Dean’s Message

Dear Members of the California Western Community:

There is much excitement on the campus of California Western. Following the completion of our summer trimester, the faculty and staff welcomed new students for orientation in August prior to the return of our 2Ls and 3Ls. While the energy is always palpable during the start of an academic term, this year there is a renewed sense of community.

This community is evident in the loyal support that manifests throughout the law school. Thanks to the generosity of Kenneth Lounsbery ‘65 and Dorcas Lounsbery, a refreshed lounge in the 350 building provides a vibrant space for study and conversation, along with free coffee.

Herb and Elaine Galinson, longtime supporters of the law school, recently committed $3 million to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These initiatives will establish an intellectual hub at California Western for examining complex systems of oppression in the United States. Such critical inquiry ensures that our own diverse community has a larger impact on the legal profession and industry. In this issue you will read more about their impact. The California Western community is also expressed through our shared purpose. This includes the way our faculty deepen our understanding of contemporary legal issues, as was the case with the recent panel on the Dobbs decision, and from the way that alumni like Judge Michael Washington ’94 model careers of service.

And, of course, it is ultimately alumni like you that extend our purpose into the wider world. I was moved by the stories of Paula Fisher ’90 and Kristin Scogin ‘04 making an impact as a tribal lawyer and public defender, respectively, along with the countless other updates and notes shared throughout this issue.

All my best,

Sean M. Scott President and Dean California Western School of Law

P.S. A note about our cover art. We are encouraging alumni to share their personal stories through short vignettes that will be displayed throughout the law school. If you have an interest in participating in this project, please email the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at alumni@cwsl.edu.