King Hall Welcomes Class of 2014
King Hall faculty, alumni, students, and staff welcomed the UC Davis School of Law Class of 2014 at a barbeque hosted by the Law School on August 14 at Putah Creek Lodge. In what has become a King Hall tradition, the new class enjoyed the opportunity to meet one another as well as members of the Law School faculty, students, and staff in an informal setting on the eve of Intro Week, five days of academic and social activities for first-year students before their regular courses commence.
The event featured remarks from Dean Kevin R. Johnson, President of the King Hall Alumni Association John Schick '72, and Law Students Association President Rabia Paracha '12.
"Congratulations!" Dean Johnson said in greeting the new students. "We had nearly 4,000 applicants for about 190 seats. You made it. Your reward is that you will be attending an extraordinary law school."
"You have chosen the perfect place to study law," Dean Johnson continued. "The UC Davis law faculty is dedicated to teaching and they are also internationally recognized scholars. We have some of the best clinical programs around. There is no better ‘community' to be part of as a law student. Just ask our students and alumni, and compare it to what you hear about other law schools."
John Schick, who practiced as a criminal defense attorney in Stockton for more than 30 years and who is now Associate Dean at Humphreys College Laurence Drivon School of Law, echoed the Dean's sentiments and praised King Hall as "a very special place" where, unlike many other schools, students actually enjoy their years of legal studies. "When you have finished your legal education and you look back at those three years, you will realize your life has been changed in a very positive way," said Schick.
Rabia Paracha told the incoming students that while it is normal to feel some anxiety as they begin their legal studies, they should take comfort in knowing that the King Hall community will support them along the way. All of the students present had been awarded Dean's Access Scholarships to help offset rising fees, she noted, thanking Dean Johnson for his role in making that possible. "What is most valued at King Hall is our strong sense of community and respect for others," said Paracha.
One hundred eighty members of the new class attended the event, along with more than two dozen second- and third-year students. In addition to Dean Johnson, faculty in attendance included Afra Afsharipour, Vik Amar, Ashutosh Bhagwat, Alan Brownstein, Anupam Chander, Angelo DeSantis, Christopher Elmendorf, Rick Frank, Larry Green, Angela Harris, John Hunt, Lisa Ikemoto, Krystal Jaime, Thomas Joo, Courtney Joslin, Hollis Kulwin, Peter Lee, Evelyn Lewis, Miguel Méndez, Amagda Pérez, Rex Perschbacher, Meehan Rasch, Cruz Reynoso, Donna Shestowsky, Madhavi Sunder, Clay Tanaka, Shannon Weeks McCormack, and Carter "Cappy" White. In addition to John Schick, Alumni Association board members present included Steve Boutin '72, Grace Arupo '02, Kelly Borelli '92, Gage Dungy '03, the Honorable Stacy Boulware Eurie '95, the Honorable Judith Hersher '84, Jerry Hobrecht '83, Natalie Johnston '08, Craig Judson '84, Michael Mills '97, the Honorable Alberto Roldan '92, Kara Ueda '00, Mike Van Horne '75, Michael Williams '97, and Gene Woo '85.