A city attorney serves as chief legal counsel for a city. They provide legal guidance to city officials, departments, and agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Their responsibilities include drafting laws, reviewing contracts, and representing the city in litigation. City attorneys also manage legal risks, uphold ethical standards, and contribute to public policy decisions. Their role is vital in maintaining the legality and integrity of municipal operations and governance. 

McGeorge School of Law proudly celebrates the impressive achievement of having six alumni currently serving their communities as city attorneys. 

	Dean R. Derleth, ‘92 (Corona, CA) Derleth has served as Corona’s City Attorney since 2001, including in-house since 2012. He previously spent 20 years at Best Best & Krieger LLP, serving as City Attorney, General Counsel and special counsel for cities and public agencies throughout the state. He also enjoyed serving in various roles for the firm, including the founding Managing Partner for its Los Angeles office, Managing Partner for its Irvine office, and the firm-wide Municipal Law Practice Group Leader. He started his career at BB&K after being hired through McGeorge’s Career Development Office as a Summer Intern in 1991.
	Mara W. Elliott, ‘94 (San Diego, CA)  Elliott made history as the first woman, mother, and Latina elected as the San Diego City Attorney. She is nationally recognized for her leadership in preventing gun violence and her advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
	Sarah Knecht, ‘88 (Santa Barbara, CA)  Knecht has been serving as Santa Barbara’s city attorney since 2022. In 2023, she was appointed interim city administrator during the city’s nationwide search.
	Jonathan P. Hobbs, ’96 (Elk Grove, CA) Hobbs became Elk Grove’s City Attorney in 2016. Prior to this, he was a shareholder at the Sacramento-based law firm of Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard, primarily representing cities and other public agencies.
	Michelle M. Sheidenberger, ‘97 (Roseville, CA)  Sheidenberger has served as Roseville’s city attorney since 2021, recognized for her adept management of the city’s shift to district-based elections.
	William A. Vaughn, ‘81 (Los Banos, CA)  Vaughn has been the city attorney of Los Banos since 2003, bringing extensive experience in child custody, malpractice, and general law practice.

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. 

Disclaimer: If you believe you should be featured in this blog but are not, it’s possible your information wasn’t up-to-date in our records. Please update your details in the alumni directory by filling out the form: https://mcgeorge.wufoo.com/forms/z1ytl8b20dz7e78/ 

Justice Ronald Robie, ‘67, serves as an associate justice on the Third District of the California Courts of Appeal, with a distinguished career spanning roles at the Sacramento County Municipal Court and the Sacramento County Superior Court. He has demonstrated leadership in environmental law, judicial education, and mentoring at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. 

Beginning his judicial career at the Sacramento County Municipal Court in 1983, Justice Robie’s tenure expanded to include roles on the Sacramento County Superior Court, where he presided over civil and criminal trials, civil law and motion, and family law cases. He later served as the presiding judge of the Sacramento Superior Court and as an appellate judge before his appointment to the Third District Court of Appeal in 2002.  

Prior to his judicial appointments, Justice Robie held key roles in environmental and water law organizations, assuming positions as vice chair of the State Water Resources Control Board from 1969 to 1975 and as director of the California Department of Water Resources from 1975 to 1983. 

Justice Robie’s commitment to judicial education and ethics is evident through his extensive involvement with the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER), where he chaired and vice-chaired the organization. He has taught judicial ethics at various institutions including the B. N. Witkin Judicial College of California and has been actively involved with the California Judges Association (CJA), serving on its executive board and judicial ethics committee. 

In addition to his judicial roles, Justice Robie maintains a strong connection with McGeorge School of Law, his alma mater. He has served as an adjunct professor for several decades, imparting knowledge in water law and environmental law. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role as a mentor in the Alumni Mentor Program for first-year law students, and he has hired over 100 law clerks from McGeorge School of Law.  

His commitment is further evidenced by his administration of swearing-in ceremonies for McGeorge alumni who successfully pass the California Bar Exam, and his conduct of the oath of professionalism for incoming law students. 

Justice Robie’s dedication to education and service has garnered him prestigious accolades, including the Ronald M. George Award for Judicial Excellence, the National Center for State Courts Distinguished Service Award, and the Justice Bernard Jefferson Award for Excellence in Judicial Education from the California Judges Association. 

Throughout his distinguished career, Justice Robie’s contributions to the judicial branch, environmental law, and legal education have been honored with additional awards, such as the Sacramento County Office of Education 2019 Civic Learning Champion Award and the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section. 

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 legal career of the Hon. Andrea L. Hoch, ’84, is a testament to dedication, expertise, and public service. Appointed to the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, she took office on January 3, 2011. Her appointment followed a notable stint as the governor’s Legal Affairs Secretary from 2005 to 2011, where she advised on critical legal issues and shaped litigation strategies.

Born and raised in California, Hoch pursued her academic journey at Stanford University where she earned a BA degree in 1981. She obtained a JD degree in 1984 from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Her career started in private practice before transitioning to state public service in 1987.

Hoch’s early public service years were marked by significant contributions to labor law at the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and the Public Employment Relations Board. In 1992, she joined the California Attorney General’s Office, where she played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, including tobacco litigation and the state’s energy crisis. By 2002, she had risen to Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Law Division.

In 2004, Hoch was appointed as the administrative director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, where she was instrumental in implementing comprehensive workers’ compensation reforms. Her profound impact continued as she transitioned to serve as the California Governor’s Legal Affairs Secretary, offering legal counsel to top officials and upholding gubernatorial policy decisions in court.

Throughout her judicial tenure, Hoch was active in various committees, including the Appellate Indigent Defense Oversight Advisory Committee and the Power of Democracy Steering Committee. She is an executive committee member of the Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court, advocating for ethics and professionalism within the legal community. Hoch also served on the University of the Pacific’s Board of Regents from 2015-2024.

After retiring from the Court in 2022, Hoch’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice and public service. Now residing in Sacramento with her husband Steve, she continues to enjoy traveling and cherishing moments with family and friends. Her illustrious career remains an inspiration to many in the legal field.

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. 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.

Mark S. Drobny, ‘80 and ’81, founded Drobny Law Offices in 1989, where he helps clients address estate planning and probate legal issues. For over four decades, Drobny has practiced law in Sacramento.

Drobny graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in political science and general sciences in 1977. He also received a JD degree in 1980 and an LLM in Taxation in 1981, both from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He is a member of the California State Bar, American Bar Association, and Sacramento County Bar Association.

In 2003, Drobny was sworn into the United States Supreme Court before all nine Justices on June 9, 2003, in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

He was awarded a Super Lawyer distinction every year between 2020-2024 for being a top-rated practicing attorney who was selected through an extensive evaluation. In addition, Drobny has been a member of the Sacramento Estate Planning Council since 1982. He was the founding editor of the Sacramento Estate Planning Council’s monthly newsletter, a member of their Board of Directors for eight years, and its president in 1992 and 1993.

In addition to his numerous professional successes, Drobny served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Sacramento Superior Court’s Probate division for over 20 years. He is a frequent speaker on Estate Planning matters, having given over 1,500 presentations. He has served on the board of most major Northern California charities, including the American Cancer Society (President of Sacramento Chapter in 1994 and led the ballot initiative to ban indoor smoking in California), the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Stanford Settlement, St. Hope Academy, McGeorge School of Law, California State University, Sacramento Foundation, and is co-chair of California State University Sacramento Endowment Committee.

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. 

What is the Alumni Association Board of Directors? 

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors comprises a passionate group of alumni volunteers dedicated to advancing their interests and bolstering the welfare of the esteemed McGeorge School of Law. With a collective mission to serve as the authoritative voice for over 15,000 alumni, the Alumni Board acts as a vital link between the institution and its alumni community, fostering engagement and amplifying the impact of the law school’s initiatives and programs. 

The Alumni Board is actively involved in three key areas. Firstly, they develop and promote a Bridge to Practice Program, aiding in recruitment, mentorship, and job opportunities. Secondly, they work to enhance the law school’s national reputation through strategic initiatives. Thirdly, they support fundraising efforts to ensure the institution’s long-term growth and sustainability. 

Led by a cadre of distinguished alumni, the Alumni Board operates under the guidance of an executive committee comprised of seasoned leaders. Notably, a significant number of past presidents, totaling 10 out of 39, continue to lend their expertise and support as valued partners in their respective firms, underscoring the enduring commitment of McGeorge alumni to the advancement of legal education and professional excellence. 

What is a partner? 

A partner, within a law firm, holds a senior position and typically shares ownership of the firm. Their role involves overseeing the firm’s operations and contributing to its financial success. 

The following individuals, are past presidents of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and are currently distinguished partners within their respective firms:  

• James Anwyl, ‘77, Managing Partner, Anwyl & Stepp, LLP 

• Carl Blaine, ‘75, Partner, Wagner, Kirkman, Blaine, Klomparens & Youmans 

• Erin Dunston, ‘99, Partner, Panitch Schwarze Beisario & Nadel LLP 

• Jeffrey Huron, ‘88, Managing Partner, Dykema 

• Samuel Jackson, ‘77, Partner, Jackson & Associates 

• Thomas Knox, ‘76, Partner, Knox, Lemmon & Anapolsky, LLP 

• Lauren Layne, ‘10, Partner, Baker Manock & Jensen, PC 
• Megan Moore, ’08, Partner, Megan Moore, Inc.

• Jennifer Miller Moss, ‘77, Partner, Moss & Locke 

• Stephen Wagner, ‘75, Partner, Dick & Wagner 

• Daniel Wilcoxen, ‘72, Partner, Wilcoxen Callaham, LLP 

In addition to the former Alumni Board presidents serving as partners of law firms, other alumni who have filled the role are experts in a variety of fields such as trial advocacy, employment law, business law, and legal support services.  

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. 

Disclaimer: If you believe you should be featured in this blog but are not, it’s possible your information wasn’t up-to-date in our records. Please update your details in the alumni directory by filling out the form: https://mcgeorge.wufoo.com/forms/z1ytl8b20dz7e78/ 

Robert T. Eglet, ’88, heads the trial team at the Law Office of Eglet Adams Eglet Ham Henriod and is the lead trial counsel on all major cases.

Eglet is a renowned trial lawyer with over three decades of experience, is a founding partner of the Law Office of Eglet Adams Eglet Ham Henriod, a premier law firm in Nevada. With a reputation for exceptional skill in product defect, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases, Eglet has earned the trust of hundreds of attorneys from across the United States who refer their most complex cases to him.

As a respected authority in his field, Eglet is frequently invited to lecture on trial practices at leading organizations and bar associations. He has also held leadership positions in prominent organizations, including the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, Citizens For Justice, and the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Eglet’s impressive educational background includes graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with honors in economics and earning his JD from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He has also completed programs at the University of California, Hastings College of Law and the National College of Trial Advocacy.

As a dedicated advocate for victims of catastrophic injuries, product defects, and insurance bad faith, Eglet has built a reputation as a fierce protector of his clients’ rights. His extensive experience has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after trial lawyers in Nevada.

Eglet represented the plaintiffs in litigation involving the 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting. After 8 months of mediation, Eglet and colleagues secured a settlement of $800 million from MGM Resorts to more than 4,400 relatives and victims of the 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting. He is a recipient of the National Law Journal’s “Keith Givens Visionary Award” for his work in achieving an $800 million settlement in the 2017 MGM Grand mass shooting case.

In addition to his impressive legal career, Eglet and his wife and law partner, Tracy A. Eglet, made a historic gift to the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 2021. The $25 million gift was the largest in the law school’s history and supports scholarships for first-generation students and Students of Color, as well as the law school’s advocacy center. The gift created three new endowed faculty chairs for the Eglet Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution and covers competition fees and travel costs for students. This generous gift is a testament to Eglet’s commitment to giving back and helping others achieve their goals.

In 2023, Eglet secured $1.1 billion dollars in opioid related-settlements on behalf of the state of Nevada. The money was used to help fund programs that will assist Nevadans directly impacted by the opioid epidemic.

Eglet is a highly respected trial lawyer with a deep commitment to his clients, community, and the legal profession.

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.

District attorneys (DAs) are elected officials entrusted with representing their county or judicial district. At the heart of their responsibilities lies the weighty task of evaluating evidence gathered by law enforcement, which involves a nuanced assessment to determine the viability of pursuing criminal charges. Once a decision is made, the DA steps into the courtroom, where they present cases, assembling facts and arguments to seek convictions against those accused of crimes. 

However, the role of a district attorney extends beyond the courtroom. In the relentless pursuit of justice, they forge symbiotic relationships with law enforcement agencies, collaborating closely during criminal investigations. They are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and well-being of their community. 

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law proudly celebrates the impressive achievement of having 13 alumni currently serving their communities as district attorneys. 

Two McGeorge School of Law alumni are serving as the top law-enforcement officials in counties where Pacific houses a campus. Ron Freitas, ’88, of San Joaquin County and Thien Ho, ’98, of Sacramento County were elected as district attorney in their counties in June 2022 and began service in January 2023.

	Krishna Abrams, ‘93 (Solano County, CA)  Abrams is the first female District Attorney of Solano County, currently serving her third term. She has dedicated over 25 years to public service.
	Stephanie Ward Bridgett, ‘01 (Shasta County, CA)  Bridgett is the first woman to serve as the Shasta County District Attorney. She served in the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office for nearly 20 years.
	Stacey Eads, ‘01 (Humboldt County, CA)  Eads serves as the Humboldt County District Attorney. She previously served as the county’s Assistant District Attorney.
	Ron Freitas, ‘88 (San Joaquin County, CA)  Freitas serves as the San Joaquin County District Attorney. He is the founder of the San Joaquin County Homicide, Evidence, and the Grand Jury Task Forces.
	Thien Ho, ‘98 (Sacramento County, CA)  Ho holds the position of Sacramento County District Attorney and is renowned for his successful prosecution of the Golden State Killer.
	Brian Kunzi, ‘83 (Nye County, NV)  Kunzi serves as the Nye County District Attorney. He previously served in the State Bar of Nevada and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
	Anne Langer, ‘86 (Storey County, NV)  Langer serves as the Storey County District Attorney. Prior to this, she was the Chief Deputy Prosecutor in the Carson City District Attorney’s Office.
	Kevin Pasquale, ‘84 (Humboldt County, NV)  Pasquale serves as the Humboldt County District Attorney. He previously served as the county’s Chief Deputy District Attorney.
	Todd Reibe, ‘90 (Amador County, CA)   Reibe has served as the Amador County District Attorney since 1998. Prior to being elected District Attorney, he was the Chief Staff Attorney for Barker & Associates.
	Jeff Reisig, ‘96 (Yolo County, CA)  Since 2007, Reisig has served as the Yolo County District Attorney. He spearheads one of California’s most dynamic environmental protection divisions.
	Michael Ramsey, ‘77 (Butte County, CA)  Since 1987, Ramsey has been elected and reelected as the Butte County District Attorney nine times, making him the longest-serving elected District Attorney in California.
	Summer Stephan, ‘86 (San Diego County, CA)  Since 2018, Stephan has been serving as the San Diego County District Attorney, overseeing one of California’s largest DA’s Offices and the fifth-largest in the United States.
	Jesse Wilson, ‘11 (Nevada County, CA)  Having served as the Nevada County Deputy District Attorney for six years, Wilson ascended to the position of Nevada County District Attorney in 2021.

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. 

Disclaimer: If you believe you should be featured in this blog but are not, it’s possible your information wasn’t up-to-date in our records. Please update your details in the alumni directory by filling out the form: https://mcgeorge.wufoo.com/forms/z1ytl8b20dz7e78/