Alumni Leadership | Southwestern Law School

Alumni Leadership | Southwestern Law School Southwestern Law School Los Angeles Alumni Board Nickel Club Alumni Awards Get Involved The Alumni Association is an active group with a hard-working board, several committees, and many access points for alumni to get involved with Southwestern. Alumni Association Board of Directors 2026 Rachel Gezerseh '07, President Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP Personal Injury Lynda Sheridan '94, Past President Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan Family Law Anna Wassenberg '10, President-Elect Age of Learning In-House, Technology Law Gohar Abelian '17 Abelian Law Firm Personal Injury Arash Beral '06 Blank Rome Business Litigation Bruce Brusavich '80 ACTS Law Personal Injury Evan Clark '14 Attorney at Law Mia Ellis '03 Assistant Chief Trial Counsel State Bar of California Britany Engelman '05 Engelman Law APC Employment Law & Personal Injury Art Gharibian '11 Gharibian Law, APC Elder Law David Helfant '80 Law Offices of David A. Helfant Entertainment Law Erin Joyce '90 Erin Joyce Law Professional Licensing Defense The Hon. Abraham Khan '77, Ret. Signature Resolution Mediator & Arbitrator Steven Lowy '76 Law Offices of Steven Lowy Entertainment Law April Macaraeg '15 Macaraeg Law, PC Employment, Real Estate, Personal Injury Alicia Matricardi '06 Matricardi Law, APC Real Estate Law Alan Romero '06 Romero Law, APC Employment Law Mauricio Salazar '15 Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP Public and Government Finance Stephen Strauss '83 Buchalter Intellectual Property Jeannette L. Van Horst '93 Law + Brandmeyer Medical Malpractice Defense Shannon Wainright '12 Los Angeles County District Attorney Deputy District Attorney Danielle Yeretzian '11 The Agency Real Estate Agent Emeriti Board Patrick Baghdaserians '07 Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc. Family Law Hon. Deborah S. Brazil '96 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Judge Martin Carpenter '76 Carpenter Rothans & Dumont Retired Julianne DeMarco '87 Taylor DeMarco Medical Malpractice Defense Robert Glassman '09 Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP Personal Injury Hon. J. Gary Hastings '72 California Court of Appeal, Second District Retired Justice Hon. H. Clay Jacke, II '82 Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Gerard V. Kassabian '01 Law Offices of Gerard V. Kassabian, APC Trusts and Estates Daniel K. Kramer '08 Kramer Trial Lawyers Personal Injury Jody Klipple ‘11 Service Employees International Union Labor and Employment Hon. Timothy Weiner '00 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Judge The Southwestern Alumni Association established the Nickel Club in 2008 to meet the specific needs of Southwestern alumni who have graduated within the past five years. For the 2025 year, that includes class years 2020-2024. Recently graduated alumni have different needs than attorneys who have been in practice for more than five years. As a result, the Nickel Club was created to help improve and ease the transition into the legal profession by providing support and resources to recent alumni. The group also fosters relationships between recent graduates and current students. There's no application process - alumni are automatically members, and no dues are required. All are welcome and encouraged to join and participate in any Nickel Club events. Applications for the Nickel Club Board of Directors and Committees go live every summer. The Board and Committee members plan events that focus on networking (both among Nickels and with older alumni), career development (CLE programming), and engagement with students. To learn more about joining the Nickel Club or about upcoming events and activities, please email alumni@swlaw.edu. 2025 Governing Board of Directors Andrew Figueras '21, President Yoka Smith, LLP Matthew French '19, Past President Wisner Baum, LLP Victoria Couch '22, Vice President ICAN - California Abilities Network Taylor Kruse '23, Secretary L.A. City Law Mollie Clinton Nardoni '23, Co-Communications Officer Clinton & Clinton Kari Cruz Van Sinden '24, Co-Communications Officer Ogletree Deakins Arya Afighom '21 David Ferrell '23 Andrew Gianelli '23 Dylan Gunaratne '23 Mary Hellman '24 Anna Kozma '24 Jacqueline Lendvai '22 Dean Matsuyama '23 Shayan Rahbar Vafaee '23 Brandon Salumbides '20 Lisandra Suarez '20 Yidu Sun '22 Sub-Committees Nickel Focused Sub-Committee This committee helps foster social interaction and professional development between its members. The committee will create opportunities for Nickel members to meet and network with one another, with the expectation to reconnect with former classmates and develop professional contacts with other recent Southwestern alumni. The Nickel Focused Committee will also work collaboratively with the other committees for the purpose of organizing and maintaining a Nickel Club contact network accessible to all members. Student Focused Sub-Committee This committee concentrates on the interaction between recent graduates and current students by developing programs, events, and activities to promote networking between these two groups. The committee works closely with current representatives of the various student body organizations. The committee's goals are to mentor and prepare students for their first few years in the legal profession and to encourage them to remain active in Southwestern as alumni. Fostering these types of relationships with current students will create pride in their alma mater to build a stronger alumni base for the future. Career Related Sub-Committee This committee is focused on career development and related activities aimed at improving the alumni community's legal practice. Events presented will include MCLE events and informational seminars, focused both generally and in specific practice areas, and will also include networking components for panelists and attendees. Future events include a judicial panel addressing common ethical pitfalls for young attorneys and the ABCs of court appearances. Seminars regarding attorney interactions, including how to develop a productive mentor/mentee relationship with the partners and senior associates in your firm, how to interact with co-counsel, and how to deal with difficult opposing counsel. Along with many great events to follow! Get MCLE credit and develop those important relationships with the Southwestern and Los Angeles legal communities. Community Focused Sub-Committee This committee has two focuses. First, it will increase awareness among Nickel alumni about the law school's existing civic-minded efforts, including the Southwestern Children's Rights Clinic, Immigration Law Clinic, and Street Law Clinic. Second, the committee will identify opportunities for Southwestern students and alumni to get involved in the local legal community. Southwestern recognizes outstanding alumni and friends in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement Award This award honors individuals who have demonstrated leadership, excellence, and longevity in their careers and have made significant contributions to Southwestern Law School, the Los Angeles community, and legal profession. Previous Awardees Lifetime Achievement Award Year Awardee 2024 Robert C. Brandt '76 1993 Mayor Tom Bradley '56 Outstanding Alumni of the Year Presented to a Southwestern alumnus or alumna who represents the best ideals of Southwestern through their professional accomplishments and demonstrated service to the community, law school, and legal profession. Previous Awardees Outstanding Alumni of the Year Year Awardee 2025 J. Bernard Alexander, III 86 2024 Arash Homampour 92 2023 Shawn Holley 88 2022 Professor Harriet M.  Rolnick 79 2019 Ms. Heidi M.  Yoshioka 89 2018 Mr. Walter M.  Yoka 80 2017 Ms. Katrina M.  Woolverton 02 2017 Mr. George  Woolverton 75 2016 Mr. Joseph P.  Esposito 89 2016 Mr. Bill H.  Seki 88 2014 Mr. Steven P.  Byrne 77 2013 Professor Catherine L.  Carpenter 76 2011 Mr. Gerald E.  Agnew Jr., 74 2011 Mr. Bruce M.  Brusavich 80 2010 Ms. Judith Otamura Kester 77* 2009 Mr. David  Ostrove 58 2008 Mr. Gregory M.  Bergman 75 2008 Mrs. Leah S.  Bergman 75 2007 Mr. Michael J.  Downer 81 2006 Ms. Lauren B.  Leichtman 77 2005 Mr. Shinaan S.  Krakowsky 81 2004 Ms. Noreen F.  Berra 85 2003 Ms. Karen S.  Nobumoto 89* 2002 Mr. George R. Hillsinger 50* 2001 Professor Sandra S.  Polin 78 2000 Mr. Donald G.  Sowers, Sr. 85 1999 Mr. Edward M.  Wolkowitz 75 1998 Mr. Daniel M.  Petrocelli 80 1997 Mr. Matthew K. Fong 85* 1996 Ms. Marcia R.  Clark 79 1995 Hon. Arleigh M. Woods 53* 1994 The Hon. Allen J.  Webster Jr. 71 1993 Mr. David B.  Casselman 78 1992 Mr. Frank J. Waters 32* 1991 Hon. Julian C. Dixon 67* 1989 The Hon. Robert H.  Philibosian 67* 1988 Hon. Stanley Mosk 35* 1987 Mr. Harvey L. Silbert 35* 1984 The Hon. Robert R.  Devich 64 1983 Mr. Irwin R. Buchalter 33* 1982 Mr. Ira K.  Reiner 64 1981 Mr. Richard W. Hecht 60* 1980 Ms. Beverly Rubens Gordon 54* 1979 Mayor Tom Bradley 56* 1978 Hon. James H. Brown 39* 1977 Mr. Julian S. Gould 50* 1976 Mr. Dean C. Boyack 56* 1975 Dr. John W. Luhring 35* 1974 Hon. Richard C. Fildew 38* 1973 Mr. Paul W. Wildman 52* * Deceased Outstanding Judicial Officer Presented to a Southwestern alumnus or alumna in recognition of their distinguished career as a member of the judiciary, service to the community, and commitment to the mission of the law school. Previous Awardees Outstanding Judicial Officer Year Awardee 2025 Hon. Shelley Kaufman ’81 2024 Hon. Susan Bryant-Deason ’78 2023 Hon. Deborah Brazil ’96 2022 Hon. Lon F.  Hurwitz ’79 2019 Hon. Antonio Barreto ’77* 2018 Hon. H. C.  Jacke II ’82 2017 Hon. Socrates P.  Manoukian ’77 2016 Hon. Craig J.  Mitchell ’91 2014 Hon. Sandra L.  Margulies ’77 2013 Hon. Robert J.  Schuit ’79 2011 Hon. Gerald  Rosenberg ’75 2010 Hon. Otis D.  Wright II ’80 2009 Hon. Alan H. Friedenthal ’83* 2008 Hon. Scott M.  Gordon ’85 2007 Hon. David S.  Wesley ’72 2006 Hon. Gilbert T.  Gembacz ’79 2005 Hon. Candace J.  Beason ’80 2004 Hon. Bob T. Hight ’55* 2003 Hon. Robert A.  Dukes ’76 2002 Hon. Harold N. Crowder ’66* 2001 Hon. Lois A.  Smaltz ’77 2000 Hon. Arthur M. Greenwald ’63* 1999 Hon. Kathleen E.  O'Leary ’75 1998 Hon. John H.  Reid ’72 1997 Hon. David T.  McEachen ’74 1996 Hon. William C.  Beverly Jr. ’69 1995 Hon. J. G.  Hastings ’72 1994 Hon. Sara K.  Radin ’55 1993 Hon. Robert R.  Devich ’64* 1992 Hon. Ronald S.  Lew ’71 1991 Hon. Ricardo A.  Torres ’65 1989 Hon. Vaino H. Spencer ’52* 1988 Hon Gordon Thompson, Jr. ’56* 1987 Hon Arleigh M. Woods ’53* * Deceased Outstanding Friend Award Presented to a non-alumni friend of Southwestern who, through their commitment and/or volunteer effort, has strongly supported the ideals and mission of the law school. Previous Awardees Outstanding Friend Award Year Awardee 2025 Mexican American Bar Foundation 2024 Debbie Leathers 2023 Professor Norm Garland 2019 Mr. John D.  Barrett Jr. 2018 Steve Kolodny* 2017 Ms. Julie K.  Xanders 2016 Hon. Terry J.  Hatter Jr. 2014 Dean Austen L.  Parrish 2013 Dean Bryant G.  Garth 2011 Mr. and Mrs. James A.  Coufos 2010 Professor Anita Glasco* 2009 Hon. Charles W.  McCoy Jr. 2008 Professor Robert C.  Lind Jr. 2007 Professor Karen Smith* 2006 Professor Judy B.  Sloan 2005 Dean Leigh H.  Taylor 2004 Professor John V. Gallagher* 2003 Professor Paul E. Treusch* 2002 Mr. Warner Heineman* 2001 Hon. E.M. Gunderson* 2000 Ms. Jana W.  Greer 1999 Dr. Ira W.  Krinsky 1998 Dr. Frank Ellsworth* 1997 Hon. Nate  Holden 1996 Mr. Florence Rosenberg* 1995 Professor Max Goodman* 1994 Hon John F. Parker* 1993 Mr. and Mrs. Roger Grace 1992 Mr. Sheldon A.  Gebb 1991 Professor Norman Karlin* 1989 Mrs. Marshall (Margherite) F. McComb* 1988 Dr. S. Joan Mier* 1987 Virginia B. Cobey* *Deceased Outstanding Law Firm A law firm of any size that has demonstrated an enduring commitment to hiring, mentoring, and advancing Southwestern graduates. Previous Awardees Outstanding Law Firm Year Awardee 2025 Parris Law Firm 2023 Buchalter 2020 Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP 2019 Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP 2018 Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP 2017 Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers LLP 2016 Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP Outstanding Litigator Presented to a Southwestern alumnus or alumna who, as a litigator, has demonstrated skill, accomplishment, or significant impact in his or her area of practice and/or the legal community; and embodies Southwestern’s highest ethical standards and traditions. Previous Awardees Outstanding Litigator Year Awardee 2017 Mr. Robert A.  Morgenstern ’80 2016 Mr. Brian J.  Panish ’84 Nominate for Alumni Awards 2024 There are a number of avenues for alumni to remain involved in the Southwestern community after graduation. Some of these opportunities are described below. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Institutional Advancement or the specific office listed. Alumni Resource Network Over 450 alumni participate in the program which provides students with an opportunity to contact and network with alumni in specific practices and/or geographic areas. Alumni offer advice on networking opportunities, career matters, and expertise in particular areas of practice. Inn of St. Ives This program is based on the Inns of Court model, where senior attorneys and judges meet with small groups of law students to discuss issues of law and practice. Moot Court A large contingent of alumni is recruited each year to serve as judges for a number of advocacy programs, most notably the annual Intramural Moot Court Competition. They are also called upon to preside over SCALE appellate arguments, mock trial, and trial advocacy practice rounds and finals, and occasionally to serve as advisors to Moot Court Honors Program teams competing in interscholastic competitions. For more information, please contact the Student Affairs Office. Mock Interview Program Prior to the fall recruiting season each year, alumni volunteers help prepare students by conducting videotaped mock interviews and providing evaluations and advice. For more information on participating as a mock interviewer, please contact the Career Services Office. On-Campus Interviews During the fall recruiting season, a number of alumni are among the firm and agency representatives who come to the campus to interview students for summer clerkship and full-time associate positions. For more information on how to get participate, please contact the Career Services Office. Guest Speakers Alumni are often invited to serve as panelists or lecturers for a variety of seminars, workshops, and roundtable discussions sponsored by the faculty, the Career Services Office, and student organizations. If you are interested in serving as a guest speaker, please contact Institutional Advancement and/or the Career Services Office. Other Alumni Events In addition, Southwestern regularly sponsors alumni events such as MCLE classes, regional receptions for alumni around the country, and reunions. Contact Alumni for event ideas and sponsorship opportunities. email  Alumni@swlaw.edu Return to Alumni & Giving Pages Contact Information Janet Dial Vice President of Institutional Advancement Email: jdial@swlaw.edu Apply Now Donate