Mike Belote ‘87
Belote has a passion for working with McGeorge students. He said he was busy early in his career making a name for himself, but in recent years has been actively involved with McGeorge students. Belote is both a member of the law school’s Dean’s Cabinet and Capital Center Alumni Board.
He has also funded two generous endowments. The Michael Belote Endowed Capital Center Lecture, hosted each year by McGeorge’s Capital Center for Law and Policy has brought discussions on cutting-edge legal issues to the campus, such as “Journalism in the Era of Fake News,” The Future of Downtowns: Developing a New Vision for America’s Urban Core,” and “Division, Distrust & Deliberation: American Democracy in Transition.” The Michael Belote Public Interest Endowed Scholarship ensures that students wishing to better themselves and their community can afford a legal education without financial barriers.
“It has enriched my life to be reconnected with McGeorge School of Law,” Belote said. “I believe there is a need to support young law students and there are a lot of way to remain engaged with students.”
He said he has participated in various events and activities, including judging moot court which he volunteers his time to do because it helps students.
Belote has actively supported students in McGeorge’s Public Legal Services Society by volunteering to emcee the program’s yearly fundraising auction as well as offering financial donations himself. He often encourages others to match his gifts and support the program.
Belote shares with students his nearly 50 years of experience in California politics. He was a pivotal part of the effort last year that led to the first major reforms in California’s “lemon law” since its inception in 1970. Under the new law, auto companies and car buyers would be required to try to settle disputes through mediation.
He’s been a major player with the powerhouse firm California Advocates since 1990. Before joining California Advocates, he was a legislative advocate for the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the California Association of Realtors.
“In my 50 years of experience, I am still learning every day,” Belote said.
He was recognized as one of McGeorge’s inaugural 40 Alumni of Honor in 2024 and was named as Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by an association of philanthropic fundraisers in the Sacramento Capital Region.
Belote has long represented legal clients, like the California Judges Association and the California Defense Counsel. Belote also served as Vice President and Legislative Counsel for the California Land Title Association and is known for his philanthropic work for groups such as Volunteers of America, the Public Legal Services Society at McGeorge and Battlefields to Ballfields (an organization which helps train veterans to become sports officials).
“I am always struck by how legislators are trying to do the right thing; whether their perspective is your own, they try to do what is right,” Belote said.
He commented on how rapidly laws change and how public opinion shapes what legislators do. Adding that people don’t really hear about the type of corruption in California like in other states.
Frazier echoed the same sentiment, stating: “It’s vital to treat everyone with respect, listen more than you talk, be genuinely curious and want to see the best in people.”
Frazier said this type of authenticity cannot be faked because people can see if a person has integrity.
“Rex and Mike are legends in the Capital community, and their achievement speaks to the value of a McGeorge law degree in the Capital space and highlights the unparalleled strength of our alumni network,” O’Neal said.
Belote thinks whether practicing traditional law or engaged in other endeavors, a law degree sharpens your analytical and writing skills.
“I am a huge fan of having a law degree no matter what your aspirations are,” Belote said.
Frazier agrees that being a licensed attorney, removed all limits on what he could do in his career. He said he wanted a career where he could work in all branches of government, using the benefits of checks and balances as well as separation of powers to accomplish his client’s objectives.
“For the long run, it’s more important to lose in the right way than to win in the wrong way,” Frazier said. “There is actually a reward for playing the long game and lots of short game people may achieve a quick success while not maintaining long term success.”