For years, Patterson served as Newsom’s cabinet secretary, essentially working as his top advisor. When Patterson’s husband became the chief of staff, she transitioned into a senior advisory role focusing exclusively on the recovery efforts around the devastating fires in Los Angeles.She is currently spearheading the fire recovery problems in southern California but has a history working in emergency conflict
The part-time evening program at University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law will become hybrid starting in fall 2026 to provide more flexibility for working professionals, making it only the third accredited law school in California to offer a part-time program in a hybrid format.
Students will attend classes in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays and online for the other
The University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law welcomes students of all ages who meet the admission requirements. The average age of first-year law students this fall was 24. First-year McGeorge student, Roxanne Wright started law school at 19, immediately after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley.Wright started the dual enrolment program in 2019 at Yuba College. Throughout all
John Anderson, once unhoused and struggling with substance dependence, found community and legal support from students at University of the Pacific’s Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic.“The clinic provided excellent representation in helping me get my record expunged,” said Anderson, who was refered to the clinic by Volunteers of America. “The students took a lot of time to get to
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is excited to welcome seven new faculty members for the 2025–26 academic year. These professors bring a wide range of expertise in advocacy, policy, dispute resolution, and academic success that will further strengthen McGeorge’s programs and support students in preparing to be practice-ready lawyers.Rishi Batra joins as a Visiting Professor of
A fellowship that builds a futureThe CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship is a nine-month program that prepares emerging Latinx leaders to shape public policy. Fellows spend four days each week working on Capitol Hill, drafting legislation, researching policy, and supporting lawmakers. They also devote one day to leadership training, which is grounded in self-discovery, collaboration, and community impact. The program is highly
Building the foundation: education and mentorshipElizabeth Rocha Zuñiga ‘24 journeyed from Marysville, California to a prestigious Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Postgraduate Fellowship in Washington, D.C., which is a powerful example of how education, mentorship, and lived experience can shape a public service career. A first-generation college student raised by a single mother and daughter of immigrants, Zuñiga’s background has
For Analiese Machado ’27, becoming a lawyer was a way to create meaningful impact while engaging in academic rigor. The field combines her love of persuasive writing, analysis and debate while offering freedom and variety within the niche areas of the law. This summer, she got to explore those specializations on an international scale.McGeorge School of Law’s International Field Placement Program
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law has awarded four new endowed chairs and professorships since 2023, recognizing distinguished faculty whose work advances the law school’s mission of preparing lawyers for success in California, across the United States and around the world.Endowed chairs and professorships provide vital support for faculty research and program growth, strengthen McGeorge School of Law’s
The Pacific Alumni Association is delighted to welcome five accomplished and dedicated alumni to its Board of Directors. These new members bring a wealth of diverse experiences, professional expertise and a deep love for the University of the Pacific. Get to know them below!James (Jeff) F. Agnew III ’84 COPA 1984 graduate of the College of the Pacific, Jeff Agnew