The career of Bill Lockyer, ‘86, includes notable positions such as California’s Attorney General and State Treasurer, earning him national admiration.

Lockyer currently serves as of counsel in the Government Law & Strategies Practice Group at an Orange County firm, brings a wealth of experience to his high-stakes representation of businesses navigating the complex intersections of government, law, and politics.

Lockyer was elected as the California State Treasurer in November 2006 and served until 2014, being reelected in 2010 with a record-breaking number of votes. His political career began in 1973, when he won a State Assembly seat. Over the next 25 years, he served in both the Assembly and the Senate, where he was elected President Pro Tempore, the most powerful position in the California State Senate. Lockyer’s legislative legacy includes sponsoring California’s first hate crimes legislation in 1984, a statute he later coordinated the enforcement of as Attorney General.

Regarded as one of the most effective Attorneys General in California’s history, Lockyer led numerous national initiatives and joint enforcement actions. His peers elected him as President of the National Association of Attorneys General, marking him as the only Californian to hold this position. Lockyer’s role demanded both policy direction and managerial acumen, overseeing a State Department of Justice with 5,000 employees and a caseload of 100,000 lawsuits, akin to managing the seventh largest law firm in the U.S.

Lockyer earned his Juris Doctor degree from McGeorge School of Law, while already working in the California legislature by attending classes in his spare time. His insights and integrity in legal oversight are well-respected, and he continues to contribute to national publications such as the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. Bill Lockyer’s distinguished career and dedication to public service make him a celebrated McGeorge alumnus.

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.