McGeorge School of Law had humble beginnings in 1924 as a single-room night school in downtown Sacramento, then known as Sacramento College of Law. From those modest origins, the school has evolved under the guidance of 10 visionary deans, each contributing to its journey from a small local institution to a prominent law school.

McGeorge School of Law campus
Photo: McGeorge School of Law campus in Sacramento, CA.

Verne Adrian McGeorge, Founder, 1924–1930 

Verne Adrian McGeorge was the founding dean and professor of law. In 1929, the Board of Trustees renamed the school McGeorge College of Law in honor of its founder. The first commencement occurred just a year later in 1925, and the first woman graduated shortly after in 1927.

The contributions of the following successive deans, though less documented, were crucial in sustaining and advancing McGeorge School of Law’s esteemed legacy and setting the stage for future achievements:

  • Russell Harris (1930–1933)
  • Gilford Rowland (1933–1937)
  • Lawrence Dowrety (1937 – WWII closure)
  • John Swann (1946–1957)

Gordon D. Schaber, 1957–1991

In 1957, Gordon D. Schaber became dean. He held this role for 34 years. Under his leadership, McGeorge transformed from a local institution into a nationally recognized law school and became affiliated with the University of the Pacific in 1966. That same year, McGeorge moved to its permanent Oak Park location, now part of the vibrant 13-acre Sacramento campus.

Dean Schaber’s tenure was marked by key milestones: McGeorge gained full accreditation from the State Bar of California in 1964, affiliated with the University of the Pacific in 1966, and secured ABA accreditation in 1968. The school’s growth continued with AALS accreditation and Order of the Coif status. Schaber’s legacy also includes the establishment of McGeorge’s Community Legal Services, and externship programs, which have had a lasting impact on the Sacramento community.

Gerald Caplan, 1991–2002 

Gerald Caplan was instrumental in establishing the Capital Center for Law and Policy. Located just 3.1 miles from the California Capitol Building, this Center has gained significant prominence under his leadership.

Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker, 2002–2012 

During Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker’s tenure as dean, the Global Center for Business & Development was established, fostering engagement with the global legal community through significant international law research and active participation in transnational policymaking and education.

Francis J. “Jay” Mootz, 2012–2017 

Under Francis J. Mootz III’s leadership, McGeorge School of Law introduced several innovative programs: the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Public Policy, and the Master of Science in Law. After his tenure as dean concluded, Mootz has continued to play a vital role at McGeorge as a professor, teaching Contracts, Sales, Insurance Law, Employment Law, and Critical Race Theory.

Michael Hunter Schwartz, 2017 – present

Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz, formerly dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, assumed the role of McGeorge’s 10th dean in 2017. During his tenure, McGeorge School of Law received a significant gift in 2021, among the largest in U.S. legal education history. Dean Schwartz also served as interim provost for the University of the Pacific for one year amidst an interim presidency and the onset of the global pandemic.

McGeorge School of Law has since risen to new heights under Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz, who ranked as the 9th most influential person in legal education twice. A recognized national leader in legal education, Dean Schwartz achieved notable milestones at McGeorge, including the highest bar passage rate in 25 years, the establishment of the Honors Accelerated JD degree and various master’s programs, and enhancements to legal clinics and experiential learning. He also pioneered an alumni-student mentoring program, launched the Center for Inclusion and Diversity and the Military and Veteran Student Center at the Sacramento Campus, and bolstered recruitment efforts, culminating in a transformative gift benefiting future McGeorge students.

McGeorge School of Law’s transformation from a modest single-room night school in 1924 to a distinguished institution of legal education is a testament to the enduring vision and leadership of its ten deans. Each dean has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s growth and reputation, guiding it from its humble beginnings to becoming a prominent and influential law school. As we look towards the future of McGeorge, we remain committed to expanding our programming and resources to better serve our students. This forward-looking approach ensures that McGeorge will continue to thrive, fostering the next generation of legal professionals and upholding its legacy of excellence.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast community member network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law community members.   

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary. 

Iván Morales, ’96 and ’97, earned two law degrees from McGeorge School of Law.

Iván Morales, a distinguished alumnus of McGeorge School of Law (’96 and ’97), exemplifies how a legal education can unlock numerous opportunities. Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Morales has leveraged his McGeorge training to advance to prominent legal roles in New York and beyond. He is currently serving as general counsel at Signaplex.

After earning a JD degree in 1996 and an LLM degree in Transnational Business Practice in 1997, Morales began his career with Gomez, Acebo & Pombo in Madrid, Spain, where he honed his skills in bank finance and corporate finance. His career later led him to Shearman & Sterling in New York, where he gained more experience in M&A, bankruptcy, and litigation.

In 2003, Morales joined Linklaters in New York as a senior litigation and restructuring associate, further building his reputation in the legal field. His career experienced a pivotal shift in 2008 when he joined Visa International as the Head of Legal Services and Government Relations for Latin America, where he handled complex legal matters and built important government relationships.

Morales’ passion for innovation and leadership saw him take on the role of general counsel at the Somos Group, a Latin American Entertainment Group based in Miami, Florida. His time there was marked by significant contributions to the company’s legal and business strategies.

In 2013, Morales founded iCorporate Consulting, LLC (iCorp), showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping clients succeed in U.S. transactions. As the managing director of iCorp, Morales uses his extensive experience to offer top-notch consulting services, guiding businesses through the difficulty of international transactions.

Despite his busy career, Morales stays connected to his alma mater. He serves on McGeorge School of Law’s International Board of Advisors, where he enjoys connecting with fellow international alumni and helping improve the university and law school.

Morales’ journey highlights the vast opportunities a legal education can offer. His career, defined by remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment, serves as an inspiring example for both current and future students at McGeorge School of Law.

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. 

A man teaches in front of students.
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (ret.) taught Constitutional Law at McGeorge School of Law for more than 50 years.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (ret.) has been a foundational figure at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law for over 50 years. As a long-time supporter and faculty of the Summer Salzburg program and a professor of Constitutional Law and Comparative Free Speech at McGeorge, Justice Kennedy’s influence is still strongly seen today.

Justice Kennedy graduated from McClatchy High School in 1954 and pursued his undergraduate studies at Stanford University, where he developed a passion for constitutional law. He graduated with honors in political science in 1958, after also studying at the London School of Economics. Justice Kennedy earned his law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1961 and served in the California Army National Guard from 1961-1962.

Justice Kennedy worked in private practice in San Francisco and Sacramento, eventually taking over his father’s law practice. In 1965, he joined the faculty at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where he taught as a Professor of Law for over 54 years. Kennedy’s tenure at McGeorge was marked by his dedication to teaching and mentoring law students, and he continued to teach in the school’s European summer sessions in Salzburg, making him the longest-serving faculty member in McGeorge’s history.

Justice Kennedy’s judicial career began with his appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 1975, where he became the youngest federal appellate judge in the country. His case-by-case approach and polite demeanor earned him respect, and in 1988, he was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Known as a swing vote, Justice Kennedy authored significant opinions on individual rights, including the landmark decisions in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Romer v. Evans, Boumediene v. Bush, and Obergefell v. Hodges.

Justice Kennedy retired from the Supreme Court on July 31, 2018, leaving a legacy of advocacy for individual freedoms and a lasting impact on the McGeorge School of Law community.

Justice Kennedy’s impact can be felt throughout Sacramento. The Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court, an organization of judges, justices, law professors, attorneys, and law students dedicated to professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence in the legal profession is located on the Sacramento Campus. The Inn has won more honors from the National Inn of Court than any other in the United States.

In 2021, McGeorge partnered with the Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Library and Learning Center. Housed in the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse, the center’s mission is to foster respect for the rule of law and spotlight the independent judiciary’s role in protecting the constitutional and civil rights of all people.

Additionally, thanks to a generous gift from the Angelo and Sofia Tsakopoulos Family Foundation, the law school established the Anthony M. Kennedy Endowed Chair, which is currently held by McGeorge Professor Leslie Gielow Jacobs, an expert on First Amendment Law. Parker White, ’80, further honored Justice Kennedy’s time at McGeorge with the creation of the Anthony M. Kennedy Endowed Fellow Scholarship Fund, supporting the Kennedy Fellows program by offering full-tuition scholarships.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast community member network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law community members.   

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary. 

A man poses for a photo.
Doug Johnson, ’00, serves on the McGeorge Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Douglas L. Johnson, ’00, is an internationally recognized entertainment lawyer known for handling high-profile litigation for industry talent, including producers, actors, directors, writers, and musicians. Recognized for resolving royalty and profit participation disputes, right of publicity cases, and theft of idea claims, he also handles privacy invasion, libel, sexual harassment, business disputes, and novel class actions. Johnson is also a member of the McGeorge School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Johnson has been named a top intellectual property litigator by Super Lawyer for over a decade, placing him in the top 2.5 percent in Southern California. The Daily Journal awarded him one of the Top 2020 Verdicts for his $10 million jury verdict and $7 million in legal fees against Coca-Cola and Monster Energy in a right of publicity case.

Johnson frequently writes on industry issues and speaks on educational panels. Johnson has written over 30 articles on entertainment and intellectual property law and regularly speaks on panels discussing those topics. Since 2012, he has been an adjunct professor at Southwestern School of Law, teaching Entertainment and Media Litigation.

His experience includes serving as outside general counsel for WorldStarHipHop.com, where he handled cutting-edge copyright and privacy issues. Johnson co-founded Johnson & Johnson and has been instrumental in developing California’s right of publicity laws, regularly representing celebrities, models, and athletes in litigation against unauthorized use of their images. He has litigated up to the California Supreme Court, advocating for protective precedents and educating law students on these vital rights.

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. 

George F. Ogilvie III earned his J.D. from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1988. He has over three decades of leadership in his law firm, prestigious awards, handling complex construction litigation cases, and a strong commitment to public service.

As the Firm Managing Partner of McDonald Carano LLP, George leads a Nevada law firm with offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City, serving clients across Nevada and beyond. Under his leadership, McDonald Carano has remained a prominent independent firm, successfully navigating market pressures. In 2023, the firm received the “Battle Born” award at the Nevada Business Awards, and in 2024, it will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. George is one of only four Managing Partners in the firm’s history.

George F. Ogilvie III, is the managing partner of McDonald Carano LLP.

After joining the Clark County Public Defender’s Office in 1988 and handling high-profile capital murder cases, George joined McDonald Carano in 1992. He was promoted to Partner and Managing Partner of the Las Vegas office in 1994 and elected the Firm’s Managing Partner in 2019. He continues to serve in these executive roles, demonstrating strong leadership.

McDonald Carano has received notable awards under George’s leadership, including the “Partner in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” medallion from the State Bar of Nevada in 2023 and 2024, the Law Firm of the Year Award in 2024 from the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association (an association of predominantly Black lawyers, judges, law professors, and other legal professionals), and first-place recognitions in “Best Law Firm” and “Most Philanthropic Company” in the Best in Business Awards in 2023 and 2024.

George is highly ranked in Construction Litigation by Chambers USA, maintaining a Band 1 ranking for 12 consecutive years. His accolades include three “Lawyer of the Year” awards from The Best Lawyers in America and recognition in Vegas Inc. magazine and Mountain States Super Lawyers.

His legal expertise is evidenced by his successful handling of high-profile cases such as Project CityCenter, Planet Hollywood Towers, and the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. He is a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America.

George has also demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. He served as Chairman of the Colorado River Commission from 2009 to 2016 and is involved in several judicial and community service roles. His volunteer work includes serving on Eighth Judicial District Court committees, the Government Affairs Committee of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Nevada Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees. He has also supported pro bono legal work and financial support for the Public Interest Law Association at UNLV Boyd School of Law.

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. 

Gordian N. Hasselblatt, LLM ’95, is a partner at CMS Hasche Sigle in Cologne, Germany.

Gordian N. Hasselblatt, ’95, is a partner at CMS Hasche Sigle in Cologne, Germany. He has many years of experience and comprehensive expertise in intellectual property law. His journey started with legal studies at the Universities of Bonn and Hamburg. He later earned an LLM degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1995. By 1997, he had earned his Dr. iur degree, setting the stage for a career marked by skill and success.

Hasselblatt is highly respected for his deep knowledge in international trademark and design law, unfair competition law, press law, and cross-border litigation. He is especially valued for his expertise in trademark clearance, a vital service for international product launches. His strategic handling of extensive trademark and design portfolios shows his ability to manage complex intellectual property issues on a global level.

Beyond his legal practice, Hasselblatt has made significant contributions to the field through his writing.He is the author of numerous publications. His book, Community Design Regulation: An Article by Article Commentary, was named the Best Book on Design Law in 2020 by IPKat, the world’s most popular Intellectual Property Law blog.

Hasselblatt is also actively involved in key professional organizations. Hasselblatt is a member of McGeorge School of Law’s International Board of Advisors. He serves on the expert committee for trademark and competition law for the German Association for Intellectual Property and Copyright La. Hasselblatt is the Regional Director Europe for the World Law Group. He is also a member of the German Bar Association, International Trademark Association, the European Communities Trademark Association, the International Association for Intellectual Property Rights and Copyright Law, and the German American Lawyers Association.

Hasselblatt’s career is a testament to his dedication and expertise in intellectual property law. His work has not only boosted his own practice but has also made a significant impact on the legal community, both in Germany and internationally.

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. 

A man poses for a photo.
Bill Lockyer, ’86, spent over 30 years in the California Government.

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. 

The Hon. Craig Manson, ’87, served as a judge on the Superior Court of California for the County of Sacramento from 1998 to 2001.

The Hon. Craig Manson, ’87, built a remarkable career marked by dedication and hard work. His journey began in 1976 with his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, where he served until 1989. During his time in the service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. He later made history as the first Black editor-in-chief of the University of the Pacific Law Review at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where he completed a Juris Doctor degree.

Manson’s legal career started at Downey, Brand, Seymour, and Rohwer, where he worked as an attorney from 1989 to 1993. His expertise led to his role as general counsel for the California Department of Fish and Game, a position he held from 1993 to 1998. Following this, he served as a judge on the Superior Court of California for the County of Sacramento from 1998 to 2001.

In 2001, Manson was appointed as assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks at the U.S. Department of the Interior. In this role, he influenced national policies on wildlife and natural resource conservation. He later worked as a senior policy advisor for Hunton & Williams, applying his extensive knowledge of public policy and administrative law.

Known for his perseverance and commitment, Manson also served as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, demonstrating his dedication to national security and public service. His contributions to environmental conservation are among his proudest achievements, driven by his passion for protecting the earth.

Manson was motivated to pursue law by a desire to address societal issues. His active involvement in the student bar association, board of governors, and the University of the Pacific Law Review at McGeorge School of Law underscores his commitment to leadership and justice. Today, he continues to inspire with his dedication to public service and efforts to protect the environment.

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. 

Judge Michael G. Bowman, ’88.

Judge Michael G. Bowman, ’88, was honored as the Judge of the Year at the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Bench Bar Reception in April 2024. The annual award is given to a judge who has demonstrated commitment to enhancing the system of justice with fair and equitable administration of the court, has respected legal abilities, and is recognized for professional demeanor that includes lack of bias.

Bowman was appointed to the bench in 2013 by then-Gov. Jerry Brown. At the time, he was the first practicing criminal defense attorney to be appointed in decades. He recently completed two years of service as presiding judge of the Sacramento Superior Court.

“It is worth highlighting the groundbreaking nature of Governor Brown’s appointment of Judge Bowman to our court in 2013. Until then, it had been decades since a practicing criminal defense attorney had received such an appointment. That the distinction fell to Mike Bowman came as no surprise to anyone. With his easygoing manner, quick mind, and perhaps even quicker wit, he possessed a temperament that was widely understood as ideal for serving as a judicial officer. Suffice it to say, his appointment to our bench was universally applauded by all of us already serving,” said Justice Laurie Earl in a 2024 Sacramento Lawyer article. Earl is the presiding justice of the California’s Third District Court of Appeal.

A graduate of California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona and University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, Bowman started his legal career as a deputy district attorney in Kern County from 1988-91. Starting in 1992, he ran a private criminal defense firm for over 20 years. He handled cases ranging from DUIs to death penalty. During his years on the Sacramento bench, Bowman held a variety of assignments including criminal and civil trial courts and served as supervising judge of the court’s criminal division.

In 2019, Bowman was nominated and elected to the post of assistant presiding judge. He assisted then-Presiding Judge Russell Hom in effectively addressing the many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic including mask mandates, distancing protocols, and initial Zoom deployments.

Bowman has mentored and supported a record number of new judicial officers who joined our bench during his tenure. During his term as presiding judge, Bowman welcomed 15 new judges and seven new court commissioners to the Court, the largest two-year influx of new judicial officers in any two-year period in the Court’s history.

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.

Tim Long, ’88, is the co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig.

Tim Long, ‘88, has deep experience litigating complex labor and employment issues, having served as lead counsel in multiple class, collective, and representative actions and advising on dozens more. Long is the co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Sacramento office. 

Long’s clients include a variety of financial institutions and entities, healthcare-related entities, airlines, retailers, high-tech companies, and transportation and logistics companies. Long also advises private investment funds and their partners in disputes concerning the management of funds, removal of non-performing members, and conflicts involving portfolio companies. 

He has litigated virtually every wage-and-hour issue there is, including exemption, incentive compensation, independent contractor, off-the-clock, meal and rest, pay practice, and PAGA claims. He has also litigated a wide variety of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims. Long has both prosecuted and defended employers in trade secrets and unfair business practices litigation.  

Long advises businesses on employment litigation and other types of claims. He litigates employment discrimination and wrongful termination claims, as well as matters involving trade secrets. He provides counsel on many corporate matters and often advises entertainment industry employers on emerging issues. 

Long also represents employers before state and federal administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH), the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), and Employment Development Department (EDD). He also conducts workplace investigations and audits. 

Long is one of the few lawyers to have tried a class action to verdict, achieving a complete defense verdict, which he protected on appeal. He has also argued before several California Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, the Washington State Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, and has taken a case to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Long is a cherished friend of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, deeply involved in its community. He plays a vital role as an active member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, currently serving as vice president. Additionally, Long generously mentors first-year law students through the McGeorge Alumni Mentor Program. His firm, alongside Long himself, shows remarkable support for the Jeffrey K. Poilé Memorial Endowed Scholarship and various McGeorge events. Furthermore, Long dedicates his time to the OCI (On-Campus Interviews) Program, where he assists McGeorge students in honing their interview skills. 

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.