CPPC in the News

From the California Medical Board to the Department of Insurance, the Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) has been serving as a watchdog for decades on about a dozen California consumer agencies-- making sure the decisions they make have the consumer's best interests in mind. Marcus Friedman, administrative director of the CPPC, joined the "At the Edge of it All" podcast to share what legal rights consumers have and also how consumers can have a seat at the table for future decisions made by these agencies.

The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center’s (CPPC) Administrative Director Marcus Friedman was featured in ABC 10News in an article titled, “Doctor sexual misconduct bill introduced after Team 10 exposes loophole in state law.”

SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2026) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) at the Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL) submitted a comment to the Department of Justice on the proposed federal rule that would interfere with the California State Bar’s mission to protect the public.

SAN DIEGO (June 26, 2025) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center’s (CPPC) Administrative Director Marcus Friedman published an opinion piece in The San Diego Union Tribune . The piece critiques California Assembly Bill 408 (Berman), which aims to create a confidential treatment program for doctors struggling with substance abuse. While the bill is framed as a compassionate path to recovery, critics argue it echoes a failed earlier program that allowed impaired physicians to continue practicing without adequately protecting patients. The piece raises concerns about weak oversight, a lack of mandatory disclosure, and potential conflicts of interest, ultimately questioning whether the bill prioritizes physician rehabilitation at the expense of patient safety.

SAN DIEGO (May 5, 2025) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center’s (CPPC) Administrative Director Marcus Friedman was quoted in The San Diego Union Tribune in an article titled, “Should doctors with addictions be allowed to get confidential treatment?” The article highlights both arguments in support and opposition to a bill currently moving through the California Legislature, AB 408 (Berman).

SAN DIEGO (February 5, 2025) —  On Sunday, February 2, friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the University of San Diego (USD) campus to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL) and the retirement of its founder and executive director Robert C. Fellmeth, Price Professor of Public Interest Law . Inside a packed room at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, Ed Howard, the Children’s Advocate Institute Senior Counsel/Senior Policy Advocate, gave opening remarks and then handed it over to Dean and C. Hugh Friedman Professor of Law Robert Schapiro for the welcome. Dean Schapiro remarked that USD Law graduates are exceptionally well prepared to step into practice greatly due to the experiential learning opportunities they have from the faculty and legal experts at CPIL. For 45 years, students have benefited from Bob’s vision. ”Bob believed that law schools should be doing something in terms of ‘changing the law, improving the law, measuring the law, and reporting on the law.’ He therefore founded USD's Centers for Public Interest Law in 1980… and the rest is history.” In 2021, CPIL was rebranded as the Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) , to reflect the Center’s commitment to the representation of consumer interests. And, in recognition of the two other public interest organizations that Bob launched, the Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) and the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) , the acronym CPIL was recast as the umbrella name for his Centers for Public Interest Law. The hour-long program proceeded with eloquent tributes to Fellmeth and the three centers and institutes that comprise the CPIL. Each section included a video of highlights and accomplishments from over the years as well as reflections from the administrators Marcus Friedman ʼ21 (JD), Jessica Heldman ʼ04 (JD), and Scott Anders, alumni Rob Kelter ʼ87 (JD), Hon. Mari Parlade ʼ97, ʼ02 (JD), and Joe Kaatz ʼ11 (JD) and Price Philanthropies Foundation Chairman/President Robert Price about the critical work and advances made as a result of Bob’s mentorship. Sentimental anecdotes of how the speakers' lives will forever be changed had the audience applauding and wiping away tears. View the program here . Fellmeth’s former student Debbie Rider, ʼ84 (JD) Assistant Dean, Law School Development & Alumni Relations, closed out the program with a thank you to Fellmeth, Julie D’Angelo Fellmeth, and all of the supporters, staff, and alumni of the CPIL centers and institutes. Rider emphasized, “We are charged with pressing on , carrying out the work and inspiration of Bob and Julie Fellmeth – to continue protecting the rights of children, by serving as watch dogs for public agencies, by upholding the foundation of CPIL, CAI, CPPC and EPIC.”  The Nancy D’Angelo and Jane Fellmeth Public Interest Advocacy Endowment, named in honor of Bob and Julie’s mothers, provides a lasting source of funding to support research, public education, impact litigation, and advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. Your contribution to the Endowment ensures that CPPC and CAI continue their vital work to protect vulnerable populations for generations to come. If you would like to make a gift in honor of Bob Fellmeth and CPIL, please click here . Upon the conclusion of the formal program, attendees gathered outside at the beautiful Garden of the Sea for a champagne reception. Amy Harfield, CAI National Policy Director, started the toasts, and several friends, colleagues, and family members took advantage of the opportunity to show their gratitude for Fellmeth and CPIL All of the videos from the event are available here: CPIL/CPPC Video CAI Video EPIC Video Bob Fellmeth Video Ralph Nader Video Changemaker Heroes Video

SAN DIEGO (December 18, 2024) —University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Executive Director and Price Professor of Public Interest Law Robert C. Fellmeth was featured in a write-up in Marquis Who’s Who in America.

SAN DIEGO (September 24, 2024) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) at the Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL) submitted a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom in support of AB-X2-1. This bill will protect consumers from price gouging practices that have harmed the people of California in recent years.  

SAN DIEGO (June 12, 2024) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Centers for Public Interest Law’s Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth published an Opinion in The Fulcrum entitled, “Eight needed steps to save democracy and our future.” According to Fellmeth, democracies in decline rarely end abruptly. They usually unravel slowly and subtly over time; the rot slowly reveals itself until the endgame becomes obvious. Threats to democracy are now out in the open and very real, but there are some steps we can take to help preserve governance by informed people who are concerned about our children and the Earth we leave behind. Fellmeth goes on to describe eight pathways to save our democracy. To read the full Op-Ed, please visit The Fulcrum .

SAN DIEGO (January 31, 2024) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center’s (CPPC) Administrative Director Marcus Friedman ’21 (JD), appeared on ABC 10 News San Diego to explain how California’s Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) work.

SAN DIEGO (January 8, 2024) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) Executive Director, Professor Robert C. Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on California’s retirement plan for professional boxers. The program started 40 years ago, and according to the article, in 2023, it paid benefits to three dozen fighters, a record number. A previous LA Times investigation found that the state had failed to notify boxers about their benefits, resulting in most retirement accounts going unclaimed each year. “They are late, but at least they are doing something,” said Bob Fellmeth, the architect of the boxers’ pension when he was chair of the athletic commission in 1981. Fellmeth said he’s equally gratified to hear the commission is actively reaching out to boxers owed pensions. “We need more of that,” he added. To read the full article, click here .

SAN DIEGO (October 25, 2023) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) at the Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL) submitted public comment to the State Bar of California on its Proposal for a Portfolio Bar Examination. While CPPC welcomes alternative pathways to licensure apart from the two-day bar exam, CPPC provided recommendations to the Bar to ensure well-qualified candidates have a fair pathway to licensure based on the different legal practice areas. To read CPPC’s comment, click here .

SAN DIEGO (October 19, 2023) –  University of San Diego (USD) School of Law welcomes Marcus Friedman ‘21 (JD) as the Administrative Director to the Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) at the Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL).

SAN DIEGO (August 7, 2023) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Daily Journal on the new evidence against John Eastman alleged in the August 1, 2023, Trump indictment by the U.S Department of Justice.

SAN DIEGO (April 10, 2023) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center's (CPPC) Executive Director and Price Professor of Public Interest Law, Robert C. Fellmeth, was quoted in a LAW 360 article on the State Bar’s past practice in discipline investigations, specifically in regards to the recently disgraced attorney Thomas Girardi.

SAN DIEGO (March 2, 2023) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law alumna, Mari Parladé ’02 (JD), was recently sworn in as a judge on the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada.

SAN DIEGO (October 3, 2022) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on the State Bar of California’s attorney discipline practices. [excerpt] How often the State Bar looked the other way on high-profile attorneys is unclear. In the wake of the Girardi fiasco, the bar tapped University of San Diego School of Law professor Robert Fellmeth to review the files of other attorneys who had eluded discipline despite repeated complaints. The records of these lawyers, whose names have not been released, took up 28 boxes, Fellmeth recalled, and left him convinced bar employees “tend not to go after anyone, not just Girardi, who has a long-standing reputation, lots of friends, and resources to battle the crap out of them.” “There is not just one Girardi,” Fellmeth said, adding, “They got 50 who worry the hell out of me.”   To read the full article by Harriet Ryan and Matt Hamilton click here .

SAN DIEGO (August 25, 2022) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth was quoted in the San Diego Union Tribune on the  Chief of Staff to Councilmember Stephen Whitburn running a political consulting firm and earning $10,000 a month on the side.

SAN DIEGO (August 25, 2022) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on the high salaries of executives at the State Bar. Fellmeth, a former bar monitor who is consulting for the agency on reform of its disciplinary system, said he offered last year to work for free, but the bar insisted on paying him. He said he makes $50 an hour, which he donates to the University of San Diego’s Centers for Public Interest Law, where he serves as executive director.

SAN DIEGO (May 3, 2022) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) and Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) Executive Director, Professor Robert C. Fellmeth was asked to write an essay to be published in The Harvard Law Record on law school education based on his experience. In his essay, Professor Fellmeth contends that two aspects of legal education warrant close attention: What  subjects should we be teaching and  How ?  He highlights the courses associated with  each of the 3 centers at the Centers for Public Interest Law here at the USD School of Law ( CPPC , CAI , and EPIC ). The courses are taught not merely to regurgitate prior precedents or to debate ethereal macro-concepts, but to connect the subject matter of each to the real world — to not only study what is now happening but to become involved in improvement — following his own experience in his last two years at HLS. To read his essay click here .

SAN DIEGO (April 13, 2022) - The Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) at the University of San Diego (USD) School of Law is proud to announce the recipient of the 2022 Julianne D. Fellmeth Public Interest Law Scholarship, Summer Bosse, ‘23 (JD Candidate). The scholarship was established in honor of Julianne D’Angelo Fellmeth ’76 (BA), ’83 (JD), who retired in 2019 after serving as the Center for Public Interest Law’s (now CPPC), Administrative Director for 30 years.  As the Julie D. Fellmeth Scholar, Ms. Bosse will dedicate 150 hours over the next year to develop an innovative “big idea” for using the law as a tool for social change. Specifically, Summer’s project will focus on promoting a ballot initiative that calls for plastic regulation in California and promoting city-level plastic regulations through public comments and outreach at city councils. She also plans on promoting education about micro-plastic dangers, the ballot initiative, avenues for change, and how to make public comments by reaching out to several organizations, especially at the collegiate level. She believes educating the next generation of environmentalists and voters on how they can impact their local governments is key to increasing public participation in important issues. Summer Bosse is a rising third-year law student who was born and raised in California. She grew up in Santa Barbara and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. While at USD School of Law she has worked with the Legal Aid Society of California, the Transgender Name and Gender-Marker Change Clinic, and the Women's Law Caucus. 

SAN DIEGO (November 29, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) and Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth was part of the first group of “Nader’s Raiders” in 1969 to help expose and reform the Federal Trade Commission. As the Price Professor of Public Interest Law, Fellmeth continues to fight for consumers, children, and the environment here at USD School of Law. Read the OpEd by Ralph Nader thanking the early Nader’s Raiders for their work over the years, click here .

SAN DIEGO (November 15, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Consumer Protection Policy Center (CPPC) and Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) Executive Director Robert C. Fellmeth appeared on The Ralph Nader Radio Hour to discuss the state stealing social security checks from foster children. To listen to the discussion on The Ralph Nader Radio News Hour click here .

SAN DIEGO (October 8, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Executive Director Robert Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on whether SB 806 (Roth) signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom this week lives up to the talk by lawmakers this past session of overhauling the Medial Board of California. 

SAN DIEGO (September 7, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Price Professor of Public Interest Law and Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law and Children’s Advocacy Institute, Robert Fellmeth, has earned the prestigious Bernard E. Witkin award for Excellence in Legal Education.

SAN DIEGO (August 4, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) has been fighting for patient safety for decades. In one of its more recent efforts, CPIL is fighting for transparency by sponsoring AB 1278 (Nazarian) which would require doctors to disclose to patients if they have accepted payments from makers of drugs and medical devices.  From the start the California Medical Association (CMA) has fought to water down the bill. Due to CMA’s strong opposition, AB 1278 was amended so that it no longer requires doctors to inform patients about such payments. Instead, they are now only required to notify their patients of the existence of the Open Payments website.

SAN DIEGO (August 2, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Executive Director Robert Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on how the California Medical Association (CMA) is fighting AB 1278 (Nazarian) which would require doctors to disclose to patients if they have accepted payments from makers of drugs and medical devices. Due to CMA’s strong opposition, AB 1278 was amended so that it no longer requires doctors to inform patients about such payments. Instead, they are now only required to notify their patients of the existence of the Open Payments website.

SAN DIEGO (July 20, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Executive Director Robert Fellmeth was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on the California Medical Association’s (CMA) cartel-like behavior obstructing efforts to punish bad doctors.

SAN DIEGO (July 14, 2021)  – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law’s (CPIL) 2020 Fellmeth Scholar, Marcus Friedman ’21 (JD) was interviewed on ABC 10 News about reforms AB 1057 will make to expand the definition of firearms to include precursor parts. To watch the segment and read the article click here .

SAN DIEGO (July 6, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Administrative Director Bridget Gramme was quoted in an editorial in the Los Angeles Times on the current physician member majority for the Medical Board of California and the antitrust issues it faces by the Legislature not reforming it to be a public member majority.

SAN DIEGO (June 25, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Administrative Director Bridget Gramme was quoted in an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune on the California Medical Association's (CMA) mobilization against the latest attempt to give the Medical Board of California (MBC) more money and power to investigate complaints against doctors.

SAN DIEGO (June 22, 2021) - University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) is sponsoring AB 1278 (Nazarian) . AB 1278 would assist patients in making better-informed decisions by requiring doctors who receive payment from a drug or device company to disclose that to their patients prior to treatment. 

SAN DIEGO (June 7, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Executive Director Robert Fellmeth was quoted in MedPage Today on the makeup of the California Medical Board.

SAN DIEGO (June 2, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law, Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), 2020 Julie D. Fellmeth Public Interest Law Scholar Marcus Friedman, ’21 (JD), was interviewed by several news outlets on bill AB 1057 (Petrie-Norris) . 

SAN DIEGO (May 26, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Executive Director Robert Fellmeth was quoted in the San Diego Union Tribune regarding the investigation into the nomination of San Diego developer Douglas F. Manchester as ambassador to the Bahamas by former President Donald Trump.

SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2021) - University of San Diego (USD) School of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), 2020 Julie D. Fellmeth Public Interest Law Scholar Marcus Friedman, ’21 (JD), featured in USD Magazine on his work in CPIL's Public Interest Law Clinic. To read the article click here .

SAN DIEGO (May 12, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Center for Public Interest Law’s (CPIL), Administrative Director Bridget Gramme was quoted in an article on Bloomberg Law regarding the Closing the Justice Gap Working Group proposal of a California Bar “Sandbox” to test new legal service delivery models to increase access to justice.

SAN DIEGO (April 21, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), 2020 Julie D. Fellmeth Public Interest Law Scholar, Marcus Friedman ’21 (JD Candidate) was quoted in the Orange County Register on AB 1057 (Petrie-Norris) .

SAN DIEGO (March 25, 2021) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Children’s Advocacy Institute’s (CAI), Executive Director Robert Fellmeth co-authored an opinion editorial in The Hill discussing why privatization of foster care has been a disaster for children and calls on Congress to eliminate contracts with the for-profit foster care industry.

SAN DIEGO (March 16, 2021)  – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law student Maddie Orcutt (3L) was recently named a 2020 Women of Impact award recipient, given by the USD Women’s Commons. She, along with four other award winners, were honored in a virtual celebration on February 5. Orcutt was the only award recipient from the law school.

SAN DIEGO (March 12, 2021) - The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) Administrative Director Bridget Gramme appeared on Consumer Watchdog's podcast "Rage for Justice Report" with Carmen Balber to discuss needed reforms of the Medical Board of California that is failing to protect patient safety.  To listen to the podcast click here .

SAN DIEGO (December 17, 2020) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law alumna Marie F. Shimada, ’18 (JD) was named Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance (SVPA). SVPA identifies sustainable solutions for land use and floodplain management in Washington's King County. Snoqualmie Valley is located 30 miles east of Seattle in the scenic Cascade foothills.

The importance of public interest law practice in our society cannot be overstated. Many interests worthy of protection—including those of low-income individuals, the environment, children and other diffuse and unorganized interests—are underrepresented or unrepresented. Public interest lawyers working for legal services and other nonprofit organizations ensure that these interests have access to representation in our legal system. USD School of Law prepares its students to practice public interest law through its existing civil, criminal, immigration and environmental clinical programs. USD law students have indicated their interest in and support for public interest law by forming the Public Interest Law Foundation and Pro Bono Legal Advocates. USD School of Law assists alumni choosing public interest law as a career in repaying their law school loans through the Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LRAP). The eligibility requirements are as follows: (1) employed in a full-time law or law-related position with a nonprofit 501(c) 3 or 501(c) 4 organization; (2) earn an annual salary of $65,000 or less at time of initial application; (3) employed in current position for at least one year; and (4) owe a minimum of $80,000 in law school loans. Average awards are $7,600 for each approved application. More information and complete application . 

San Diego (August 17, 2017) -  University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Dean Stephen C. Ferruolo and Center for Public Interest Law’s (CPIL) Bridget Gramme ’98 (BA), ’03 (JD), testified at the California State Bar’s public hearings being held to ask for input on whether the passing score on the Bar Examination, which is currently 144 and the second highest in the country after Delaware, should be lowered.

Los Angeles (July 26, 2017) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) staff counsel Julianne Fellmeth, '83 (JD), was quoted in an article published in the Los Angeles Times  titled “Doctors and drug abuse: Why addictions can be so difficult.”

MODESTO, Calif (JUNE 12, 2017)  -  University of San Diego (USD) School of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) staff counsel Julianne Fellmeth was quoted in an article published in The Modesto Bee that reported on a former neonatal intensive care unit doctor in Modesto who surrendered his medical license in August following a California Medical Board accusation that he suffered from alcoholism.

San diego  (May 10, 2017) -  University of San Diego (USD) School of Law alumna and Center for Public Interest Law’s (CPIL), Bridget  Gramme, ’98 (BA), ’03 (JD), was interviewed for and quoted in a NBC San Diego article that reported on a San Marcos chiropractor who has been accused of sexual battery.

Sacramento  (February 20, 2017) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Senior Counsel and Senior Policy Advocate for the Center for Public Interest Law, Ed Howard, was quoted in  The Sacramento Bee in an article that discussed the declining passage rate of the California Bar.

Los Angeles  (February 15, 2017) -  University of San Diego (USD) School of Law alumna and Center for Public Interest Law’s (CPIL), Bridget  Gramme, ’98 (BA), ’03 (JD), was quoted in a Los Angeles Daily Journal article regarding atypically high cut score for the California bar exam, which in turn has affected not only the passage rate of the exam itself, but also the California legal community at large. Both the passage rate and consequences thereof have been alarming to law schools and has spurred a call to investigate. In fact, Deans from 20 of the ABA law schools in California sent a letter to the state Supreme Court which focused the attention of the court on California’s lowest passage rate in the country.

Los Angeles (April 8, 2016) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) Administrative Director Julie D'Angelo Fellmeth was quoted in a Los Angeles Times  article reporting on the California Medical Association (CMA) pushing a measure in the state legislature to reestablish a substance abuse program for physicians