Competition and volunteered at the
at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. He also Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic for the
has a Master’s in Visual Arts Administration Employment Discrimination Project.
from New York University and a Bachelor
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
of Arts in History/Art History from Loyola
Marymount University. He currently lives in Andreas Borgeas
Fresno with his wife and three cats. J.D., Georgetown Law School
M.A.L., Harvard University
Jeffrey G. Purvis B.A., Northern Arizona University
J.D., University of California, Davis Andreas Borgeas, PhD
B.A., University of California, Davis Professor Andreas Borgeas is a Scholar in Jeffrey G. Purvis
In 1993, Professor Purvis was selected Residence and has been a member of the SJCL
as the James K. and Carol Sellars Herbert faculty since 2007. He received his graduate
Professor of Constitutional Law at San education at Harvard University, Georgetown
Joaquin College of Law. Professor Purvis University Law Center and Panteion Univer-
teaches Constitutional Law and various sity of Political Sciences. Following his legal
constitutional law electives and taught Busi- education, Borgeas served as a judicial law
ness Organizations for many years. He has clerk at the US Court for the Eastern District
been Faculty Chair and Chairperson of the of California. He is a member of the bar in
Faculty Committee since 2007. Prior to California and Washington, DC, holds a cer-
joining SJCL’s full-time faculty he served as tificate from The Hague Academy of Interna-
a senior research attorney for the Court of tional Law, and in private practice specialized
Appeal, Fifth Appellate District of the State in international law at Luce Forward. Borgeas
of California from 1983-1985, and served as was a Fulbright Scholar, Marshall Memorial Logan Tennerelli
a research attorney for the Superior Courts of Fellow, Visiting Fellow at the Hellenic Centre
Fresno (1982-1983) and Sonoma (1980-1981) for European Studies, Contributing Fellow for
Counties. He was editor in chief of the Bar- the Woodrow Wilson Int’l Center for Schol-
Passers bar review course from 1985 to 1990. ars, and a Policy Specialist Fellow at the US
Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan. He
Logan Tennerelli also served as an official political observer in
J.D., University of Chicago Law School
both the constitutional referendum and na-
B.A., University of California, Berkeley
tional elections of the Nagorno Karabagh Re-
Prior to her appointment as Dean of Stu-
public. Borgeas’ record of scholarship includes
dents as San Joaquin College of Law, Dean
extensive field research in Central Asia and
Tennerelli taught Legal Methods at SJCL as
China, with publications in international jour-
well as Law and Democracy, Civic Engage-
nals from Cornell University, Columbia Uni-
ment and Leadership, and other pre-law Andreas Borgeas
versity and Yale University.Andreas Borgeas is
classes at Fresno City College. In addition
currently serving as a California State Senator,
to teaching, she served as the Fresno City
an adjunct professor at the Middlebury Insti-
College counselor for pre-law students. Dean
tute of International Studies in Monterey, and
Tennerelli continues to run the Fresno City
a Commissioner on the US-China Economic
College Student Advocacy Municipal Hear-
and Security Review Commission.
ing Clinic at Fresno City College, which al-
lows pre-law students to represent appellants
in matters pertaining to the Fresno Munici-
9LAW LIBRARY
San Joaquin College of Law’s The Peace Collection
Law Library Law Library The Peace Collection was donated to the
Mark Masters SJCL Library by Doug Noll, the Chair of SJCL’s
SJCL’s Law Library holds more than 80,000
Law Library Director Board of Trustees. The original collection con-
volumes, including law reviews, annotated
awrest@sjcl.edu sisted of 165 titles, covering a range of subjects
codes, appellate court reports of all jurisdic-
and all have a common thread of Peace and/or
tions, and complete Federal and California
Kerry Hanson collections. The resources available include
non-violent conflict resolution. Titles include
Head of Public Services the subjects of religion, philosophy, sociology,
the principal secondary sources and a growing
khanson@sjcl.edu history, psychology, negotiation, mediation and
collection of practice materials.
law. The Peace Collection is housed in the same
Cynthia Robinson The SJCL Library is a member of several state
room as the Rule of Law Collection.
Technical Services Librarian and national interlibrary loan networks. Virtu-
crobinson@sjcl.edu ally any law journal, law review, manuscript or
treatise can be accessed through our library. The Winton Collection
In addition, hundreds of thousands of The J. Martin Winton Collection on Land
volumes are available through web-based Development, Water Use, and the Public Trust
Library Hours subscriptions. While on campus and connected Doctrine was donated to San Joaquin College
Except during holidays, to SJCL’s Wi-Fi network, students have unlim- of Law in 1988. The Collection represents
semester breaks, and ited access to HeinOnline, CCH Intelliconnect, Winton’s lifelong interest and commitment
examination weeks and Lexis-Nexis State Capital. Students have to preserving the natural resources of the San
library hours are as unlimited access to LexisNexis, Westla, CEB Joaquin Valley and includes books, reports, re-
follows: Onlaw, The Making of Modern Law Collec- cords, maps, photographs, and personal papers
tion, and CALI available via the internet 24 on San Joaquin wildlife and water development.
Monday – Thursday hours a day, on or off campus. The Collection, which has been archived and
9:00am – 10:00pm Study carrels are available for individual indexed, is housed in our Winton Special
studying. Two rooms are available for study Collections Room and is available by appoint-
Friday
group meetings on the second floor. ment only.
9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday
8:30am – 6:00pm
The “Rule of Law” Collection
The “Rule of Law” collection is a gift from
James K. and Carol Sellers Herbert. It includes
The Library is available
works on jurisprudence, philosophy, and his-
only to faculty, students,
tory. It is designed to enable students to explore
and alumni of SJCL.
the classic writings on the crucial role of law in
a civilized society.
10Robert C. Abrams Thomas H. Armstrong igation with the San Francisco firm of
J.D., San Joaquin College of Law J.D., San Joaquin College of Law Dooley, Anderson, Berg, Pardini, John-
B.S., University of California, Berkeley B.A., California State University, Fresno son & Ziegler and in business transac-
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Property I Bankruptcy tions with McCormick, Barstow, Shep-
Property II Thomas H. Armstrong is a sole prac- pard, Wayte & Carruth in Fresno. He
Real Property Drafting titioner, practicing primarily in the also served a six month internship at
Mr. Abrams is the owner of the Law area of bankruptcy law. Mr. Armstrong the United States Department of Labor
Office of Robert C Abrams which prac- has represented institutional creditors, in Boston, Massachusetts, adjudicating
tices in the areas of Real Estate Law, small and large businesses, Debtors and compensation claims and preparing
Civil Litigation, Family Law, Wills Creditors, Trustees and Creditors Com- studies concerning industrial cases of
and Trusts. Prior to opening his firm mittees in bankruptcy proceedings. hearing loss, asbestosis and mesotheli-
in 2016 he worked in the Fresno City He served as a judicial law clerk to the oma among civilian employees at mili-
Attorney’s office and another local law Hon. Richard T. Ford, United States tary shipyards and aircraft facilities.
firm. Mr. Abrams has been a Licensed Bankruptcy Judge Retired, from 1989
Real Estate Broker since 1980 and is a through 1994. He has spoken at various Arthur G. Baggett, Jr.
licensed General Contractor. He has seminars on multiple issues arising un- J.D., San Joaquin College of Law
over 10 years in commercial banking, M.S., Antioch College
der the Bankruptcy Code in continuing
where he was involved in real estate B.S., University of Cincinnati
education courses offered by numerous
finance, and over 20 years running a Water Law
entities including, Central California
company involved in many aspects of Professor Baggett has been the at-
Bankruptcy Association, SJCL, the
real estate including, Construction and torney member of the California State
California Bankruptcy Forum and the
Development, Property Management, Water Resources Control Board since
National Business Institute. He has
Inspections, Sales and Marketing. He is 1999. The Board is charged with pro-
been a contributing editor to Norton’s
a former President of the Fresno Asso- tecting, preserving and restoring all
On Bankruptcy Law. He also was an
ciation of Realtors, former Board Chair California waters while providing for
adjunct professor at SJCL instructing
of the Community Housing Counsel the equitable use of the state’s surface
in the area of bankruptcy law in the
and former Board Chair of Habitat for waters. Prior to his appointment by
school’s former paralegal program.
Humanity Fresno for whom he is cur- Governor Davis, he practiced law in
Mr. Armstrong is a member of the
rently general counsel. Mariposa, California. He served two
State Bar of California, the Fresno
terms as a county supervisor, and as
County Bar Association, and the Fed-
Miiko Anderson eral Bar Association. He is admitted to
adjunct faculty for the University of
J.D. John F. Kennedy University, School of Law California’s Sierra Institute, the Yo-
practice in the Eastern, Northern, and
A.A., Laney College semite Institute, and California State
Southern District Courts of California,
Human Trafficking University, Fresno.
and the United States Court of Appeals
Miiko Anderson is a certified Crimi-
nal Specialist and Senior Deputy Dis- for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Armstrong Marsha Baum
has argued numerous cases before the J.D., SUNY at Buffalo
trict Attorney at the Fresno County
District Attorney’s Office. As a spe- Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the M.S.L.S., Columbia University
cialty unit prosecutor, she prosecutes Ninth Circuit and the United States B.A., History, University of Rochester
Gang, Domestic Violence, Sexual As- Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Animal Law
He is a past president ofthe Central Marsha Baum is currently the Asso-
sault and Human Trafficking Cases.
California Bankruptcy Association and ciate Vice President for Faculty Affairs
She has taken over 60 cases to jury trial
the California Bankruptcy Forum. in the Provost’s Office at Fresno State.
and gained convictions and lengthy
She joined Fresno State after serving as
sentences on some of Fresno County’s Lawrence M. Artenian a full-time tenured professor of law at
most violent offenders. Professor An- J.D., University of San Francisco, School of Law the University of New Mexico School
derson also serves on the Board of B.A., Harvard University of Law in Albuquerque, where she
Directors for Breaking the Chains, a Contracts I
taught Property Law, Intellectual Prop-
non-profit organization dedicated to Contracts II
erty, Animal Law, Commercial Law,
providing resources to survivors of hu- Professor Artenian returned to pri-
and Legal Ethics. She previously taught
man trafficking. She has received mul- vate practice in 2010 after 19 years as
in the law schools at the University of
tiple awards for her tireless efforts to a member of the full-time faculty at
Minnesota, University of Connecticut,
prosecute some of the most challenging SJCL. He has taught Contracts, Rem-
and the University of South Carolina
cases in Fresno County. edies, Real Estate Secured Transactions
as well as serving as visiting scholar or
and a variety of other courses. His cur-
visiting professor at the University of
rent work with the Fresno firm of Wag-
Tasmania, University of North Ade-
ner & Jones emphasizes employment
laide, Sydney Law School, and Flinders
and class action litigation. Previously,
University in Australia. Her research
Professor Artenian practiced in civil lit-
11interests include the intersection of ani- tax-free exchanges, employee benefits, Phillip H. Cherney
mal law and disaster law. and general business practices. J.D., Lincoln Law School, San Jose
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
Barry J. Bennett Amanda D. Cary
ADJUNCT FACULTY
The Death Penalty
J.D., New York University Law School J.D., UC Davis School of Law For six years Professor Cherney
A.B., University of Rochester B.A., University of Southern California
taught Criminal Law and Procedure
Private Labor Law Appellate Advocacy
and Evidence I-II to law students at
Public Labor Law Moot Court
San Joaquin College of Law. He is now
Professor Bennett is a partner in the Amanda D. Cary has been a Deputy
teaching a single, advanced Criminal
law firm of Bennett & Sharpe. In 1975- Attorney General in the Criminal
Law course, The Death Penalty. In
76 he was Regional Director of the Division – Appeals, Writs, and Trials
addition to his teaching experience,
Agricultural Labor Relations Board in section – of the California Attorney
Professor Cherney has over four de-
Fresno. Prior to entering private prac- General’s office for the past 12 years.
cades of trial and appellate experience
tice, he was staff attorney for the Equal She is admitted to practice in all Cali-
in state and federal courts in civil and
Employment Opportunities Commis- fornia Courts, the U.S. District Court
criminal litigation. For the past thirty-
sion (1974-75), a member of the New for the Eastern District of California,
three years he focused his practice on
York Office of Labor Relations (1973- the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals,
criminal defense representation, tried
74), and staff member and attorney for and the United States Supreme Court.
twenty murder cases, including six
the International Garment Worker’s Professor Cary handles appeals in a
capital cases, and he was appointed by
Union (1968-73). Professor Bennett wide range of adult and juvenile cases,
the California Supreme Court as lead
has been a contributing editor for A including murder and capital murder
counsel in six death penalty appeals
Dictionary of Arbitration (1970) and cases. She has argued more than a
and habeas corpus proceedings. Retir-
California Administrative Mandamus dozen times in the California Court of
ing from active practice in 2019, he has
for Continuing Education of the Cali- Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, twice
been a consultant to public defender
fornia State Bar. in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals,
agencies and private counsel, testified
and once in the California Supreme
Alyson A. Berg Court. During law school, Professor
as as an expert witness on professional
J.D., University of California, standards and practices for defense
Cary was an editor of the UC Davis
Hastings College of Law counsel in death penalty trials, and he
Law Review, and had her student arti-
B.S., University of San Francisco has published scholarly articles on select
cle “Cocaine Base: Not All It’s Cracked
Advanced Research & Writing topics in criminal law.
Up to Be” chosen for publication. She
Alyson has been litigating cases in
federal and state courts for over 20
also holds bachelor’s degrees in political David P. Chiappetta
science and economics from the Uni- J.D., University of Washington School of Law
years. For nearly ten years, Alyson has
versity of Southern California. B.A., Willamette University
tried multi-million dollar civil and
Civil Procedure I
criminal cases for the government. Her Daniel E. Casas Professional Responsibility
trial experiences are wide¬ranging, J.D., University of California, Los Angeles Professor Chiappetta is a partner at
including defending the government B.S., California State University, Fresno
Perkins Coie LLP, an international law
in employment discrimination, fraud, Tribal Sovereign Immunity
firm with over 1,100 lawyers. With over
worker injuries cases, and participating Daniel E. Casas is the Chief Legal
twenty five years of legal experience, his
in drug and human trafficking trials. Counsel to Table Mountain Ran-
practice primarily involves the litigation
Alyson has also handled several appeals cheria’s Tribal Government, Table
of complex commercial disputes, with
in matters relating to wrongful termi- Mountain Casino and Table Mountain
a focus on antitrust and unfair business
nation/employment discrimination, Rancheria Tribal Gaming Commis-
practice claims, class actions, contract
fraud and personal injury claims. In sion. Mr. Casas has developed a level of
and partnership disputes, and intel-
addition to her trial and post-trial work expertise in the area of Federal Indian
lectual property matters. Professor Chi-
in employment matters, Alyson has Law and Tribal Sovereign Immunity
appetta also has extensive experience
provided employment training to sev- in his ten plus years at Table Mountain
counseling clients on issues relating to
eral agencies relating to harassment and Rancheria. His opinions and advice are
antitrust law and trade regulation, and
racial and religious discrimination. frequently sought by members of our
has represented clients before federal
state and federal legislators who desire
David M. Camenson an unbiased assessment of the current
and state government enforcement
J.D., Indiana University, Bloomington agencies in relation to mergers, acqui-
state and trends in the field Federal
M.B.A., Indiana University, Bloomington sitions, joint ventures, and civil and
Indian Law. Mr. Casas also frequently
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles criminal investigations. He has served
participates in panel discussions with
Basic Individual Income Taxation as an international enforcer, spending
Law Practice Management local and state officials in topics that af-
four years of his legal career in Austra-
Secured Transactions fect or pertains to the development and
lia prosecuting cases on behalf of the
Professor Camenson is a solo practi- implementation of successful Govern-
Australian Competition and Consumer
tioner, emphasizing retirement plans, ment-to-Government communication
Commission. While attending the Uni-
and programs.
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