Alumni Gael Mueller and Joel Loquvam, founders of the Lambda Law Students Association in 1982, played crucial roles in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community on the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law campus. Their efforts paved the way for greater acceptance and inclusion within the McGeorge School of Law community.

Gael Mueller, a 1985 alumna, recalls her time at McGeorge as challenging due to the lack of support for LGBTQ+ students. Despite this, she found a close-knit group of friends who provided the kinship and connection she needed. Establishing Lambda as a recognized student organization in the mid-1980s was not straightforward. Students were often reluctant to join, not just because of the organization’s purpose but also due to differing political views from the majority on campus.

Mueller’s advocacy did not end with her time at McGeorge. She has continued to utilize her skills in her career, practicing criminal defense to support the disenfranchised and unprotected. Mueller is serving as adjunct professor at San Luis Obispo College of the Law, which is affiliated with the Monterey College of Law group. Her commitment to justice and equality reflects the values she championed during her time at McGeorge.

Joel Loquvam, ‘86, from Oakland, brought his advocacy experience to McGeorge after attending George Washington University in the 1970s. At George Washington, he successfully pushed the university to adopt a non-discrimination clause. After returning to California and engaging in political campaigns, Loquvam attended McGeorge in the mid-1980s, where he was active with the Women’s Caucus and was instrumental in implementing the University of the Pacific’s non-discrimination clause at the law school. Additionally, Loquvam worked with the Sacramento City Council to adopt a non-discrimination policy.

Loquvam’s career has spanned various areas of law. He began working in employment discrimination and has since shifted his focus to estate planning. His dedication to advocacy and equality has been a consistent theme throughout his professional journey.

Mueller and Loquvam’s efforts in founding Lambda at McGeorge were groundbreaking and their legacy of advocacy and commitment to equality has had a lasting impact on the McGeorge community, fostering a more inclusive environment for future generations of students.

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.