Michael Belote, ’87, has over 43 years of experience as a lobbyist in California. After serving as President of California Advocates, Inc. for 10 years, he is currently Immediate Past President of the firm. Before joining California Advocates in 1990, Mike worked in lobbying as an employee of several trade and professional associations.  

Mike’s activities in the legislative process have spanned a broad array of issues, including financial services, real estate, health care, the judiciary, and transportation. Capitol Weekly has named him one of the Top 100 in California politics for many years, and he twice was named the recipient of the annual President’s Award by the California Judges Association. Mike also was named as Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by an association of philanthropic fundraisers in the Sacramento Capital Region. 

After receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Mike earned his JD from the McGeorge School of Law in 1987, where he was admitted to the Order of the Coif. He has many times publicly acknowledged his education and training at McGeorge as an essential element in his lobbying career.  

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. Belote often encourages others to match his gifts and support the program. Belote’s assistance is felt, not only by the student grant recipients, but also by the clients that they serve. Thanks to the support he provides and helps generate, McGeorge School of Law students are able to provide legal assistance to vulnerable people in underserved communities, through an impressive variety of public sector and nonprofit organizations. 

Belote has also funded two generous endowments. The Michael Belote Endowed Capital Center Lecture, part of McGeorge’s Capital Center for Law and Policy Lecture Series, has brought discussions on cutting-edge legal issues to the campus, such as “Journalism in the Era of Fake News” and “Brews and Bureaucracy – Emerging Craft Beer Law.” 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. 

Belote’s generosity extends to his time as well. He is both a member of the law school’s Dean’s Cabinet and Capital Center’s Board of Advisors. Belote has hired McGeorge students to ensure that they are gainfully employed and mentored students with an interest in lobbying and practicing in the capital.

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.