Olivia Lê Horovitz, ’91

Olivia Lê Horovitz, ’91, is a University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law alumna, who is a founding partner at Rimon Law in Paris, France.

1. Could you please describe your practice and how you decided to go into this field?

My practice primarily focuses on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and foreign direct investment regulations. I assist clients with a wide range of complex, multijurisdictional transactions, including the sale of businesses, distressed companies, restructurings, divestitures, spin-offs, recapitalizations, and complex joint ventures involving multiple jurisdictions and international commercial contracts.

I regularly advise American, European, Israeli, Middle East, and Chinese companies seeking to invest in Europe through private and public acquisitions, as well as French companies expanding internationally. I also work with French and foreign investment funds, strategic investors, and start-ups on financing and acquisition activities, as well as private and public companies at all stages of their development.

On the counselling side, I advise clients on a wide range of domestic and international corporate governance and responsibility matters, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters.

On the industry side, I have developed a thorough knowledge in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, such as 3D printing, as well as in life sciences, renewable energy, industrial, and aerospace industries.

The reasons I went into these fields of law, and in particular  the international and cross-border aspects of my practice, were driven by my family background. My grandfather, Abraham Horovitz, born in 1880 was a lawyer in Frankfurt. My great-grandfather, Rabbi Markus Horovitz, came from a village in Hungary named Tiszaladany to Frankfurt in 1878 where he founded the Borneplatz Synagogue in 1882. Sensing the growing threats of the time, my grandfather left in 1937 Germany for England with his entire family, shortly before the Kristallnacht.  In England, he was unable to practice as an attorney and became a solicitor. My mother was nine years old when they left Frankfurt, she therefore spoke fluent German and English. She met my father, who came from Vietnam in 1948 to study international law in London and they both left for France in the late 1950s where my brother and I were born.

Therefore, my extended family is spread across the United States, England, Israel, Vietnam and France. These international roots naturally drew my interest for international and comparative law matters and my desire to study abroad.

2. What are some of the most interesting issues or cases that you have worked on during your career?

I’ve been fortunate to work on many exciting cases. A few highlights include:

• LastMinute.com acquisition of TravelPrice (2002): This marked the rise of Europe’s online travel economy, similar to Expedia’s growth in the U.S.. At Kahn & Associés law firm, where I was a partner, we represented major private equity funds and numerous high-tech and biotech companies.

• Opening the Paris office of K&L Gates (2008): This was both an entrepreneurial challenge and a unique opportunity, this coincided with the onset of the financial crisis.

• Microsoft’s acquisitions of French high-tech companies in France: These strategic transactions involved complex issues, such as intellectual property ownership, labor law, and the integration of founders into Microsoft’s Seattle-based team. One highlight was presenting the differences between U.S. and French law on these acquisition topics at Microsoft’s Redmond campus.

• A high-profile acquisition project of a French flagship naval repair industry company under bankruptcy proceeding which involved the French ministry and local public actors: I advised a famous U.S. private equity fund and its subsidiary on the acquisition offer.

• A complex ICC arbitration case: This involved the enforcement of a shareholders’ agreement under French law, governing a Malagasy company, and required navigating both Malagasy and French legal systems.

• A complex Middle Eastern joint venture: Since opening the Paris office of Rimon Law firm in 2021, I’ve worked on a fascinating joint venture between a renowned French company and local partners. This involved navigating a shareholders’ agreement subject to French law with a company governed by UAE law and exploring future projects in Saudi Arabia.

3. How did you decide to pursue an LLM degree through McGeorge?

As someone with a diverse, international family background, I was eager to study abroad and gain global experience. McGeorge School of Law offered a unique program that combined studying in Europe and American legal studies in the U.S. Beginning with classes in Salzburg, followed by an internship at a U.S. law firm and coursework in Sacramento, the program was perfectly aligned with my goals.

At the time, I had already completed two LLM degrees at Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, one in International Law and the other one in Foreign Trade Law and had worked for two years at a French law firm. With a scholarship from the Paris Bar and the French foreign ministry, McGeorge provided the ideal opportunity to broaden my horizons and embark on an international academic journey I was dreaming of.

4. What impressed you or surprised you the most about your LLM experience?

The program’s diversity was remarkable. Engaging with students from all over the world provided rich discussions and invaluable insights into different legal systems and cultures. Many of these classmates remain close friends after all these years. I completed the LLM program in 1990-1991.

Starting with classes in Salzburg eased the transition from civil law to common law systems, particularly understanding precedents  and tackle the challenges of learning and writing exclusively in English.

The professors were outstanding, and their passion for teaching left a lasting impression. I recall Krysta Ban, Kojo Yelpaala, Stephen McCaffrey, and Hans-Henrik Lidgard and many others as particularly inspiring.

The program also significantly boosted my career opportunities, with multiple offers from prestigious law firms upon my return to France. At that time, very few students had studied abroad and obtained an LLM, so it gave me a distinct edge in the job market.

5. Do you have any advice for young lawyers who would like to go into your field of law?

I strongly encourage young lawyers to pursue international experiences. These are incredibly enriching and, for me, remain some of the best times of my life.

Seize every opportunity to improve your English, especially your legal English skills, which can be challenging at first.

Building and maintaining a strong professional network is equally crucial. Participate in associations, attend industry events, and stay connected — it’s often who you know that matters as much as what you know.

Along the way of your career, it is probably important to ask yourself and understand what you want to accomplish. Set clear, measurable goals throughout your career. This helps in staying focused and achieving your objectives. Getting specialised and knowing well an industry makes also a difference.

Finally, be collaborative: share ideas, make introductions, and support others in your network. It will make your life as a lawyer far more fulfilling.

6. Do you have any suggestions on how McGeorge can best facilitate connections between international alumni?

Maintaining an updated alumni directory which I know is already the plan. Encouraging initiatives in each country or region to organize small gatherings. Indeed,  smaller, localized groups could bring fresh ideas and encourage participation in meetings.

I was fortunate to attend the last alumni meeting in Prague which was very friendly and inspiring after many years during which I did not participate. I tried to reach out to many alumni of my year to join which many of them did. Since then, I am really looking forward to the next meeting in Paris and trust there will be even more alumni attending.

Creating a real network where alumni would make recommendations, send referrals and fostering collaboration would also strengthen the sense of community.

Additionally, promoting alumni achievements which you are doing through these newsletters, is an excellent idea and may serve as inspiration for others and foster connections between alumni who have the same interests.

Rosio Magallon, ’26

I am officially halfway through law school and three semesters deep at McGeorge School of Law! Reflecting on all the events I have attended, the great people I have met, and the classes I have taken, participating in Professor Ederlina Co’s Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic has been one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences at McGeorge thus far. I tell everyone who mentions the clinic to join because it is such a unique learning experience that not every law student will have during their three years in law school.

Even before I was admitted to McGeorge, I already had an idea that I would participate in the Prisoner Civil Rights Mediation Clinic since it caught my interest right off the bat as I was reviewing the clinic options. Growing up in a small farm town and later attending the University of California, Berkeley, I witnessed the social and economic challenges faced by marginalized communities. At Berkeley, I worked with nonprofits and internships that served low-income, immigrant, and other disadvantaged groups, including incarcerated individuals. During my time at the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, I interviewed incarcerated individuals in prison, which gave me direct exposure to their circumstances. These experiences shaped my commitment to social justice reform and motivated my participation in this clinic. At the same time, I had heard from other law students that Professor Co was an amazing educator and that she would challenge my writing skills — which she absolutely did!

One of the overarching questions Professor Co posed to us was, “What does justice mean in these types of cases?” This question was always on our minds as we participated in mediations with federal judges and observed whether our cases settled or not. Addressing the issues and violations prisoners face during incarceration and after release requires public awareness and systemic reform. Justice in prisoner civil rights cases should extend beyond monetary settlements to include accountability measures, policy reviews, and a commitment to change. Only then can we move closer to achieving true justice for all parties involved.

This clinic has significantly improved my professional skills, particularly in communication and teamwork. Having difficult conversations — such as discussing trauma, past events, and managing client expectations regarding the outcomes of their cases — is something I will undoubtedly face with every client. Through this clinic, I’ve refined my communication style and learned how to adapt it to meet the needs of the client. Understanding which approaches work best will be invaluable as I navigate future client interactions, especially those in challenging situations.

Another area where I’ve grown is teamwork. I often tell others, particularly those who haven’t worked at firms, that teamwork is essential in every aspect of legal work. At a firm, you’re constantly collaborating with a variety of people — whether it’s the managing partner, partners stepping in for specific tasks, associates handling the details, or paralegals managing multiple responsibilities. This clinic reinforced the importance of respecting each other’s work and time. I also learned how collaboration extends beyond our internal team to include other key players. For example, during mediation, the judge, the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s counsel, and the Deputy Attorney General all had to work together to find a resolution.

By Rosio Magallon, a second-year student at McGeorge School of Law.  

David Neill, ’96

David Neill, ’96, is a dedicated public servant who has devoted his career to serving the state of California. He currently holds the position of chief counsel at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, where he previously served as assistant chief counsel from 2021 to 2024. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to ensuring that California’s legal and emergency services systems function smoothly and effectively for the benefit of its citizens.

Throughout his career, Neill has been a steadfast mentor, fostering the next generation of legal professionals. Serving as a supervising deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, in two separate terms, from 2006-2013 and 2014-2019.

In addition to his tenure at the Department of Justice, Neill served as an attorney investigator at the California Office of Legislative Counsel in the Workplace Conduct Unit from 2019-2021. He also held the role of deputy chief counsel at the California Department of Human Resources from 2013-2014 and served as a deputy attorney general at the Office of the Attorney General from 2001-2006. He was a senior associate at Littler Mendelson P.C. from 1997-2001. 

Neill received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of California, Davis.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is celebrating 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. 

Second-year law student Andrew Clary is pictured with McGeorge School of Law alumnus Stefan Frank, ’08, who is a partner at Binder Grösswang. Photo courtesy of Andrew Clary.

This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Salzburg, Austria as part of McGeorge School of Law’s Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program. It was my first time traveling to Europe, and I chose this program because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and gain international experience that would shape both my personal and professional growth. Salzburg, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, felt like the perfect place to start this journey.

While in Austria, I interned at Binder Grösswang, a prestigious law firm in Vienna, working in their banking and finance department. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. I assisted with research on changes to EU laws and regulations to better help clients understand how these changes would affect their businesses, gained exposure to EU financial regulations and the ways in which they combat the movement of illegal funds throughout the EU, and had the chance to collaborate with talented legal professionals from around Austria and Europe. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to adapt different legal systems and approaches — skills I know will benefit me as I continue my studies and eventually enter the workforce. 

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Photo courtesy of Andrew Clary.

Beyond the internship, this trip was a series of “firsts” for me. Travelling abroad for the first time meant navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, trying (and often failing) to master basic German phrases, and savoring delicious Austrian dishes like schnitzel and apfelstrudel. Weekends were spent exploring everything Vienna has to offer from grand palaces or museums to small local coffee shops, hiking in nearby mountains, and taking a train to neighboring countries like Hungary, Germany, or the Czech Republic.

One of the most profound aspects of studying abroad was learning to embrace uncertainty.  From adjusting to cultural differences to getting lost on cobblestone streets, there were plenty of moments where I felt completely out of my comfort zone. But with each challenge, I discovered resilience and resourcefulness I didn’t know I had. By the end of my time in Austria, I felt more independent, confident, and open to new possibilities than ever before.

Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary. Photo courtesy of Andrew Clary.

Studying abroad wasn’t just an academic or professional milestone — it was a personal transformation. It reminded me why I chose to pursue law: to navigate complex systems and connect with people across borders. Salzburg and Vienna taught me that growth comes from stepping into the unknown and embracing the journey, no matter how intimidating it may seem at first.

For anyone considering participating in McGeorge School of Law’s Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s an experience that opens your eyes to the world, deepens your understanding of your chosen field, and leaves you with memories you’ll carry for a lifetime. 

By Andrew Clary, a second-year student at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Second-year law student Bryan Connolly. Photo courtesy of Bryan Connolly.

I participated in the European Law in Practice Summer Internship in the Summer of 2024. From mid-May through the end of June, I interned at the law firm Rödl & Partner in their offices in Nuremberg, Germany. I spent three weeks in the Mergers and Acquisitions legal department, learning some of the major aspects of German business and contract law and their applications to major asset transactions, as well as informing my colleagues on the Uniform Commercial Code relating to a potential deal with an American client. In addition to the specific legal knowledge I learned from and contributed to my work with the firm, I also learned about the practical impacts of world events on business law; specifically, how businesses headquartered in areas or run by individuals subject to foreign economic sanctions are forced to react, and how companies in other areas can capitalize on the opportunities presented.

I spent an additional three weeks in the Energy Law department, where I researched, wrote, edited, and revised articles for publication on their client web page about the firm’s growing geothermal energy programs in Africa and the emerging green energy economies in California, America, and the world at large. In this capacity, I also had an opportunity to visit Munich for a green energy conference and trade show, where I saw first-hand how the private sector is leaning into the green transition and what that means for governments and businesses here in the United States.

I ended my session with a great deal of knowledge on the legal system in Germany and the European Union, as well as a sense of direction in my own career pursuits of international energy law and regulation. Being forced to immerse, however deeply, in another legal system allows American law students to see the intricacies of our own legal framework and hone in on what makes ours different, both for better and for worse, and prepare for how best to work within it, while potentially advocating to apply here what works effectively there.

Second-year law student Bryan Connolly is pictured at the Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Photo courtesy of Bryan Connolly.

Additionally, this unique opportunity through the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law gave me the chance to expand my professional resumé over the summer before my 2L year while participating in McGeorge School of Law’s Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program in July, meeting members of the vast international McGeorge alumni support network, and of course spending time exploring Europe and immersing in new, foreign cultures. Summer internships closer to home have their benefits, but this opportunity is unlikely to come about otherwise, and it presents law students with the chance to learn, both in the legal profession and in life, how to adapt and respond to new and unknown situations, a critical tool in furthering one’s legal education.

In short, this invaluable experience through the program offered by McGeorge has helped to further prepare me for the rest of my time in law school, my future legal career, and in my professional and personal lives, and has no doubt done the same for countless of my colleagues.

By Bryan Connolly, a second-year student at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

The intention of this blog is to share learning and insights from the Transformational Change Partnership, which develops the capacity of public-serving agencies to advance system-level changes that improve outcomes and reduce disparities. Backed by interdisciplinary research, the blog is based on learnings from the TCP and presents practical actions that practitioners and policymakers can use to diagnose, reimagine and improve public systems. 

“Personal relationships help us remember that we are in the same boat working towards the same goals.” – Placer County behavioral health professional

Introduction

Public sector managers at the state and local levels in California are under tremendous pressure to implement a plethora of state policy initiatives and oversee the ongoing operations of their departments and agencies that they can’t take the time to do what research suggests would make them more successful – have coffee with a colleague.

According to research, most Americans spend a relatively small amount of time intentionally investing in personal relationships at work, with some studies suggesting that leaders dedicate only around 20% of their time to relationship building.1

But is that always the right choice? Emergent evidence from California county professionals – reinforced by extant research in organizational psychology, environmental sociology, and neuroscience – suggest relationships matter a lot in creating better, more coherent system-level decision-making. This research says that building personal relationships – discussing non-work topics with colleagues – generates greater amounts of empathy between individuals, more deeply understood and shared values, and develops trust faster. 

Why it Matters

Public agencies and their community service providers are primarily made up of people. In fact, nationally public education spends approximately 90% of its funding on school personnel.2 The United States spends a substantial amount of its $4.1 trillion healthcare budget on personnel.3 This means that moving any health, human service or education system to accomplish its objectives will require, among other things, strong relationships among individuals. 

Further, a lack of trust between individuals can erode confidence in institutions, which has been on the decline for some time in the United States as shown by Tweng et al. (2014).4 Figure 1 below shows this relationship and the downward trend over the last 40 years.

Evolution & Biology Is Our Guide

Relationships between human beings are informed greatly by our evolution and biology. Mechanisms of empathy, perspective, attachment, cooperation and social norms shape how we build bonds between one another with a favorability to connections that promote our well-being. Historically, our ancestors used versions of these mechanisms because it increased their chances of survival.5 Humans are also naturally skeptical, retaining bias and prejudice,6 the absence of trust. These survival mechanisms can be overcome with direct and honest interactions that advances empathy, surface common values, and increase appreciation for divergent views and opinions.

Mechanisms of empathy, perspective, and attachment create opportunities for direct and honest interactions that advance perspective taking, surface common values and increase appreciation for divergent views.

Our bodies also physically respond to building positive relationships. These chemical manifestations are a signal that we are in a safe environment. These interactions result in the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” because it’s associated with feelings of trust, connection and intimacy.7 Increases in oxytocin can take relationships to higher degrees of empathy.8 Gable and Gosnell (2011) surmised that humans are endowed with separate reflexive brain networks for social thinking – basically categorizing present situations as threats or not.9 Close relationships are linked to longer term well-being as they build biological responses that may protect against the adverse effects of stress. Your brain’s reward circuit also lights up in response to these positive connections, activating the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.10

Application to Public Systems and Teams

Studies show that social connections play a central role in fostering a sense of purpose and well-being in the workplace. They also impact the bottom line: Effective management of social capital within organizations facilitates learning and knowledge sharing, increases employee retention and engagement, reduces burnout, sparks innovation, and improves employee and organizational performance.11

Metz et al. (2021) proposed a theory of change that described how trusting relationships cultivate increases in motivation, capability, and opportunity for supporting implementation among stakeholders, with implications for commitment and resilience for sustained implementation, and ultimately, positive outcomes.12 In the absence of these features of social workplace interaction, Dunbar and Dunbar (1998) suggested that when individuals experience social pain in the workplace, the region of the brain that is activated is the same as if physical pain had been experienced.13

Implications for Practice

Relationships are not static. They are either building or atrophying. They need work, always. This is true today more than ever as public and community systems experience more severe and frequent economic, social and even political shocks, including pandemics, increasing natural disasters, and technological displacements. This raises the urgency to invest in relationships as a shock absorber to the distant and disparate impacts to public serving systems.will experience in the future. Some suggested relational calisthenics: 

Mean it

Working in systems can be difficult and push us to revert to simplistic and cursory behavior. You may be asking someone how they are doing, expecting no more than an, “ok” “good”. Taking even a few minutes to deepen that connection can pay dividends over time to the trust between colleagues.

Don’t make it awkward

Whether it is in a meeting room or in a one-on-one interaction, taking the time to authentically engage with one or two colleagues builds personal rapport that then buffers against the inevitability of instances in which a hard conversation will likely lead to resolution. For example, when dealing with new or difficult issues, take the time to ask colleagues to reflect on their experiences with similar issues or information. There is no need for trust to fall here.

Invest early

At first glance it may not make sense to invest in relationships with colleagues in other agencies that you rarely engage. However, as California continues to encourage cross-agency coordination, these investments will likely pay dividends later. These interactions can build positive relationships and create initial trust between partners.

Big picture

Lean into conversations that allow you and others to see the bigger picture and reframe assumptions that limit the consideration of new and better options. This follows on from selective investment theory and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.14

A time for simple and a time for hard

While we may look back at these as the good old days, public challenges seem to be growing faster and more complex than our ability to learn and adapt. Fortunately, research and experience reveals a long-standing way we can work better – that is together, beginning with something as simple as strong inner-personal relationships.   

Additional resources

List practical tools or engaging publications to help readers

Peter Senge in his Compassionate Systems Leadership Frame

Jason Willis

Author

Jason Willis

Clinical Professor of Public Policy

University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law

Footnotes

  1. https://hbr.org/2022/10/the-power-of-work-friends ↩︎
  2. https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=66#:~:text=These%20services%20and%20commodities%20include,on%20tuition%20and%20other%20expenditures ↩︎
  3. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2023/oct/high-us-health-care-spending-where-is-it-all-going#:~:text=Possible%20Additional%20Excess%20Spending%20Reflected,Those%20for%20Nurses%20and%20Physicians ↩︎
  4. Declines in Trust in Others and Confidence in Institutions Among American Adults and Late Adolescents, 1972–2012. ↩︎
  5. Kenrick, D. T., Neuberg, S. L., & White, A. E. (2013). Relationships from an evolutionary life history perspective. In J. A. Simpson & L. Campbell (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Close Relationships (pp. 13–38). Oxford University Press. ↩︎
  6. Emberton M. Unconscious Bias Is a Human Condition. Perm J. 2021 May;25:20.199. doi: 10.7812/TPP/20.199. PMID: 33970098; PMCID: PMC8784036. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8784036/. ↩︎
  7. Louis Carter. 2023. The Neuroscience of Trust. Allen, S. February 24, 2022. How Biology Prepares Us for Love and Connection. Great Good Magazine. Berkeley, CA. University of California, Berkeley. ↩︎
  8.  Head Heart + Brain. The neuroscience of trust… Headheart Ltd. ↩︎
  9.  Gable and Gosnell (2011). ↩︎
  10.  APA. What Happens When You Fall in Love? ↩︎
  11. To Be Happier at Work, Invest in More Relationships. HBR. ↩︎
  12.  Building trusting relationships to support implementation: A proposed theoretical model ↩︎
  13. Senge Compassionate Systems Framework. Senge/Bowle has had a lot of intentional focus on understanding ones colleagues at a more personal level to be able to work more collaborative and deeply. ↩︎
  14. Beyond the Moment, Beyond the Self: Shared Ground between Selective Investment Theory and the Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions Author(s): Michael A. Cohn and Barbara L. Fredrickson Source: Psychological Inquiry , 2006, Vol. 17, No. 1 (2006), pp. 39-44. Selective Investment Theory: Recasting the Functional Significance of Close Relationships Author(s): Stephanie L. Brown and R. Michael Brown Source: Psychological Inquiry, 2006, Vol. 17, No. 1 (2006), pp. 1-29 https://hbr.org/2022/10/the-power-of-work-friends. ↩︎

John Demas, ’92

John Demas, ’89, ’92, is the founding partner of Demas Law Group, where he is a distinguished leader in personal injury law. Demas is recognized as one of the top plaintiff’s attorneys in California and has been exclusively representing injured victims for over 30 years. In addition, Demas is passionate about helping and has earned a stellar reputation for his dedication and successful results for his clients. His prior experience includes extensive trial experience with several multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Demas has obtained the largest jury verdict in Sacramento County for a bicycle collision, the largest settlement in California for the wrongful death of a baby against the City of Sacramento, a record-breaking jury verdict, and many more. In addition to being the primary attorney at the firm, he supervises all litigated cases at Demas Law Group.

Demas has been selected by his peers as a Northern California Super Lawyer every year for nearly 15 years, which is an honor limited to less than approximately 1 percent of plaintiff personal injury attorneys receive. He has also been named a Top 100 Attorney for Northern California for several years running. For several years, he has been selected by peers and judges as one of the Top 25 attorneys in Sacramento and is continuously recognized as the Best of the Bar by the Sacramento Business Journal.

Furthermore, he is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a respected professional organization with exclusive membership limited to less than 1 percent of the country’s civil attorneys. ABOTA membership is by invitation only extended to attorneys who have extensive trial experience and are distinguished for their high personal character and professional reputation. Currently, he serves as the president of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of ABOTA.

Demas is a double tiger. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of the Pacific in 1989 and a JD degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1992.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is celebrating 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. 

Second-year law student Jordan Fortunati and Luca Marzolini, an attorney at Maiano, Pisano, and Partners in Milan, Italy. Photo courtesy of Jordan Fortunati.

On paper, I have always had a fascination with other legal systems. In undergrad, I became enamored by the writing of Robert A. Kagan — a prolific professor who has written extensively about the contrasting contours between adversarial and bureaucratic legalism. The prospect of a law guided primarily by statutes — not case law, fact finding lead by judges — not attorneys, and a litigation system set on efficient adjudication — not procedural due process fascinated me.

Duomo di Milano. Photo courtesy of Jordan Fortunati.

In the winter, I learned of McGeorge School of Law’s Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program and the opportunity to work in a firm abroad. I realized that I would be able to take my academic readings and get a hands-on-experience. When I was informed that there would be an internship placement in Milan, Italy, it seemed near impossible to say no. It helped that I have some Italian roots, and even spoke, albeit sparse, Italian. I had the opportunity to work at Maiano, Pisano, and Partners, a corporate firm which specializes in contract, commercial, and property law. I drafted a plethora of legal memorandums.

Balzano, Italy. Photo courtesy of Jordan Fortunati.

One of the most fascinating research assignments involved what is known as a ”decreto ingiuntivo.” This is a quasi ex parte proceeding which a party can file to collect a debt against another. The most fascinating aspect of this is that if the order filed is unopposed, res judicata attaches. In other words, any claims arising from the failed payment, can no longer be litigated. In one case, an Italian company issued an injunction decree against the German company. After, the court granted it, the German company tried claimed damages against an Italian company for failing to deliver quality goods. But the court held they couldn’t! The debt collection had precluded the claim. An outcome, that my American litigating loving mind could barely comprehend. But — Kagan’s words echoed as read this case, and I became absolutely ecstatic at the realization that I was seeing the tension between adversarial and bureaucratic legalism in real time.

I would be remiss in not mentioning that the attorneys at the firm were so kind and incredible. I was taken out to lunch multiple times, and I had a lot of fun talking with them. I would also be remiss in failing to mention Camilla — the firm’s incredible legal assistant who never failed to offer me a cappuccino in the morning (the answer was almost always yes).

Second-year law student Jordan Fortunati and his girlfriend in Lake Como, Italy. Photo courtesy of Jordan Fortunati.

Finally, I had so much fun exploring Italy. The great virtue in a place like Milan, and unlike the United States, is that every building is a testament to layers of history. Pieces of republics, empires, oppression, and liberty all are crammed into a single street. Milan’s impeccable train system facilitated some incredible trips as well. I visited the beguiling lakes of the Lake Cuomo, where I went with my girlfriend and her family. I also witnessed the castles of Torino. I even got to see my Italian cousins in the beautiful mountain town, Bolzano.

All in all, working in Italy was an unforgettable experience. I got a lot out of learning about the different legal systems, all the while roaming the streets of one of the most beautiful places on earth.

By Jordan Fortunati, a second-year student at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Second-year law student Cassandra Allen is pictured in front of the Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis in Dresden, Germany. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Allen.

Ich bin ein Berliner

This past summer, I had the privilege of having my first legal experience be an international one, working for CMS in Berlin, Germany. For those unfamiliar with Berlin, it is a place where history, food, art, culture, and innovation come together to create a dynamic, surprisingly organic, way of life. When I woke up for my first day of work and walked to the bus stop, I was quickly greeted by the sight of determined working class professionals cycling to work in full office attire. As I rode the bus to the office, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. CMS is an incredibly prestigious law firm and I felt I had only just survived my first year of law school. However, as the bus drove past iconic sights like the Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz, I could not help but feel inspired. So much history had happened in Berlin, and here I was about to make my own.

The CMS office in Berlin, Germany. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Allen.

I quickly got to work in the international arbitration department, meeting fellow interns, trying my luck at comparative civil procedure research, and learning the ropes of corporate culture. Each legal department enjoyed a close bond and employees diligently stopped by everyone’s office as they came in for the morning, just to say hello. A highlight was the monthly luncheon on the top floor of the office which overlooked all of Berlin with iconic sights like the Bundestag and the TV tower. As interns usually worked from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, we quickly developed solidarity with one another, something solidified by lunch breaks and hot chocolate runs.

In my short time with CMS, I was fortunate enough to shadow an attorney for a trial in historic Potsdam, network with industry giants at the firms private equity social, and had the opportunity to engage deeply with different cases despite my limited experience. CMS kept me busy and my capacity for flexibility, problem solving, and critical thinking in my legal work product grew immensely because of the firm’s willingness to let me give things a try.

The Ampelmännchen, or “traffic light man,” is a well-known symbol of Berlin and East Germany. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Allen.

Admittedly, even while abroad, the best part of any job is getting to go home. After all, there was a whole country to explore! Coincidentally, I was in Berlin during the 2024 Euro Cup, so weekends cafe hopping and people watching were extra lively! As a history and political science junkie, I was eager to go to as many museums as possible, Berlin humbly boasts over 170. Some of my favorites included the Futurium, Deutsches History Museum, and the German Spy Museum.

On several weekends, I was able to venture further out into Europe to visit friends and family. I was fortunate to explore Dresden, Munich, Hamburg, and Leipzig. As well as Prague, Szczecin, and Vienna. On the long train rides I spent ample time in disbelief that I was even in Europe for a whole summer, fighting imposter syndrome, soul searching, and relishing in feelings of triumph that I was able to adapt to a new challenging environment. In hindsight it feels a bit like a fever dream, after all who would have thought that I would have traveled to four different countries while interning at a major international law firm just six weeks after first-year exams. I will always remember the summer of 2024 as a time of exploration, full of blisters on my feet, and proof that I can do hard things and come out on the other side victorious.

By Cassandra Allen, a second-year student at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Women have long been making significant strides in the sports industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female professionals. From executives to legal experts, women are excelling in various roles across the world of sports.  

Notable University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law alumna Matina Kolokotronis, ’89, is a trailblazer. Kolokotronis serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Sacramento Kings and holding the distinction of being the only woman in the NBA to have held both the titles of COO and President of Business Operations. Alumna Emily Azevedo, ’19, transitioned from competing as U.S. Olympic athlete to using her legal expertise to support fellow athletes.

Other distinguished alumni, like Michelle Wong, ’03, and Mia Mosher, ’94, represent high-profile athletes and coaches from organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and WNBA, specializing in trusts and estates and family law, respectively. Both Jill McBride Baxter, ’88, and Aleksandra Smiljic, ’21, have carved out successful careers in the sports sector, with McBride Baxter leading as a prominent sports agent and attorney, and Smiljic thriving in her work for the San Jose Sharks. 

These accomplished women not only contribute to the success of sports organizations but also shape the future of sports law and representation, proving that women have a crucial role in every aspect of the sports world. 

Matina Kolokotronis
Matina Kolokotronis, ’89

Alumna paves path for women working in NBA 

Matina Kolokotronis, ’89, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Sacramento Kings. Kolokotronis is currently the only woman in the NBA to have held the titles of COO and President of Business Operations. Kolokotronis has worked for the Sacramento Kings for 25+ years.  

Kolokotronis also worked as an adjunct professor at McGeorge for seven years, teaching a class on sports law that was focused mostly on contracts.

“I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for McGeorge and what they gave me; the education, the knowledge has led me to where I am today,” Kolokotronis said. 

Learn more. 

Alumna transitions from Olympic athlete to Athlete Ombuds for Olympians and Paralympians 

Emily Azevedo, ‘19

What does an accomplished Olympic athlete do after she retires from athletics? For Emily Azevedo, ‘19, the next step in her career was attending McGeorge School of Law to equip herself with the skills needed to support fellow athletes. Azevedo now works for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a Senior Associate Athlete Ombuds.  

Azevedo represented Team USA as a bobsledder for eight years and as a rugby player for 2.5 years. She competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics for bobsledding and ranked among the most elite athletes in the world. In 2014, she was an alternate for Team USA’s bobsled team at the Winter Olympics.  

Learn more. 

Michelle Wong, '03
Michelle Wong, ’03

Alumna establishes herself as choice attorney of professional athletes 

Michelle Wong, ’03, has established herself as the choice attorney for professional athletes. Wong represents a number of clients who are NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL players and coaches. 

Wong is a partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Columbus, Ohio, where she works in the firm’s corporate department. Wong-Halabi’s practice is primarily focused on estate planning, including wills and trusts. Her stellar reputation in this field led some of her clients to refer professional athletes to her. 

Learn more. 

Mia Mosher, ’94

Alumna represents high-profile athletes in family law cases 

Mia Mosher, ’94, represents high-profile athletes in family law cases. Her passion for law stemmed from a chance encounter that led to a chance to an interview with the Jones Day Law Firm. This encounter sparked her interest in law and started the long journey that led to her opening and operating Marsten & Mosher, with her law partner, Michelle Marsten. 

The firm represents a range of individuals, from teachers to high-profile athletes in the NFL, NHL, and WNBA. Mosher specializes in child custody, asset division, support issues, and prenuptial agreements.  

Learn more. 

Jill McBride Baxter, ‘88

Alumna from a sports family builds career as a leading sports agent, author, and educator 

Jill McBride Baxter, ‘88, grew up in a sports-oriented family as the daughter of Utah Hall of Fame Football coach. She merged her passion for sports and law, establishing herself as a prominent sports agent and attorney. She represents professional football players, coaches, media personalities, and college athletic administrators. 

She is the author of the book “Born to Be A Sports Agent,” teaches a Sports Law in Practice course at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, and hosts a podcast called Representation Without Taxation, where she discusses topics relevant to pro and collegiate sports. 

Aleksandra Smiljic, ‘21

Alumna thrives as associate counsel for San Jose Sharks 

With a Juris Doctor degree and a concentration in Business from McGeorge School of Law, Aleksandra Smiljic, ‘21, positioned herself for success as the Associate Counsel for the San Jose Sharks. Smiljic joined the San Jose Sharks in 2022. Smiljic is passionate about her work, citing the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the sports industry as a major draw. 

“The world of sports is dynamic and fun! I love that I get to collaborate with so many talented people in various departments on a daily basis. The opportunity to constantly learn and face new diverse challenges in the ever-changing legal space has been incredibly intellectually stimulating and makes for a unique day, every day,” Smiljic said in a post shared by the San Jose Sharks.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is celebrating 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.