HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
McGeorge School of Law Founded in 1924 Sacramento, California
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Discover McGeorge 02 McGeorge Fast Facts 06 Vibrant Sacramento 10 Global Alumni Network 16 Experiential Learning 20 Learn from the Pros 22 Faculty Insight 24 Financial Aid 25 Application Checklist
DISCOVER WHAT MAKES McGEORGE DIFFERENT and what difference you can make You will feel comfortable and at home right away. Whether it is the faculty and staff serving the students homemade dinner the night before finals or a career services professional texting you about a new summer job opportunity, McGeorge is a community where we take care of each other. You will learn, and learn some more. Your professors will know your name. They will challenge you because they believe in you. Your skills will grow through externships, and clinics, national mock trial competitions, the law journal or the student bar association. You will experience one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in California. Like to watch a live NBA game at a state-of-the-art stadium after a long bike ride along beautiful rivers? Sacramento has it. Like the natural beauty of Tahoe, Yosemite, or Napa? All are a couple of hours away. Like being in the center of government, policy and influence? This is the place. Your passion will guide your career. Where do you want to make a difference—water protection, business, health, immigration, international law, public policy? These areas are among McGeorge’s greatest strengths. Live, learn, lead and have fun. McGeorge is a welcoming community. You will see me around campus frequently. You will engage with faculty and classmates from all over the world on and off campus. Our thousands of local alumni are here to help you from the first day to graduation day and beyond.
Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz McGeorge School of Law
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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FAST FACTS ABOUT McGEORGE • 14,000 alumni in 50 states and 45 countries • 120+ externship opportunities • 40+ diverse and active student organizations • 115+ books published by McGeorge faculty scholars used in 185/205 ABA-approved law schools • 400+ alumni have served as judges • Former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy longestserving McGeorge faculty member • Alumni mentors for every entering McGeorge student • On-campus student housing, exercise facility and pool
“I had heard some horror stories of law school and the competition between students and how some schools sound very cut throat, but at McGeorge I found it was quite the opposite. My class became some of my best friends and best study partners. My classmates were by my side to cheer me on when I gave oral arguments before the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, between final exams and commencement.” KEEGAN DOHENEY ’18 UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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THOMAS HUMANN ’20
A second-year student who came to law school after a long career as a pilot for the White House in the United States Marine Corps and as a firefighter in the California State Department of Forestry. In 2018 he attended the McGeorge Summer Program in Salzburg where he took a course taught by former United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross and a graduate degree in Aviation from University of Southern California, and he has taught hundreds of hours of flight instruction.
Who at McGeorge has made an impact in
What has been the best part about choosing
your life and education? I have never had any
McGeorge as your law school? The McGeorge
instructor better than Professor Larry Levine.
experience does not end with graduation.
His professional acumen and keen ability to
I have met numerous alumni at networking
convey complex legal concepts in a digestible
events, each one eager to help guide me and
fashion is unmatched. I feel fortunate to have
discuss my future. The ever-present McGeorge
experienced Professor Levine’s torts class
graduates in Sacramento seek out new talent
and know it has helped propel me toward a
for their firms, offices and agencies. It has been
successful career.
comforting and motivating to know I am not alone on the path to a legal career.
Why did you choose McGeorge? Starting law school can be daunting, a feeling the McGeorge staff members understand. They alleviated my first-day jitters with their warm welcome. They know my name and treat my concerns like their own. The close-knit family feel on campus goes beyond the offices and classrooms. McGeorge’s social events help me to involve my family in my law school journey.
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Starting law school can be daunting, a feeling the McGeorge staff members understand. They alleviated my first-day jitters with their warm welcome. Thomas Humann ’20 Second-Year Law Student
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VIBRANT SACRAMENTO California’s capital is not only the center of government and home to some of the most important influencers in law, it is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Known for its natural beauty as the “City of Trees” and its leading role in the Farm to Fork movement, Sacramento has more than 300 sunny days per year, pristine lakes and rivers, leaf-shaded neighborhoods with bike paths, art galleries, professional sports teams (and the brand new Golden 1 Center), recreation, nightlife, amazing food, and a historic-meets-new culture. Sacramento is a diverse community that is among the top three places where Millennials are moving, and Sunset Magazine recently named it the No. 1 game-changing city in Northern California.
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McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
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Many of my professors have taken a practical approach to teaching the law, which has helped guide me in making important career decisions. Marcus Williams ’19 Third-Year Law Student
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McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
MARCUS WILLIAMS ’19
A third-year student who transferred to McGeorge at the start of his second year of law school, Marcus has enjoyed getting out to community events in Sacramento after relocating from Southern to Northern California. He is eager to start his legal career in criminal defense. He currently works as an intern at the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office, and during his second year he was a student ambassador in the McGeorge Admissions Office. Marcus earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from UC Irvine.
Why did you choose McGeorge? After
Many of my professors have taken a practical
learning that my law school was closing, I
approach to teaching the law, which has helped
needed to find a new law school that aligned
guide me in making important career decisions.
with my career goals. In my search for the right
My professors at McGeorge were understanding
law school, McGeorge stood out because of its
and helped me acclimate to a new law school.
proximity to the capitol combined with its strong
Additionally, the McGeorge Admissions Office
trial advocacy program. In addition, I chose
has been very good to me and taken care of me
McGeorge because of its strong reputation for
from start to finish.
preparing young attorneys for practice. This year I will be in the Federal Defender Clinic. I’m
What is your best memory so far at
extremely excited to participate in the clinic
McGeorge? My best memory at McGeorge is
because it will give me the opportunity to learn
giving tours to the incoming students while
and help the community at the same time. If I
working in the admissions office, because I feel
wouldn’t have chosen McGeorge, I doubt I would
like I had a positive influence on someone’s
have had an experience like that.
first perception of McGeorge. Another great memory is my California Lobbying and Politics
What has been the best part about choosing
course, where I was tasked with advocating at
McGeorge as your law school? Coming to
the State Capitol in a mock legislative hearing.
McGeorge as a transfer student, I was thrust into a robust network of fellow students and McGeorge alumni who were eager to accept me.
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C A L
McGeorge
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2,000+ United States
1,000 – 2,000 500 – 1,000 201 – 500 101 – 200 21 – 100 11 – 20 6 – 10 1–5
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WHERE WILL YOU LAND? YOUR GLOBAL ALUMNI NETWORK IS THERE
Our alumni are everywhere—more than 14,000 of them in 50 states and 45 countries—and include judges; partners in global, midsized, and small law firms; CEOs or chief legal officers in major corporations and start-up tech firms; successful lobbyists; and leading prosecutors and public defenders as well as private practitioners. Our alumni make it a point to connect with students so you can have a mentor from your first day to graduation day and throughout your career.
McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD Katharine C. Baragona ’90 – Sr. Infrastructure Finance Specialist, World Bank Group (Washington, D.C.) Nathan Barankin ’06 – Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (Washington, D.C.) Eric Barnum ’94 – Partner, Baker & Hostetler (Atlanta, Georgia) The Honorable Consuelo Maria Callahan ’75 – Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (Sacramento, CA) Jasper Casey ’16 - Judge Advocate General, U.S. Marine Corps (Camp Pendleton, CA) Paul Dassenko ’82 - President and CEO, Risk Transfer Underwriting Inc. (New York City, NY)
William Dean ’08 – Director of Advocacy and Public Impact, Tufts University (Medford, MA)
Shakira Pleasant ’04 – Professor of Legal Writing, University of Miami School of Law (Miami, FL)
Lan Diep ’10 – Councilmember, City of San Jose (San Jose, CA)
Nicole Rangel ’10, - Legal Officer at Special Tribunal for Lebanon (The Hague, Leidschendam, Netherlands)
The Honorable Morrison England ’83 – Chief U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of California (Sacramento, CA) Amanda L. Gould ’99 - Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office (Corpus Christi, Texas) Michael Huemann ’14 - Attorney, Orange County Public Defender’s Office (Orange, CA) William Jue ’96 - Associate General Counsel, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (Chicago, IL) Michelle Nam ’14 – Criminal Defense Attorneys, Bronx Public Defenders (New YorkUNIVERSITY City, NY) OF THE
Emily Reynolds ’17 - Labor and Workforce Development Committee, Massachusetts State House (Boston, MA) Brandon Takahashi ’06 – Employment Law Partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP (Los Angeles, CA) Brian Tippens ’00 – Chief Diversity Officer, Hewlett-Packard (Palo Alto, CA)
PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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MY TIEN DOAN ’18
Alumna My Tien Doan ’18 discovered her purpose through anger and frustration–with discrimination, inequality, stereotypes and her inability as a young child to help her immigrant parents. Doan and her parents came to the United States in the mid-1990s as political refugees. The first job that she held after graduation was in the Office of California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. as a legal affairs parole analyst.
What was a stand-out element of your first
What do you plan to do in your future? I am
year of law school? The valuable friendships
open to all opportunities that challenge me and
I made in student associations. They’re a great
allow me to be an advocate for marginalized and
way to transition into law school—and you find
underrepresented communities, and I have a
people who are really there for you.
goal to eventually work for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. I also plan on
What was the best part of choosing
visiting my home country of Vietnam for the first
McGeorge as your law school? These
time since moving to the United States.
past three years at McGeorge have been the most transformative period of my life, both
Who at McGeorge has made an impact
professionally and personally. It has forced
in your life and education? Professors
me well outside of my comfort zone, which
Ed Telfeyan and Daniel Croxall have been
was where I discovered who I am and what
important mentors. Public speaking and arguing
I (am) made of. I never thought that a poor
have always been my biggest fears, and with
immigrant like me would end up as a finalist in
Telfeyan’s advice and encouragement I was able
the (Global Lawyering Skills II Final Four) oral
to tap my true potential.
arguments, that I would be competing in two distinguished moot court competitions, that I would be an executive board member for (Public Legal Services Society), which has raised over $50,000 in summer grants for students working in public interest, or that I would now have the opportunity to brief Governor Jerry Brown.
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These past three years at McGeorge have been the most transformative period of my life, both professionally and personally. My Tien Doan ’18 Alumna
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The admissions team was so helpful in navigating the admission process, which seemed so daunting after being out of school for eight years. Sarah Steimer ’19 Third-Year Law Student
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McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
SARAH STEIMER ’19
Sarah thought she was done with school when she completed her master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Connecticut and went to work in the medical field as a clinical research coordinator in Obstetrics and Gynecology for six years. As she saw many patients struggle with health care access issues, she realized law school was the way to ensure protections and wide access to affordable, comprehensive care. Sarah spent last summer in Washington D.C. as a law clerk at the Humane Society of the United States. She earned her bachelor’s in history, women’s studies and sociology from Saint Mary’s College.
What has been the best part about choosing
sit in on a class, where I felt like there was a
McGeorge as your law school? I love the
sense of community that I could be a part of,
McGeorge community. My husband and I live
even as a non-traditional student.
in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento and I biked, walked and drove through campus
Who at McGeorge has made an impact in
on my way to work, to the restaurants, shops
your life and education? Molly Stafford in
and farmer’s market, before I decided to come
the Career Development Office has been so
to law school. It was those walks and bike rides
wonderful in helping me to navigate through
through campus that allowed me to imagine how
law school and what post-law school life looks
my career could change by coming to law school.
like. I’ve been taking advantage of different
I am the president of the McGeorge If/When/
opportunities in the classroom and exploring
How chapter, a national organization dedicated
different aspects of public interest law. She
to reproductive justice in the law. I am also on
really helps me to take chances and make
the executive board of the Public Legal Services
the most of my time in law school. Professor
Society, which is committed to public interest
Stephanie Thompson has also been a wonderful
and public service. These opportunities have
mentor. She helped me learn how to strengthen
really shaped my understanding of the law and
my skills as a law student and how these skills
public interest.
will translate into practice. Professor Thompson is always willing to listen to my concerns and
Why did you choose McGeorge? The
help me find a solution that works best for me.
admissions team was so helpful in navigating
Her insight and guidance are invaluable and her
the admissions process, which seemed so
support has definitely helped me to thrive in
daunting after being out of school for eight
law school.
years. I also came to campus to do a tour and
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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WHAT YOU WILL GET AT McGEORGE • Our unique electives, including craft beer law, California Environment Cases & Places, space law, marijuana law, crimmigration, gaming law and California Initiative Seminar • Legal clinics in areas such as immigration, bankruptcy, legislation and public policy will enrich you both academically and personally • Statutes and Regulations, our distinctive, first-year course focused on the most significant body of law • An active alumni network that includes a mentor for every student
Araceli Ontiveros-Venegas, ’11 helping a client at the annual Citizenship Fair.
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McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
Veronica Bravo ’17 testifying at a mock legislative hearing.
The McGeorge Negotiation Team of Doug Leach ’18 and Leah Parrish ’18 represented the United States in the International Negotiation Competition Championship in 2018 and won.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE —EVEN BEFORE YOU GRADUATE McGeorge’s robust practical lawyering curriculum will help you develop the professional lawyering skills you need to be competitive and reach your goals. You will enjoy opportunities to earn law school credit – and invaluable, résumé building experience – through placements in one of our legal clinics or at more than 100 state and federal agencies, courts and non-profit organizations. • You are guaranteed two law practice experiences (clinics or externships). • Through our innovative Experiential Mentor Program, you will select a judge or practitioner mentor in your area of interest for six hours of job shadowing. • You will build the skills that are key for success in practice with our four-semester program of legal research, writing, analysis and advocacy.
Judge Morrison England ’83, of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, presenting at a forum on an independent judiciary.
You can be part of our Mock Trial, Moot Court and Negotiation Competition Teams, ranked in the top-15 in the nation, participate in the University of the Pacific Law Review, and many other courses where you will learn by doing. UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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URI GRANT ’19
Uri Grant ’19 is a third-year law student. He has made the most of his law school experience this last year as a member of the Mock Trial Team, an editor for the University of the Pacific Law Review, and a member of the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court. Uri plans to continue his professional career as a litigator in Sacramento, and his goal is to act as a bridge to connect the Slavic community to the American legal system. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.
What does being a law student at McGeorge
journey together. The professors are extremely
mean to you? A law student at McGeorge is
professional and accessible. All staff are a pure
someone who develops the necessary skills
joy to talk to and are more than willing to help
to be a top ethical and professional advocate.
with any issue. As a law student, you practically
As a McGeorge student I have faced rigorous
live on campus whether it be in the library or
in- and out-of-classroom experiences that have
the classroom, and McGeorge truly feels like
prepared me for a career in law. At McGeorge
home because all the students go through the
I have had amazing legal experiences where I
trenches together.
could continue my passion of helping others. I worked at the Department of Managed Health
Who at McGeorge has made an impact in
Care researching challenging legal questions
your life and education? Professor Rachael
enrollees faced under the Knox-Keene Act, and
Salcido is an incredible mentor when it comes
at a private family law firm dealing with custody
to my research because she demonstrates that
battles and dissolutions when people were at
our desires to better communities come in small
their most vulnerable state.
strides. (Externship Director) Colleen Truden is an amazing resource for students to gain out-of-
What has been the best part of choosing
classroom experience through externships such
McGeorge as your law school? At McGeorge,
as the judicial program.
students work together as a unit, and you feel like one big family going through this
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A law student at McGeorge is someone who develops the necessary skills to be a top ethical and professional advocate. Uri Grant ’19 Third Year Law Student
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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OMAR DAJANI Professor of Law • Recognized as a leading expert on legal aspects of the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict • Served as a legal advisor to the Palestinian negotiating team in peace talks with Israel, ultimately participating in the summits at Camp David and Taba • Worked on peacebuilding initiatives and played a lead role in marshaling and organizing international efforts to support Palestinian legal and political reforms in the office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) • Faculty director of the International Law Certificate of Concentration Program and co-director of the McGeorge Global Center for Business and Development
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Best in International Law U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School Guide 2019
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McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
Student John Ricca ’18 gains practical experience in the capital lawyering and policy making class.
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Best in Trial Advocacy U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School Guide 2019 Katjana Wurschum ’18 enjoyed a dog day afternoon when Lilo came to visit in Courtney Lee's animal law class.
COURTNEY LEE ’08 Professor of Lawyering Skills • A national expert on integrating animal law into
curriculum and advised on a criminal law chapter of a textbook on this topic • Helps McGeorge graduates pass the bar exam on their first attempt as the director of bar support • Co-founded the West Coast Consortium of Academic Support Professionals • Faculty advisor for the McGeorge chapter of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund • 2008 McGeorge graduate who co-owned and managed three independent pharmacies before beginning her legal career • Winner of the 2017 John G. Sprankling Faculty Scholarship Award at McGeorge for her Nebraska Law Review article, The Animal Welfare Act at Fifty: Problems and Possibilities in Animal Testing Regulation
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“The written word establishes a lawyer’s reputation. Your reputation is the hardest thing to earn and the easiest thing to lose.” Professor Dan Croxall Director of the Capital Lawyering Concentration, Craft Beer Blogger
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McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW | UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
LEARN FROM NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED LEGAL EXPERTS Your professors at McGeorge are influential legal scholars, commentators, teachers and practitioners. They have served in state governments, the U.S. Department of Justice, leading advocacy organizations and the United Nations. Our faculty are national leaders in faculty organizations such as the American Association of Law Schools and the Association of Legal Writing Directors. McGeorge faculty have authored leading casebooks that are used in more than 185 law schools across the nation and internationally, and they have created three book series, each of which includes dozens of books. Our faculty are energized by the diverse perspectives and experiences of our students and they create learning environments where you will be both challenged and heard.
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FINANCING YOUR LEGAL EDUCATION: We’re here to help you pursue your legal career. • To apply for federal student aid such as Federal Direct student loans, work-study and some
in the application materials. No separate application is required.
scholarships, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) fafsa.ed.gov.
• Veterans’ educational benefits are available to eligible students. McGeorge participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program up to full tuition.
• McGeorge awards a considerable number of scholarships. Many of these awards are made
• Students who participated in AmeriCorps may use
available by the allocation of university general
their educational benefits for law school tuition.
funds, as well as endowed scholarships.
McGeorge will match the Segal Education Award for
Scholarship recipients are selected during the
two years.
admission review process based upon information
KEY DEADLINES Financial Aid Deadline:
March 1, 2019
(FAFSA CODE: 001329)
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Priority JD Application Deadline:
Feb. 1, 2019
JD Application Deadline:
April 1, 2019
Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis and all
Transfer Application Deadline (Fall):
July 15, 2019
applicants are encouraged to apply early. All applica-
Transfer Application Deadline (Spring):
Nov. 15, 2019
tions must be complete and submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
COST OF ATTENDANCE
You will need the following to complete your application:
2018—2019 Full-Time Student 9-month Budget and Awards Tuition (First Year) Fees
A completed application $51,212 $100
Living / Student Expenses
$25,806
Total Cost of Attendance
$77,118
Personal statement (Follow specific directions) Résumé (No high school information) Two (2) letters of recommendation submitted through your LSAC CAS account. (Up to three letters
SAMPLE 1 LOANS ONLY
will be allowed)
Amount you will need to borrow/fund: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Ford Loan
$20,500
Transcripts for all coursework completed after high
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
$56,618
school submitted through your LSAC CAS account Proof of Bachelor’s degree
SAMPLE 2: LOANS & SCHOLARSHIPS* Amount you will need to borrow/fund:
Credential Assembly Services (CAS) Report
Scholarship from McGeorge**
$25,606
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Ford Loan
$20,500
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
$31,012
Email address (this is the primary form of communication from the law school) LSAT score (completed within the last five (5) years)
* The sample awards assume a student borrowed the full cost of attendance. However, you may borrow any amount up to the full cost. ** This scholarship is a performance-based scholarship; recipients must maintain an annual GPA in the top half of the class.
To start your application, please visit:
McGeorge.edu/Apply If you require special accommodations to complete the application please contact our office at: mcgeorge@pacific.edu UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC | McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
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HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
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The excellent legal education, lasting friendships and professional network I gained as a McGeorge graduate became the platform from which I was able to seize opportunities and enjoy a career beyond my most hopeful and optimistic expectations. Katharine Baragona ’90 Sr. Infrastructure Finance Specialist, World Bank Group Washington, D.C.
? For more information: mcgeorge.edu/admissions 3200 Fifth Ave. Sacramento, CA 95817 916.739.7105 mcgeorge@pacific.edu
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