Class Notes

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Thomas M. Huguenor ‘71—Thomas has joined San Diego-based law firm Antonyan Miranda as special counsel. Thomas has dedicated his practice to family law since he began practicing over 40 years ago, and he has earned the distinguished designation of Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) from the State Bar of California. He is an enthusiastic advocate on behalf of his clients, representing them in court and helping them navigate through divorce and myriad other family law issues.

Thierry V. Barkley ‘79—Thierry has joined Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP as a partner in the firm’s Reno office. He joins the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Insurance, Life, Health & Disability, and ERISA practice groups. Barkley concentrates his practice in insurance work including coverage opinions, declaratory relief, interpleaders, defense of bad faith litigation, and life, health, disability, and ERISA litigation.

Richard M. Stern ‘79—Richard has joined Duckor Metzger & Wynne, a Professional Law Corporation, (DMW). Richard’s practice focuses on business law, estate planning, and probate and trust administration. He is an active member of the San Diego County Bar Association and a passionate volunteer for several organizations, including the YMCA.

Lilia S. Velasquez ‘81—Lilia was featured in “Phenomenal San Diego women in law and public safety.”An internationally known speaker on immigration and human rights issues, Lilia has taught at California Western School and works with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego providing legal advice to immigrants. She has presented internationally, including at the Hague, the U.N. Human Rights Commission, and the U.N. Women’s Conference in China. An inductee in the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame, she has received dozens of awards, including Latina of the Year from Adelante Mujer, the Helen Marston Award from the ACLU, the San Diego County Bar Association’s Community Service Award, the President’s Pro Bono Service Award from the State Bar of California and the highest honor given by the Mexican government for service to the Mexican American community, the Ohtli Award.

Clark A. Hiddleston ‘85—Clark has retired from a career as a trial lawyer and has begun writing. His first legal novel is called “The Court Watchers” and is a murder/mystery with larger political implications for our court system, including issues of privacy and the use of secretly recorded video evidence. Mary Ellen Attridge ‘87—Mary Ellen was featured in “Phenomenal San Diego women in law and public safety.” Mary Ellen spent 27 years as a criminal defense attorney with the San Diego County Alternate Public Defender’s Office, which serves people who cannot afford their own lawyer to represent them in court. After handling more than 1,000 cases, Attridge retired from the county in 2018. She still works as a consultant with the Public Defender’s Office and has a private practice representing juvenile homicide defendants. She’s also president of the board of Federal Defenders of San Diego Inc., which represents indigent defendants in federal court.

Laura L. Rogers ‘87—Guidepost Solutions, a global leader in compliance, investigations, monitoring, and security consulting, has appointed Laura as a managing director in its Washington, DC office. Prior to joining Guidepost, Rogers was principal deputy director and the acting director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the US Department of Justice.

Anna F. Roppo ‘87—Duckor Metzger & Wynne, a Professional Law Corporation, (DMW) has announced Anna has become president and CFO. Anna’s healthcare practice involves disputes arising from managed care claims authorization, the corporate practice of medicine doctrine, physician termination with non-compete and anti-solicitation components, medical group dissolution, and non-contracted provider billing disputes with IPAs, health plans, and medical groups. Anna’s real estate litigation expertise is diverse. It includes land use cases involving CEQA and its exemptions.

Michael C. Saqui ‘89—Michael has joined Sacramentobased Fisher Phillips as senior counsel. Fisher Phillips is one of the country’s preeminent labor and employment law firms representing employers. Michael brings decades of experience representing growers, packers, and shippers in the agriculture industry. Saqui and his team are known for providing labor relations, litigation, H-2A compliance and defense, and counseling services to employers throughout the full spectrum of the agricultural industry.

Andrew A. Rosenberry ‘92—Andrew has been named as a partner by San Diego-based family law firm Antonyan Miranda. Andrew has been practicing family law at Antonyan Miranda since 2017 and is the winner of the firm’s 2021 Golden Sledgehammer Award, presented annually to an attorney of Antonyan Miranda who has proven their presence in court, representing AM’s key values of strength and tenacity.

The Honorable Jennifer P. Togliatti ‘93—Judge Togliatti becomes the first woman to chair the five-member, part-time Nevada Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Board in Las Vegas. She was appointed to the commission in October 2021 by Governor Steve Sisolak.

David F. O’Barr ‘94—David retired at the end of 2021 as the Chief City Prosecutor for the City of Anaheim. The retirement comes after 22 years with Anaheim and previously serving as a deputy district attorney in Tulare County, California for four years.

The Honorable James N. Drake ‘95—Judge Drake was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. Judge Drake has been chief clerk of the House since 2015 and previously was a deputy secretary of state from 2009 to early 2015. He worked as rules attorney and in other staff jobs for the House from 1996 through 2009.

Stephen R. Lueker ‘95—Steve has joined New York City law firm Moses & Singer as a partner in the Tax, Banking & Finance and Internet & Technology practices. Steve comes to Moses & Singer from Offit Kurman, where he was principal. Previously, he was a partner at Lueker Mott Zezula LLC. His banking background includes serving as a director at Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and as a corporate banker at UniCredit Group, a large European investment bank.

Noah G. Allison ‘97—Noah was featured in “Top Lawyers: Noah Allison of The Allison Law Firm On The 5 Things You Need To Become A Top Lawyer In Your Specific Field” in Law Authority Magazine.

The Honorable Kristi J. Peariso ‘97—Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Court Commissioner Kristi Peariso as a judge in Ventura County Superior Court. Judge Peariso served as a public defender for nearly 10 years before going into private practice in 2007. She first served as a public defender in Mendocino County from 1998 to 2000. She transferred to Santa Barbara County in 2000 and then to the Ventura County Public Defender’s Office, where she worked from 2000 to 2007. From 2008 to 2017, Judge Peariso taught law at the Southern California Institute of Law while in private practice.

Stephen W. Poirier ‘98—Stephen has joined Kahana & Feld LLP as a senior attorney in the firm’s San Diego office. Stephen has extensive experience in construction litigation and commercial litigation, defending general contractors, developers, architects, and engineers.

Kelly L. Catlett ‘01—Kelly has been selected to lead American Rivers hydropower program. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in hydropower policy, dam relicensing, and coalition building. As Hydropower Reform Program Director, Kelly will direct American Rivers’ efforts to support healthy, free-flowing rivers by reforming hydropower dam operations, protect rivers from new hydropower projects, and engage in opportunities to restore and reconnect rivers.

The Honorable Matthew L. Meagher ‘01—Judge Meagher has been sworn in as the new judge in Wayne County’s Court of Common Pleas. On his way to the bench, Judge Meagher has served both as a lawyer in private practice, and as an assistant district attorney for Wayne County.

Jennifer D. Barrera ‘02—Jennifer took over as president and chief executive officer of the California Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2021. She has been part of the CalChamber team since 2010 and stepped into the top position after serving as CalChamber executive vice president, overseeing the development and implementation of policy and strategy for the organization, as well as representing the CalChamber on legal reform issues.

Frederik P. Spiess ‘02—The law firm of Balestreri Potocki & Holmes is pleased to announce that Frederik has joined the firm as a senior attorney. Frederik focuses his practice on general liability matters and civil litigation, business and contract disputes, professional liability matters involving insurance and real estate professionals, legal malpractice defense and ethics, construction and real estate disputes and insurance litigation.

Linda T. Budz ‘03—Linda has joined Hilco Commercial Industrial as director of business development. In this new role, she will focus on targeting transactions across critical industry sectors where the HCI team will leverage the full suite of valuation, monetization, advisory and capital solutions that HCI has to offer. Linda joined HCI most recently from the PPL Group—Big Shoulders Capital. She will be based out of the Hilco Global headquarters in Northbrook, IL.

Geneviéve L. Jones-Wright ‘05— Geneviéve was featured in “Phenomenal San Diego women in law and public safety.” The San Diego native was a public defender for more than a decade before becoming the first legal director of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans. In 2020, she co-founded the Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance, an organization that combats racial and social inequities by taking governments and organizations to court. Geneviéve is a member of the city of San Diego’s Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention and has long pushed for greater police accountability and reform.

Andrew A. Servais ‘05—Andrew has joined the San Diego office of Klinedinst PC as shareholder. He will be working with clients in the areas of business and commercial litigation, professional liability, and complex liability. As a litigator and trial attorney, Andrew counsels local businesses, attorneys, and law firms in pre-litigation matters,multi-week jury trials, and bench trials.

James D. Snyder ‘05—James has been promoted to shareholder at Klinedinst PC., serving as the lead shareholder of Klinedinst’s Privacy and Data Security, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Securities, and Transactional practice groups. He advises both budding startups and larger corporations on legal and regulatory issues.

The Honorable Leonard N. Trinh ‘05—Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed deputy district attorney Leonard Trinh as a judge on the San Diego Superior Court bench. Leonard has been a prosecutor with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2006 and headed the DA’s Hate Crimes prosecution unit. He also served as a deputy district attorney at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in 2005. Alissa L. Bjerkhoel ‘08—Alissa was featured in “Phenomenal San Diego women in law and public safety.” She was among the first full-time staff attorneys hired by the California Innocence Project. Her work has been instrumental in exonerating at least eight wrongfully convicted Californians. She was named Post-conviction Lawyer of the Year by the Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego in 2006.

Marissa N. Machida ‘09—Marissa, vice president and relationship manager at Bank of Hawaii, has received the “40 Under 40 in Wealth Management” award as announced by the American Bankers Association. This award recognizes wealth management and fiduciary professionals who are committed to the highest standards of achievement at work and in their community.

Steven M. Silva ‘10—Steve has joined Nossaman’s Eminent Domain & Valuation practice as partner in their Sacramento office. He previously served as a partner at Blanchard, Krasner & French in Reno, Nevada where his practice was focused on eminent domain, real estate litigation, land use matters, and appellate matters. He currently serves as a chair of the Appellate Litigation Section for the State Bar of Nevada and as an instructor of Property Law, Civil Evidence and Civil Procedure at Truckee Meadows Community College. Early in his legal career, Steve served as staff attorney, Civil Division for the Nevada Supreme Court.

Tara R. Burd ‘11—Tara has been promoted to senior counsel at Klinedinst PC. Tara has extensive experience in probate and trust litigation and centers her practice on complex trust litigation, probate avoidance estate planning, probate administration, and professional liability defense.

The Honorable Stephanie L. Jamieson ‘11—Ms. Jamieson has been appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as a judge in the Merced County Superior Court. Judge Jamieson has served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Merced County Public Defender’s Office since 2013.

Anna L. Burnett ‘12—Anna has joined Higgs Fletcher & Mack (HFM) as part of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Law and Real Estate Law Practice Groups. Anna’s practice is focused on corporate and entity matters and real estate transactions. Her legal experience also includes business planning, entity formation and maintenance, contract matters, and a broad range of real estate transactions.

Dwayne Crenshaw ‘12—Dwayne has been elected by The Greater Sacramento Urban League (GSUL) as its new president and CEO. Crenshaw had been serving as president and CEO of Rise@Work, also known as The Humanity Movement. He ran day-to-day operations and led the organization’s policy development and advocacy work. He previously served as CEO and co-founder of RISE San Diego, executive director of San Diego LGBT Pride, the Coalition of Neighborhood Councils and director of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation.

Nazia J. Khan ‘13—Nazia has been appointed a board member of Ms. JD, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the success of women in law school and the legal profession. Serving as a unique nexus between the profession and the pipeline of diverse attorneys, Ms. JD’s online community provides a forum for dialogue and networking among women lawyers and law students.

Emily C. Meeson ‘13—Emily, senior counsel at Tyson & Mendes LLP, has been promoted to partner. Emily is based in the firm’s San Diego and Orange County offices and focuses on employment practices litigation defense, including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims. She has extensive litigation experience, including representing individuals and businesses in state courts throughout Southern California.

Dr. Crystal L. Culhane ‘14—Fish & Richardson announced its 2022 promotions and Dr. Crystal Culhane has been named principal. Dr. Crystal Culhane focuses her practice on U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, opinion work, due diligence studies, and client counseling in the areas of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nanotechnology, oil and gas, food and beverage, and medical devices.

Christine Y. Dixon ‘14—Christine, associate attorney at Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin, was sworn in as president of the San Diego Defense Lawyers Association at the organization’s 37th Annual Installation Gala on January 22, 2022. As president, Christine will preside over the 12-member board of directors, which is composed of a cross-section of the defense bar, representing large and small defense firms. Morgan Gallagher ‘14—Morgan has joined Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP as a partner in its Orange County office in Irvine. Morgan focuses on litigation and transactional real estate matters involving land use, zoning, entitlements, and environmental permitting for complex and controversial projects. She will work alongside Procopio’s extensive Real Estate practice attorneys and lead the firm’s Land Use practice.

Kacy M. Thompson ‘16—The law firm of Balestreri Potocki & Holmes is pleased to announce that attorney Kacy Thompson has rejoined the firm as an associate. She represents clients in both Nevada and California in the areas of general business, employment law, construction defect, business litigation, complex civil litigation, and personal injury. In addition, Kacy has experience serving as general counsel for clients, providing management support as well as reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts.

Austin L. Jackson ‘17—Austin joins Carlton Fields, LLP as an associate in its Los Angeles office. His practice focuses on complex securities litigation, white collar criminal defense, and enforcement actions prompted by federal and state regulators. He has represented domestic and foreign companies, executive officers, and directors in connection with alleged violations of the securities laws, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-money laundering, and antitrust laws.

Jeremiah B. Baba-Pagano ‘18—Jeremiah has joined San Diego-based law firm Jacko Law Group, PC as a tax law attorney concentrating on managing matters with the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Tax Court, and the California tax authorities. Prior to joining JLG, Pagano served as an Attorney-Advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he coordinated numerous efforts and community works, such as the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (“SVOG”) emergency relief program.

Justin S. Kashou ‘18—Justin has joined San Diego-based Gomez Trial Attorneys. As a trial lawyer at Gomez, Justin will be advocating for those who have been harmed by the wrongful conduct of others. Prior to working on the plaintiff side of personal injury, Kashou worked at a prominent insurance defense firm handling complex litigation cases arising primarily from motor vehicle accidents and premises liability.

Regina (Calvario) Dryjanski ‘20—Regina has been promoted to lead attorney for the Immigrant Legal Rights Program at Jewish Family Service of San Diego.

Ellen R. Boyd ‘21—Ellen has joined Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC as an attorney in the Los Angeles office. She will focus her practice on retail litigation matters, defending small and large corporate clients against personal injury, premises liability, and product liability claims.

Omar Hernandez ‘21—Omar has joined Neil, Dymott, Frank, McCabe & Hudson APLC as an associate attorney. Omar’s practice areas include general civil litigation and defense of medical malpractice matters.

Alexis C. Santana ‘21—Alexis has had his fourth article published on LAFB Network, a site that covers the history, present, and future of Los Angeles football. The article, “To Be Ernest With You,” profiles the Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones. Alexis was a proud member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society at California Western School of Law. The NFL as a business motivated Alexis to pursue a law degree to one day work with athletes.

IN MEMORIAM

Marjorie B. Castetter Robert S. Wilson Allan M. Frostrom ‘62 Russell J. Kirk ‘66 The Honorable Jeffrey L. Giarde ‘67 Richard G. Snow ‘70 Kenneth C. Bonham ‘71 Robert H. Lynn ‘72 The Honorable Roger W. Krauel ‘73 Darryl G. Perlin ‘73 Willard E. Buck ‘74 David R. Houston ‘78 Joseph Kwiatkowski ‘80 William M. Jacobs ‘83 Jane E. Harris Swan ‘83 Mary L. Vance ‘83 Timothy C. Bryson ‘88 Carrie Hanlon ‘91 Admiral Joshua D. Mackenroth ‘93 Matthew J. Hunter ‘02

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