Alumni Leadership
The Alumni Association is an active group with a hard-working board, several committees, and many access points for alumni to get involved with Southwestern.
Alumni Association Board of Directors
2025
Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan
Family Law
Daniel K. Kramer '08, Past President
Kramer Trial Lawyers
Personal Injury
Rachel Gezerseh '07, President-Elect
Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP
Personal Injury
Anna Wassenberg '10, Vice President
Age of Learning
Educational Law
Arash Beral '06
Blank Rome
Business Litigation
Evan Clark '14
Attorney at Law
Mia Ellis '03
Assistant Chief Trial Counsel
State Bar of California
Britany Engelman '05
Engelman Law APC
Personal Injury
Art Gharibian '11
Gharibian Law, APC
Elder Law
David Helfant '80
Law Offices of David A. Helfant
Entertainment Law
Erin Joyce '90
Erin Joyce Law
Professional Licensing Defense
April Macaraeg '15
Macaraeg Law, PC
Employment, Real Estate, Personal Injury
Alicia Matricardi '06
Matricardi Law, APC
Real Estate Law
Alan Romero '06
Romero Law, APC
Employment Law
Mauricio Salazar '15
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Public and Government Finance
Stephen Strauss '83
Buchalter
Intellectual Property
Jeannette L. Van Horst '93
Law + Brandmeyer
Medical Malpractice Defense
Shannon Wainright '12
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Deputy District Attorney
Danielle Yeretzian '11
The Agency
Real Estate Agent
Emeriti Board
Patrick Baghdaserians '07
Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc.
Family Law
Hon. Deborah S. Brazil '96
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Judge
Martin Carpenter '76
Carpenter Rothans & Dumont
Retired
Julianne DeMarco '87
Taylor DeMarco
Medical Malpractice Defense
Robert Glassman '09
Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP
Personal Injury
Hon. J. Gary Hastings '72
California Court of Appeal, Second District
Retired Justice
Hon. H. Clay Jacke, II '82
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge
Gerard V. Kassabian '01
Law Offices of Gerard V. Kassabian, APC
Trusts and Estates
Jody Klipple ‘11
Service Employees International Union
Labor and Employment
Hon. Timothy Weiner '00
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Judge
The Southwestern Alumni Association established the Nickel Club in 2008 to meet the specific needs of Southwestern alumni who have graduated within the past five years. For the 2025 year, that includes class years 2020-2024.
Recently graduated alumni have different needs than attorneys who have been in practice for more than five years. As a result, the Nickel Club was created to help improve and ease the transition into the legal profession by providing support and resources to recent alumni. The group also fosters relationships between recent graduates and current students. There's no application process - alumni are automatically members, and no dues are required. All are welcome and encouraged to join and participate in any Nickel Club events.
Applications for the Nickel Club Board of Directors and Committees go live every summer. The Board and Committee members plan events that focus on networking (both among Nickels and with older alumni), career development (CLE programming), and engagement with students.
To learn more about joining the Nickel Club or about upcoming events and activities, please email alumni@swlaw.edu.
2024 Governing Board of Directors
Andrew Figueras '21, President
Yoka Smith, LLP
Matthew French '19, Past President
Wisner Baum, LLP
Victoria Couch '22, Vice President
ICAN - California Abilities Network
Taylor Kruse '23, Secretary
Kramer Trial Lawyers APC
Mollie Clinton Nardoni '23, Co-Communications Officer
Clinton & Clinton
Kari Cruz Van Sinden '24, Co-Communications Officer
Ogletree Deakins
Arya Afighom '21
David Ferrell '23
Andrew Gianelli '23
Dylan Gunaratne '23
Mary Hellman '24
Anna Kozma '24
Jacqueline Lendvai '22
Dean Matsuyama '23
Shayan Rahbar Vafaee '23
Brandon Salumbides '20
Lisandra Suarez '20
Yidu Sun '22
Sub-Committees
Nickel Focused Sub-Committee
This committee helps foster social interaction and professional development between its members. The committee will create opportunities for Nickel members to meet and network with one another, with the expectation to reconnect with former classmates and develop professional contacts with other recent Southwestern alumni. The Nickel Focused Committee will also work collaboratively with the other committees for the purpose of organizing and maintaining a Nickel Club contact network accessible to all members.
Student Focused Sub-Committee
This committee concentrates on the interaction between recent graduates and current students by developing programs, events, and activities to promote networking between these two groups. The committee works closely with current representatives of the various student body organizations. The committee's goals are to mentor and prepare students for their first few years in the legal profession and to encourage them to remain active in Southwestern as alumni. Fostering these types of relationships with current students will create pride in their alma mater to build a stronger alumni base for the future.
Career Related Sub-Committee
This committee is focused on career development and related activities aimed at improving the alumni community's legal practice. Events presented will include MCLE events and informational seminars, focused both generally and in specific practice areas, and will also include networking components for panelists and attendees. Future events include a judicial panel addressing common ethical pitfalls for young attorneys and the ABCs of court appearances. Seminars regarding attorney interactions, including how to develop a productive mentor/mentee relationship with the partners and senior associates in your firm, how to interact with co-counsel, and how to deal with difficult opposing counsel. Along with many great events to follow! Get MCLE credit and develop those important relationships with the Southwestern and Los Angeles legal communities.
Community Focused Sub-Committee
This committee has two focuses. First, it will increase awareness among Nickel alumni about the law school's existing civic-minded efforts, including the Southwestern Children's Rights Clinic, Immigration Law Clinic, and Street Law Clinic. Second, the committee will identify opportunities for Southwestern students and alumni to get involved in the local legal community.
Southwestern recognizes outstanding alumni and friends in the following categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honors individuals who have demonstrated leadership, excellence, and longevity in their careers and have made significant contributions to Southwestern Law School, the Los Angeles community, and legal profession.
- Previous Awardees
Lifetime Achievement Award Year Awardee 2024 Robert C. Brandt '76 1993 Mayor Tom Bradley '56
Outstanding Alumni of the Year
Presented to a Southwestern alumnus or alumna who represents the best ideals of Southwestern through their professional accomplishments and demonstrated service to the community, law school, and legal profession.
- Previous Awardees
Outstanding Alumni of the Year Year Awardee 2024 Arash Homampour ’92 2023 Shawn Holley ’88 2022 Professor Harriet M. Rolnick ’79 2019 Ms. Heidi M. Yoshioka ’89 2018 Mr. Walter M. Yoka ’80 2017 Ms. Katrina M. Woolverton ’02 2017 Mr. George Woolverton ’75 2016 Mr. Joseph P. Esposito ’89 2016 Mr. Bill H. Seki ’88 2014 Mr. Steven P. Byrne ’77 2013 Professor Catherine L. Carpenter ’76 2011 Mr. Gerald E. Agnew Jr., ’74 2011 Mr. Bruce M. Brusavich ’80 2010 Ms. Judith Otamura Kester ’77* 2009 Mr. David Ostrove ’58 2008 Mr. Gregory M. Bergman ’75 2008 Mrs. Leah S. Bergman ’75 2007 Mr. Michael J. Downer ’81 2006 Ms. Lauren B. Leichtman ’77 2005 Mr. Shinaan S. Krakowsky ’81 2004 Ms. Noreen F. Berra ’85 2003 Ms. Karen S. Nobumoto ’89* 2002 Mr. George R. Hillsinger ’50* 2001 Professor Sandra S. Polin ’78 2000 Mr. Donald G. Sowers, Sr. ’85 1999 Mr. Edward M. Wolkowitz ’75 1998 Mr. Daniel M. Petrocelli ’80 1997 Mr. Matthew K. Fong ’85* 1996 Ms. Marcia R. Clark ’79 1995 Hon. Arleigh M. Woods ’53* 1994 The Hon. Allen J. Webster Jr. ’71 1993 Mr. David B. Casselman ’78 1992 Mr. Frank J. Waters ’32* 1991 Hon. Julian C. Dixon ’67* 1989 The Hon. Robert H. Philibosian ’67* 1988 Hon. Stanley Mosk ’35* 1987 Mr. Harvey L. Silbert ’35* 1984 The Hon. Robert R. Devich ’64 1983 Mr. Irwin R. Buchalter ’33* 1982 Mr. Ira K. Reiner ’64 1981 Mr. Richard W. Hecht ’60* 1980 Ms. Beverly Rubens Gordon ’54* 1979 Mayor Tom Bradley ’56* 1978 Hon. James H. Brown ’39* 1977 Mr. Julian S. Gould ’50* 1976 Mr. Dean C. Boyack ’56* 1975 Dr. John W. Luhring ’35* 1974 Hon. Richard C. Fildew ’38* 1973 Mr. Paul W. Wildman ’52* * Deceased
Outstanding Judicial Officer
Presented to a Southwestern alumnus or alumna in recognition of their distinguished career as a member of the judiciary, service to the community, and commitment to the mission of the law school.
- Previous Awardees
Outstanding Judicial Officer Year Awardee 2024 Hon. Susan Bryant-Deason ’78 2023 Hon. Deborah Brazil ’96 2022 Hon. Lon F. Hurwitz ’79 2019 Hon. Antonio Barreto ’77* 2018 Hon. H. C. Jacke II ’82 2017 Hon. Socrates P. Manoukian ’77 2016 Hon. Craig J. Mitchell ’91 2014 Hon. Sandra L. Margulies ’77 2013 Hon. Robert J. Schuit ’79 2011 Hon. Gerald Rosenberg ’75 2010 Hon. Otis D. Wright II ’80 2009 Hon. Alan H. Friedenthal ’83* 2008 Hon. Scott M. Gordon ’85 2007 Hon. David S. Wesley ’72 2006 Hon. Gilbert T. Gembacz ’79 2005 Hon. Candace J. Beason ’80 2004 Hon. Bob T. Hight ’55* 2003 Hon. Robert A. Dukes ’76 2002 Hon. Harold N. Crowder ’66* 2001 Hon. Lois A. Smaltz ’77 2000 Hon. Arthur M. Greenwald ’63* 1999 Hon. Kathleen E. O'Leary ’75 1998 Hon. John H. Reid ’72 1997 Hon. David T. McEachen ’74 1996 Hon. William C. Beverly Jr. ’69 1995 Hon. J. G. Hastings ’72 1994 Hon. Sara K. Radin ’55 1993 Hon. Robert R. Devich ’64* 1992 Hon. Ronald S. Lew ’71 1991 Hon. Ricardo A. Torres ’65 1989 Hon. Vaino H. Spencer ’52* 1988 Hon Gordon Thompson, Jr. ’56* 1987 Hon Arleigh M. Woods ’53* * Deceased
Outstanding Friend Award
Presented to a non-alumni friend of Southwestern who, through their commitment and/or volunteer effort, has strongly supported the ideals and mission of the law school.
- Previous Awardees
Outstanding Friend Award Year Awardee 2024 Debbie Leathers 2023 Professor Norm Garland 2019 Mr. John D. Barrett Jr. 2018 Steve Kolodny* 2017 Ms. Julie K. Xanders 2016 Hon. Terry J. Hatter Jr. 2014 Dean Austen L. Parrish 2013 Dean Bryant G. Garth 2011 Mr. and Mrs. James A. Coufos 2010 Professor Anita Glasco* 2009 Hon. Charles W. McCoy Jr. 2008 Professor Robert C. Lind Jr. 2007 Professor Karen Smith* 2006 Professor Judy B. Sloan 2005 Dean Leigh H. Taylor 2004 Professor John V. Gallagher* 2003 Professor Paul E. Treusch* 2002 Mr. Warner Heineman* 2001 Hon. E.M. Gunderson* 2000 Ms. Jana W. Greer 1999 Dr. Ira W. Krinsky 1998 Dr. Frank Ellsworth* 1997 Hon. Nate Holden 1996 Mr. Florence Rosenberg* 1995 Professor Max Goodman* 1994 Hon John F. Parker* 1993 Mr. and Mrs. Roger Grace 1992 Mr. Sheldon A. Gebb 1991 Professor Norman Karlin* 1989 Mrs. Marshall (Margherite) F. McComb* 1988 Dr. S. Joan Mier* 1987 Virginia B. Cobey* *Deceased
Outstanding Law Firm
A law firm of any size that has demonstrated an enduring commitment to hiring, mentoring, and advancing Southwestern graduates.
- Previous Awardees
Outstanding Law Firm Year Awardee 2023 Buchalter 2020 Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
2019 Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP 2018 Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP
2017 Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers LLP 2016 Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Oustanding Litigator
- Previous Awardees
Oustanding Litigator Year Awardee 2017 Mr. Robert A. Morgenstern ’80 2016 Mr. Brian J. Panish ’84
There are a number of avenues for alumni to remain involved in the Southwestern community after graduation. Some of these opportunities are described below. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Institutional Advancement or the specific office listed.
Alumni Resource Network
Over 450 alumni participate in the program which provides students with an opportunity to contact and network with alumni in specific practices and/or geographic areas. Alumni offer advice on networking opportunities, career matters, and expertise in particular areas of practice.
Inn of St. Ives
This program is based on the Inns of Court model, where senior attorneys and judges meet with small groups of law students to discuss issues of law and practice.
Moot Court
A large contingent of alumni is recruited each year to serve as judges for a number of advocacy programs, most notably the annual Intramural Moot Court Competition. They are also called upon to preside over SCALE appellate arguments, mock trial, and trial advocacy practice rounds and finals, and occasionally to serve as advisors to Moot Court Honors Program teams competing in interscholastic competitions. For more information, please contact the Student Affairs Office.
Mock Interview Program
Prior to the fall recruiting season each year, alumni volunteers help prepare students by conducting videotaped mock interviews and providing evaluations and advice. For more information on participating as a mock interviewer, please contact the Career Services Office.
On-Campus Interviews
During the fall recruiting season, a number of alumni are among the firm and agency representatives who come to the campus to interview students for summer clerkship and full-time associate positions. For more information on how to get participate, please contact the Career Services Office.
Guest Speakers
Alumni are often invited to serve as panelists or lecturers for a variety of seminars, workshops, and roundtable discussions sponsored by the faculty, the Career Services Office, and student organizations. If you are interested in serving as a guest speaker, please contact Institutional Advancement and/or the Career Services Office.
Other Alumni Events
In addition, Southwestern regularly sponsors alumni events such as MCLE classes, regional receptions for alumni around the country, and reunions.
Contact Alumni for event ideas and sponsorship opportunities.