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Throughout 2024, the 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ McGeorge School of Law is celebrating members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. These posts are part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni and friends of the law school.

As we continue publishing stories, we invite you to follow along and explore the stories of exceptional McGeorge alumni. This article spotlights McGeorge alumni who have emerged as formidable forces in their respective industries, making significant impacts on their communities and even extending their influence to the government level. McGeorge alumni pave the way for the next generation of law professionals, with their stellar career histories, continued dedication for justice, and status as leading experts in their fields.

Katharine Baragona, JD '90

Katharine Baragona, ‘90, has built an impressive career as a finance executive and lawyer. She has over 35 years of global experience. Currently, she serves as a senior infrastructure finance specialist at the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. She also served as the chair of McGeorge's International Board of Advisors for several years.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (Ret.)

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (Ret.), a foundational figure at the 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ McGeorge School of Law, had a profound impact on the institution for over five decades. He taught Constitutional Law and Comparative Free Speech, influencing generations of law students and contributing significantly to the school's Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program.

In 1965, he joined the faculty at McGeorge School of Law, where he taught as a Professor of Law for over 54 years. He is the longest-serving faculty member in McGeorge’s history.

R. Marilyn Lee, JD '77

R. Marilyn Lee, 77, had a distinguished career spanning law, media, and community service. She was the first woman to become vice president of the Los Angeles Times. Lee has been deeply involved in her alma mater institutions and various non-profit organizations, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the California State Summer School for the Arts, throughout her career.

Iván Morales, JD '96 and LLM '97

Iván Morales (JD '96 and LLM '97) has leveraged his education to advance in prominent legal roles, including positions at Shearman & Sterling, Linklaters, and as Head of Legal Services and Government Relations for Latin America at Visa International. He is the founder and managing director of iCorporate Consulting, LLC and general counsel at Signaplex. Morales continues to make significant contributions to the legal field while remaining actively connected to his alma mater.

Jessie Morris, Jr., JD ‘78

Jessie Morris, Jr., ‘78, has served as a public defender for over 40 years, with a focus on criminal defense. In 2021, Morris was honored with the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Attorney of the Year award — an achievement marking the first time the award has been bestowed upon a public defender.

Jessie Rivera, JD ‘78

Jesse Rivera, ’78, has exemplified dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to justice throughout his career. Rivera has tried over 100 jury trials, including civil rights cases and attorney malfeasance claims, and argued before appellate courts. He is now a named partner at the minority-owned law firm Rivera Hewitt Paul LLP, championing diversity in the legal profession.

Serge Tomassian, JD ‘83

Serge Tomassian, ‘83, is a founding partner of Tomassian, Throckmorton & Inouye LLP and a prominent member of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). His leadership roles include serving on the OCBA Board of Directors and chairing multiple OCBA committees. He chairs the World Affairs Council of Orange County, which he has been involved with for more than 30 years.

Administrative Law Judges

Fifteen McGeorge School of Law alumni are currently serving as administrative law judges across federal and state agencies. These alumni uphold fairness and impartiality in administrative hearings, presiding over disputes with responsibilities similar to judicial judges.

Appellate Judges

McGeorge School of Law has more than 400 alumni serving as judges and justices across the U.S., some of whom are appellate judges. The following alumni serve on the bench as appellate judges and justices: the Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan, ‘75; the Hon. Morrison C. England Jr., ‘77 and ‘83; Justice Andrea L. Hoch, ‘84; the Hon. Herbert I. Levy, ‘77; the Hon. Johnnie B. Rawlinson, ‘79; the Hon. Jonathan K. Renner, ‘96; Justice Ronald Robie, ‘67; the Hon. Dana Makoto Sabraw, ‘85; and Justice Arthur Scotland, ‘74.

Alumni at the Office of Legislative Counsel

McGeorge School of Law is proud of its strong presence within California’s Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC), with McGeorge 34 alumni currently working at the institution. The OLC has provided nonpartisan legal support to state officials since the 1970s.

Stay tuned for  as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary in 2024. Check out earlier posts from the series:

• Posts 31-40
• Posts 41-50
• Posts 51-60
• Posts 61-70