The legal career of the Hon. Andrea L. Hoch, ’84, is a testament to dedication, expertise, and public service. Appointed to the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, she took office on January 3, 2011. Her appointment followed a notable stint as the governor’s Legal Affairs Secretary from 2005 to 2011, where she advised on critical legal issues and shaped litigation strategies.
Born and raised in California, Hoch pursued her academic journey at Stanford University where she earned a BA degree in 1981. She obtained a JD degree in 1984 from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Her career started in private practice before transitioning to state public service in 1987.
Hoch’s early public service years were marked by significant contributions to labor law at the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and the Public Employment Relations Board. In 1992, she joined the California Attorney General’s Office, where she played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, including tobacco litigation and the state’s energy crisis. By 2002, she had risen to Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Law Division.
In 2004, Hoch was appointed as the administrative director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, where she was instrumental in implementing comprehensive workers’ compensation reforms. Her profound impact continued as she transitioned to serve as the California Governor’s Legal Affairs Secretary, offering legal counsel to top officials and upholding gubernatorial policy decisions in court.
Throughout her judicial tenure, Hoch was active in various committees, including the Appellate Indigent Defense Oversight Advisory Committee and the Power of Democracy Steering Committee. She is an executive committee member of the Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court, advocating for ethics and professionalism within the legal community. Hoch also served on the University of the Pacific’s Board of Regents from 2015-2024.
After retiring from the Court in 2022, Hoch’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice and public service. Now residing in Sacramento with her husband Steve, she continues to enjoy traveling and cherishing moments with family and friends. Her illustrious career remains an inspiration to many in the legal field.
Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.
Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.