McGeorge School of Law has more than 400 alumni serving as judges and justices across the United States, some of whom are appellate judges. Appellate judges review decisions made by lower courts to ensure the correct application of the law and proper legal procedures. They evaluate records from prior proceedings, hear arguments from attorneys, and issue written opinions that can uphold, reverse, or modify case outcomes. Their rulings set important legal precedents, maintaining the integrity and consistency of the judicial system. The following Alumni of Honor all serve on the bench as appellate judges and justices:

A woman poses for a photo.

The Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan, ’75

Judge Consuelo M. Callahan, a 1975 graduate of McGeorge School of Law, serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She began her career as Deputy City Attorney for Stockton and Deputy District Attorney for San Joaquin County. In 1996, she was appointed to the California Court of Appeal before her federal appointment in 2003.

Judge Morrison C. England, Jr., '83

The Hon. Morrison C. England Jr., ’77 and ’83

Judge Morrison C. England Jr. serves on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, appointed in 2002. He earned both his undergraduate and J D degrees from the University of the Pacific and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. His career includes private practice, partnership in a law firm, and judicial roles on the Municipal and Superior Courts in Sacramento.

Justice Andrea L. Hoch, ’84

Justice Andrea Hoch was appointed to the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District in 2011 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She graduated from Stanford University and McGeorge School of Law, later working on labor law issues and high-profile cases as a Deputy Attorney General. Hoch has held significant roles, including Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Law Division.

The Hon. Herbert I. Levy, ‘77

Justice Herbert Levy, a 1977 graduate of McGeorge School of Law, serves on the California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District. His career includes private practice in Fresno, judicial appointments to the Municipal and Superior Courts, and his current appellate role since 1997.

The Hon. Johnnie B. Rawlinson, ’79

Judge Johnnie Rawlinson, a 1979 McGeorge School of Law graduate, is a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. She began her legal career in private practice and became one of the first African American women admitted to practice law in Nevada. Rawlinson served as a U.S. District Judge for Nevada before her current appellate role.

The Hon. Jonathan K. Renner, ‘96

Justice Jonathan Renner, a McGeorge School of Law graduate, serves on the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District. His legal career includes roles as Deputy Attorney General, Senior Assistant Attorney General, and Legal Affairs Secretary to Governor Jerry Brown. Renner’s work has focused on significant government litigation and advising top state officials.

Justice Ronald Robie

Justice Ronald Robie, ‘67

Justice Ronald Robie received his JD from McGeorge School of Law in 1967 and has served on the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District since 2002. His extensive judicial career includes roles as a Municipal Court Judge, Superior Court Judge, and Associate Justice Pro Tem for both the Court of Appeal and California Supreme Court. He also held significant positions in water resources and legislative affairs before his judicial appointments.

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The Hon. Dana Makoto Sabraw, ’85

Judge Dana Sabraw, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003, serves as Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. A McGeorge School of Law graduate, he practiced privately and served as a judge on the San Diego County Superior Court. Sabraw has held judicial positions since 1995, including Municipal Court Judge.

Justice Arthur Scotland, ‘74

Justice Arthur Scotland, a native of Sacramento, graduated with honors from McGeorge School of Law in 1974. He served as a Deputy District Attorney, Deputy Attorney General, and Cabinet Secretary to the Governor before being appointed a Superior Court Judge in 1987. In 1998, he was appointed as Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District. He retired from the bench in 2010.


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.