A judge poses for a photo.
The Hon. Raul Ramirez, ’70, while at a campus visit to speak with students.

The Hon. Raul Ramirez, a 1970 McGeorge School of Law alumnus, has had a notable career in the legal field, particularly in mediation and arbitration. Judge Ramirez was the first Hispanic appointed to the Federal District Court in California and the youngest judge appointed to both the Sacramento Municipal Court and the Federal District Court. His career reflects a strong commitment to legal excellence and public service.

Judge Ramirez specializes in resolving legal disputes, focusing on employment claims, civil rights disputes, personal injury, and complex business disputes. His services are available throughout California and across the United States.

Judge Ramirez’s academic background includes earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles, in 1967 and an LL.B. degree from McGeorge School of Law in 1970. He began his career representing clients in tort litigation and major crime defense, achieving success in state and federal courts, including the California Supreme Court.

In 1977, he was appointed as a Municipal/Superior Court Judge in Sacramento County, serving until 1980. He then served as a Federal District Court Judge for the Eastern District of California from 1980 to 1990, with an appointment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

After leaving the federal bench in 1990, Judge Ramirez became a senior litigation partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, focusing on complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Since 1996, he has led Ramirez Arbitration & Mediation Services.

Judge Ramirez has also lectured on trial practice and procedure at several law schools, including McGeorge School of Law, the University of California, Davis School of Law, and Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. He has been an active speaker and panelist for various legal organizations and bar associations.

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.