Life as Dean (2008-24)

I just received a wonderful message from Corina Yetter '22, who graduated from UC Davis Law on Saturday. It included the photo of the two of us, above, from the Mondavi Center stage, and these very gracious words:

I am so proud to have graduated from your law school and worked for you. It has indeed been an honor. I wanted to share this picture with you. ... Someday, when I am earning an actual paycheck, I would like to get this framed for you. Thank you again for everything!"

Spring Alumni Newsletter for the 2021-2022 Latinx Law Students Association (LaLSA)

Spring 2022 Newsletter.pdf

This week, I was able to watch the latest installment of the Border Speakers' Series organized and sponsored by the Chicanx Studies 130 US Mexico Border class with Professor Clarissa Rojas.

Congratulations to our Class of 2022 graduates who received environmental law certificates! I had the pleasure of attending the certificate event last week with Professor Rick Frank as the emcee. We can't wait to see what great things our grads will go on to do. 

It brings me great sadness to see yet another deadly hate crime in our country. I wanted to share a message from Chancellor Gary May about the tragic shooting in Buffalo that left 10 people dead on May 14.

"People should be able to go to the grocery store without fear.

Later this month the UC Davis Library will hold an event to honor the late Justice Cruz Reynoso. I am happy to see campus recognizing the incredible life of our faculty member and California Supreme Court justice. More information about the event.

The focus of this year's Vashon Lecture is diversity in the pipeline, which is essential to any effort to diversify the profession. Our panelists are researchers, experts and thought leaders working to strengthen the diverse legal pipeline before, during and after matriculation in law school. I'm looking forward to participating in a panel discussion for the lecture on Friday, May 20.

A leaked draft opinion suggests that the Supreme Court could overturn long-standing protections of abortion rights. What’s the reasoning behind such a decision, and what do legal scholars make of it? How did we get to this point, and what are the implications for other Supreme Court decisions? Two experts from the UC Davis School of Law - Professors Lisa Ikemoto and Courtney Joslin - will discuss these issues and take your questions. 

With exams underway this week, I had the pleasure of visiting the therapy dogs in the courtyard. We invite students to stop by and de-stress with the furry companions. And I brought a special guest with me to say hello, my Scottish Terrier Ailie!

As the 2021/22 academic year comes to a close, we take pride in the remarkable resilience of our community.  The King Hall spirit buoyed our return last fall to in-person instruction.  Thank you to the entire community for your grace and patience in an amazing time.

The beginning of the year brought the excellent J.D. Class of 2024, with 56% students of color; 59% women; 23% LGBTQ; 20% first-generation college graduates.  We also welcomed 21 new LL.M. students from ten countries.

I had the pleasure of introducing our alum and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg '84 last week during a UC Davis event. He spoke as part of the Understanding & Appreciating the Diversity of the Jewish Community series at the Student Community Center. As always, it was great to hear Mayor Steinberg's insightful comments. He talked about being an elected leader and how his education and personal background has influenced his impressive career in public service. I look forward to seeing him on campus next time!

Join UC Davis Law Professor Börk on Saturday, May 7 at the Tierra Fest. He is a speaker at 10 a.m. about environmental justice. The event coincides with the Whole Earth Festival at the UC Davis Quad. 

It was wonderful to see the community come together yesterday to enjoy some delicious shaved ice. More than 270 people stopped by the Kona Ice truck for a cool treat, thanks to all for making King Hall such a special place!

We had a celebration of the ten new UC Davis Class of 2022 members of the Order of the Barristers, an honorary society reserved for the very best trial and appellate advocates. Judge Dennis Cota '86 (Trial Practice) and Professor Michael Canzoneri  (Appellate Advocacy) called the roster of new members including: