Faculty in the News

University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Children’s Advocacy Institute’s (CAI) National Policy Director Amy Harfeld was interviewed by The New York Times for an article titled, “Melania Trump Unveils New Investment Accounts for Foster Children.”

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.”

The University of San Diego School of Law is proud to announce that three of its outstanding clinical faculty members, Professors Ali Brown, Meredith Levin, and Katie Parker, presented at the AALS Conference on Clinical Legal Education in Portland, Oregon on May 1-5.

Assistant Professor of Law Adam Kern was a co-recipient of the 2026 Sanders Prize in Political Philosophy.

The University of San Diego School of Law celebrates Herzog Research Professor of Law Dov Fox on being named a 2026 John Simon Guggenheim Fellow. He joins leading scholars and creators across every discipline and art form, selected from nearly 5,000 applicants for the 101st class of Guggenheim Fellows. Fox is one of just three awardees in the field of law. His award will support Fox in creating a long-form documentary that examines pressing challenges in end-of-life care, including its purposes, boundaries, and criminalization. His project will explore how we think about a good death and a bad one, in law and in life, through the lens of legal conflicts amid the opioid crisis and the crackdown.

Congratulations to Professor Lisa P. Ramsey on the release of her new book, Trademarks and Free Speech: Conflicts and Resolutions, published by Cambridge University Press.

Warren Distinguished Professor of Law Michael Ramsey was quoted and cited twice by the U.S. Supreme Court in its February 20, 2026 decision, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump.

SAN DIEGO (December 19, 2025) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law congratulates Board of Visitors member and Adjunct Professor Bibianne “Bibi” Fell ’04 (JD) on being named Consumer Attorneys of San Diego’s (CASD) 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year . She will be honored at CASD’s Annual Awards and Installation Celebration on January 29, 2026, at the U.S. Grant Hotel. Fell, founder of Fell Law, PC , leads a plaintiffs’ firm focused on personal injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and medical malpractice. Her courtroom results include a $105 million verdict in a medical fraud case as lead trial counsel, as well as several eight-figure settlements across her 22-year career. In addition to her work at Fell Law, she is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, where she will serve as president of its San Diego chapter in 2026, and is a director of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy’s Pacific Deposition Skills Program. Beyond practice, Fell remains deeply engaged with USD School of Law as an alumna and educator. A magna cum laude graduate and Order of the Coif inductee, she has taught Advanced Trial Advocacy since 2015, preparing the next generation of trial lawyers. Through instruction and example, Fell pairs rigorous trial preparation with professionalism—values she instills in her students. This recognition adds to a record of distinctions that includes The Daily Journal’s Top 100 Women Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, Super Lawyers, Pepperdine Law’s Trial Lawyer of the Year (2020), CASD’s Outstanding Trial Lawyer (2019), and USD School of Law Rising Star Recent Alumni Award (2013). CASD is a nonprofit bar association that supports plaintiffs and consumer trial lawyers through education and advocacy on issues affecting access to justice, while its annual event spotlights excellence across the legal landscape.

SAN DIEGO (December 16, 2025) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law congratulates Assistant Professor of Law Rebecca Talbott , who was selected by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) as the 2026 winner of the Junior Scholars Paper Competition Award for the section on Criminal Procedure .  The award-winning article is called, “ Implied Promises in Police Interrogation ,” forthcoming in the UC Davis Law Review. The article examines a pervasive but underappreciated aspect of how police pressure suspects in the United States to confess to crimes: by communicating to them that unless they confess right then to police, they will forever forfeit any hopes of leniency in the criminal legal system. She argues that this message not only is legally incorrect but also, under the circumstances, amounts to unconstitutional compulsion in violation of the Fifth Amendment's protection against compelled self-incrimination. Talbott states, "In light of the drastic consequences for both criminal suspects and the integrity of our legal system, it is remarkable how little law or oversight applies to the tactics police use to pressure suspects to confess to crimes. I hope to bring more legalistic rigor to this enormously consequential institution."  AALS presents awards through its 108 sections, communities that are organized by subject matter, administrative area, and affinity. This year’s section honorees will be recognized at the AALS Annual Meeting on January 9, 2026, in New Orleans.  A criminal procedure and evidence scholar, Talbott’s work focuses on the constitutional limits on interrogation and the right against compelled self-incrimination. Before joining USD Law, she was a fellow and acting executive director at Stanford Law School’s Constitutional Law Center and taught legal analysis, research, and writing at the University of Washington School of Law. She clerked for the Honorable Stanley Marcus of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Honorable John Gleeson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Talbott also practiced with the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Baltimore, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel in New York, and MacDonald Hoague & Bayless in Seattle. Talbott earned her JD, magna cum laude, from NYU School of Law, where she was a Root-Tilden-Kern public interest scholar and Furman Scholar, and received the Judge Abraham Lieberman Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Criminal Law. Her scholarship has appeared or is forthcoming in the NYU Law Review, UC Davis Law Review, and the Washington State Bar News.

SAN DIEGO (November 5, 2025) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed University of San Diego (USD) School of Law adjunct professor Negeen Mirreghabie ’08 (JD) to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California . Mirreghabie has taught at USD School of Law since 2017 and practices as an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator with Mirreghabie Law Group. She also serves as a Law School Council officer with the State Bar of California. In addition to her service to USD and the legal community, Mirreghabie has taught at California Western School of Law, The Colleges of Law, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She previously served as assistant director of deposition, expert deposition, and trial advocacy programs at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. The Osteopathic Medical Board of California, a consumer protection board within the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses and regulates osteopathic physicians and surgeons while advancing patient safety. The appointment does not require Senate confirmation. Read the governor’s announ cement .

SAN DIEGO (October 16, 2025) – University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Children’s Advocacy Institute’s (CAI) Executive Director and Fellmeth-Peterson Associate Professor in Child Rights Jessica Heldman, was quoted in a story in The Washington Times titled, “Gavin Newsom vetoes Calfornia bill allowing social-media companies to be sued for users’ threats.” 

SAN DIEGO (October 7, 2025) - The University of San Diego (USD) Roy L. Brooks Distinguished Lecture Series was established in response to the social unrest of 2020 and calls from students, alumni, staff and faculty to actively take a stand against anti-Black sentiment. Specifically, the 2020 Black Faculty letter asked for the establishment of an annual lecture series that would bring an African American scholar to campus. The lecture series honors the remarkable career of  Warren Distinguished Professor of Law Roy L. Brooks . Professor Brooks is a long-standing member of the USD School of Law community; an award-winning scholar; a prolific author of original scholarship; and a distinguished member of the legal profession and community. Please join us on Wednesday, October 22, for this year's Roy L. Brooks Distinguished Lecture Series featuring Professor Brooks himself, as he prepares to retire after 47 years of teaching. The Library of Congress recognizes Professor Brooks as a distinguished scholar both in the United States and internationally. He is published by prestigious presses, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cambridge, the University of California, and NYU. His books span various genres, including monographs, casebooks, textbooks, and even an anthology. Twenty of his books are held by 4,457 libraries, academic institutions, and learned societies worldwide. During his talk, titled "Living Memoir: Roy L. Brooks," he will discuss his life and legacy of scholarship, as well as highlight several prominent themes within his literary works that have significantly influenced analyses of social justice, legal theory, and democratic theory. Professor Brooks will share how his innovative perspectives are deeply rooted in his personal life experiences, including the racially diverse middle-class neighborhood in which he was raised not far from his alma mater, Yale University. In honor of Professor Brooks—an unwavering champion for civil rights, human dignity, and the pursuit of justice—we invite you to support the Roy L. Brooks Fund for Social Justice. For decades, Professor Brooks has challenged minds and inspired hearts through his fearless teaching and groundbreaking scholarship in Civil Rights, Jurisprudence, and Human Rights. This fund will carry forward his legacy at USD School of Law by supporting visiting scholars, speakers, and faculty who share his bold vision: that the rights of all people are not negotiable, but self-evident truths. Join us in ensuring that his work not only endures, but continues to spark change for generations to come. Support the Roy L. Brooks Fund for Social Justice . The event is open to all members of the campus community, the San Diego law community, and the general public. Registration is required . For questions or accommodation needs, please email Nicole Turner at nturner@sandiego.edu .

SAN DIEGO (October 2, 2025) - Congratulations to Robert Schapiro , Dean and C. Hugh Friedman Professor of Law at the University of San Diego (USD) School of Law, who was honored with the Howard Wayne Award by the American Constitution Society (ACS) San Diego Lawyer Chapter at its 2025 Annual Dinner on September 26. More than 100 members and friends gathered for the celebration, which recognized this year’s honorees—Dean Schapiro and Lorena Slomanson, recipient of the Roberto Alvarez Award—and featured keynote remarks from Ira Kurzban, renowned legal scholar and author of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook . The Howard Wayne Award is presented annually to an established leader whose work embodies the mission, vision, and core values of ACS and who contributes to building a vibrant, diverse legal community. The award is named in memory of Howard Wayne ’72 (JD), a USD Law alumnus, founding member of the ACS San Diego Chapter, and longtime champion of public service. Wayne, who passed away in November 2023, mentored generations of lawyers and students during his nearly 50-year career as a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice, California State Assemblymember, and member of the San Diego County Grand Jury. His legacy continues to inspire attorneys across San Diego and the national ACS network. The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy is the nation’s largest progressive legal network, uniting lawyers, judges, scholars, students, elected officials, and advocates committed to ensuring that the Constitution and the law work for all people. The ACS San Diego Lawyer Chapter hosts events highlighting the courts’ influence on both local and national issues.

SAN DIEGO (September 6, 2025) –  The University of San Diego (USD) recognized three highly respected members of the USD School of Law faculty with professorships for the 2025-2026 academic year during the annual Fall Convocation Ceremony. Professor of Law Michael Rappaport received the University Professorship, the highest academic honor bestowed university-wide at USD. University Professors are those who have demonstrated outstanding scholarly achievements in teaching and research supporting the mission and goals of the university. Professor Rappaport is the Hugh & Hazel Darling Professor of Law, and he is also the director of the Center for the Study of Constitutional Originalism. Professor Rappaport teaches Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. His research interests include originalism, administrative law, supermajority rules and the separation of powers.  Professor of Law Michelle D. Layser received the Herzog Endowed Scholar Award which recognizes the meritorious teaching and scholarly productivity of a professor in the School of Law. She joined the USD Law faculty in 2022, after four years as an assistant professor of law at the University of Illinois College of Law and two years as a research fellow at the Georgetown University Law Center. Major themes in Professor Layser’s research include the use of tax expenditures to subsidize urban development, and the effects of these expenditures on economic and social inequality.  Professor of Law Donald Dripps received The Class of 1975 Endowed Professorship, established by the Class of 1975 as its 25-year reunion gift to the Law School, recognizing meritorious teaching, leadership, and academic accomplishments of a School of Law professor. Professor Dripps is a Warren Distinguished Professor of Law and has been a faculty member since 2004. A leading scholar in criminal law and procedure, Professor Dripps brings decades of academic and professional experience to his role. His areas of expertise include federal courts, constitutional interpretation, criminal law and criminal procedure, constitutional law, administrative law, and evidence. View the Fall 2025 Convocation Program .

SAN DIEGO (August 8, 2025) ­­– University of San Diego (USD) School of Law is proud to announce that Herzog Research Professor of Law Dov Fox has been elected to the American Law Institute (ALI), among the highest honors in the legal profession. This distinction recognizes his contributions to legal scholarship and his commitment to improving the practice of law. “For decades, ALI reforms have made our laws more clear and more fair,” Professor Fox said of the honor. “What a privilege to join in that effort, thanks to support from my colleagues.” At USD, Professor Fox directs the Center for Health Law Policy & Bioethics and has been named professor of the year for both outstanding scholarship and teaching excellence.  Dean and C. Hugh Friedman Professor of Law Robert Schapiro remarked, “Dov’s election to this prestigious organization offers yet another recognition of the extraordinary excellence and impact of his scholarship. The ALI will benefit immensely from Dov’s insight and engagement, especially as it addresses cutting-edge issues relating to health law, bioethics, reproductive rights, and other areas of Dov’s scholarly expertise.” Professor Fox is the author of three books and more than eighty scholarly articles in the leading journals of law, science, medicine, and public health. He has also created award-winning investigative podcasts about bioethics, technology regulation, torts, criminal and family law. His research is credited with spurring judicial and legislative reforms across these fields.  For more information about Professor Fox's work and its impact, please visit his profiles on the ALI website and the USD School of Law's faculty page .

SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2025) – The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law is pleased to share the fifth annual Blue Brief , a faculty review of carefully selected rulings from the 2024-25 Term of the U.S. Supreme Court. USD has an extraordinarily distinguished law faculty who have shared their assessments of cases ranging across a variety of important topics including civil rights, freedom of speech, administrative law, religion in schools, and citizenship. This momentous Term highlighted continuing sharp divisions among the Justices. The Supreme Court showed deference to executive power with its rulings in Trump v. CASA and other emergency power cases, and it continued to define the contours of protections for marginalized groups in decisions such as United States v. Skrmetti and Mahmoud v. Taylor . Free speech in the digital age also came under scrutiny in cases including TikTok v. Garland and Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton . In addressing critical issues, the Justices often rely on the insights of our faculty, and this past Term was no exception. Professor Michael Ramsey’s work was cited by Justice Thomas in his concurrence in Fuld v. Palestine Liberation Organization and by Justice Sotomayor in her dissent in Trump v. CASA . We are very happy to share the insights of nine of our eminent faculty on these important Supreme Court decisions. We are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Court’s new Term on October 6, 2025, and we look forward to reporting back to you in the summer of 2026 with the latest developments.

SAN DIEGO (May 19, 2025) –  The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Legal Clinics is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Graduation Awards. Ten students and one professor were honored for their incredible contributions to the Legal Clinics at the ceremony. Graduates of the class of 2025 fulfilled an incredible 19,200+ hours of service at the Legal Clinics, estimated to be over $3.3 million in monetary value. Dean and C. Hugh Friedman Professor of Law Robert Schapiro lauded the Legal Clinics and its personnel, saying, “They continue to confront humanity’s challenges. Their work is truly a signature of legal excellence.” He and others also commended Professor Eric Austin, Interim Academic Director of the Legal Clinics, for his incredible leadership and support of the faculty, staff, and students.  Francesca Nevil received the Appellate Clinic award from Professors Michael Devitt and David Schlesinger. Professor Devitt described Nevil saying, “She is brilliant, thoughtful, kind, collaborative, analytical, hard-working, and sensitive. She’s in law school because she wants to make a difference.” Joshua Sarsfield received the Education and Disability Clinic award from Professor Margaret Adams. “He is exemplary in every single way. His research is amazing and speedy. He knows what he is doing and cares,” Professor Adams said of Sarsfield. Yi Zhou received the Entrepreneurship Clinic award from Professor Sebastian Lucier, who said, “Zhou is curious and does not give up till she gets the right answer, and she wants to understand why it is right. She made the most of this clinic. Her attitude will take her far to becoming a successful practitioner.” Javier Partida received the Federal Tax Clinic award from Professor Richard Carpenter. Partida spent three semesters at the clinic and worked over 350 hours. Professor Carpenter remarked, “He is not afraid of the IRS, which is a powerful institution. He has no fear or hesitation which is why gets the very best result for his clients.” Itzelth Gamboa received the Housing Rights Clinic award from Professor Alysson Snow, who commented, “Gamboa felt the weight of her clients’ lives in her heart. Upon beginning at the clinic, she was daunted by the pressure of the clinic and the responsibility, but she overcame it and fought for her clients’ rights.” Francesca Nevil also received the Immigration Clinic award from Professor Tammy Lin, who reiterated what Professor Devitt had said and added, “Nevil does not take light cases and represents clients who are in vulnerable positions. She is well-known throughout immigration clinics.” Michael Lim received the State Income Tax Clinic award from Professor Mengjun He, who said, “Lim’s dedication and passion were especially evident during an oral hearing before the Office of Tax Appeals, where he zealously advocated on behalf of his client. His meticulous attention to detail, strong legal research and preparation skills, and compassionate approach truly stood out.” Joseph Wilhardt received the State Sales & Use Clinic award from Professor Michael Larkin, who commented, “Wilhardt does great work, is really smart, and always shows up. He did everything that was asked of him, and he truly deserves and earned this award. Gabriel Purpura received the Veterans Clinic award from Professor Allison Brown. “Purpura deeply believes in community service and making the world a better place than he found it,” said Professor Brown. She commented, “He gave up time on his breaks to come in and represent clients, including preparing a Veteran marine and his wife for their court date.” Cassidy Perez received the Women’s Clinic award from Professor Meredith Levin. Contributing the most pro bono hours of any student, with more than 600 hours, Perez was praised by Professor Levin who said, “Her strength is working with her clients, who say she is excellent to work with. To know her is to love her.” Tereza Abelian received the Workers’ Rights Clinic award from Professor Maria Tapia-Hernandez. In the face of several challenges, Abelian was excited to be in the clinic. Professor Tapia-Hernandez said, “Abelian has a passion to help workers. She is client-centered and always wanted to do more for her clients and the clinic. A client wrote, ‘She has empathy, care, and professionalism. She is a great attorney in the making.’” Professor Joe Villaseñor presented Professor Allen Gruber with the Outstanding Service Award. Professor Gruber has given over 34 years of service and taught hundreds of students; he has been a mentor and an advocate for his students, putting them on the path to success. Professor Villaseñor said, “He has improved the practice of law. Students call him up and continue to look for his guidance and support.” Professor Gruber remarked, “I’ve been practicing since 1970, and teaching here at USD has been the best part of my career.”

SAN DIEGO  (May 6, 2025) - The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law is proud to share that Professor Natalie Jacewicz has been selected to present her article, Crafting a New Conservationism , at the Harvard/Stanford/Yale Junior Faculty Forum — a highly selective academic workshop for early-career legal scholars. Professor Jacewicz is one of 15 legal scholars from law schools around the country who were selected through a double-blind selection process to present a scholarly article to faculty members and guests from Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, and receive feedback on the work.  Her article, forthcoming in the California Law Review , argues for a new vision of environmental law — one that moves beyond conserving natural resources and incorporates the interests of individual wild animals. By rethinking how conservation laws are designed and applied, the paper offers a more inclusive and responsive framework for modern environmental challenges. This is a major honor for both Professor Jacewicz and the USD Law community. She is the first USD Law faculty member to be selected for the forum since 2014. Professor Jacewicz remarked, "It's a thrill to have a paper selected for this conference, and I look forward to the feedback I'll receive at the forum. I'm deeply appreciative of my colleagues at USD, who are so supportive of junior scholarship at all stages of development. By contrast, the local sea lions have been no help at all."  Professor Jacewicz joined USD Law in 2024. She teaches and writes in the areas of environmental and administrative law. Prior to joining USD, Professor Jacewicz was a Furman Academic Fellow at NYU School of Law. She also worked on environmental policy and appellate litigation as a Legal Fellow at the Institute for Policy Integrity and clerked for the Honorable Judge Randolph D. Moss of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the Honorable Judge David S. Tatel of the D.C. Circuit.

SAN DIEGO (April 29, 2025) -  Nestled in the eastern Himalayas between China and India, Bhutan is a small, landlocked kingdom renowned for its stunning natural beauty and deep-rooted cultural heritage. Often referred to as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" ("Druk Yul"), the dragon appears on the national flag. Bhutan boasts dramatic landscapes ranging from lush subtropical plains to steep, snow-capped mountains. Its commitment to preserving tradition is reflected in the country's unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which prioritizes spiritual and environmental well-being over economic growth. With its ancient monasteries, vibrant festivals, and strong sense of national identity, Bhutan offers a rare glimpse into a way of life where culture and nature exist in harmony. In recent decades, Bhutan has undergone significant political and economic transformations. Transitioning from an absolute monarchy, the nation adopted a constitutional monarchy in 2008, introducing parliamentary democracy. Bhutan also faces contemporary challenges, including rising youth unemployment and increased emigration. In April, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law Orly Lobel was invited to Bhutan’s only law school, JSW Law - in English forming the acronym Justice Service Wisdom. It was established through a Royal Charter on February 21, 2015, by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as a gift to the people of Bhutan. The King appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck as the Founding President of Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law by Royal Decree in 2017 . The core objective of the law school is to provide legal education, facilitate research in law and related fields, promote cultural enrichment and continue traditional values.  While at the law school, Professor Lobel toured the campus with Research Dean Professor Sonam Tshering and delivered a lecture based on her latest book The Equality Machine: Harnessing Digital Technology for a Brighter, More Inclusive Future (PublicAffairs). The book has been named an Economist Best Book of the Year and has been translated into foreign languages, including most recently into Chinese. The book describes the opportunities alongside risks that AI and digital technology can bring and provides a rich and fascinating blueprint for how to best design and leverage technologies of our future for the well-being of all, including in health, work, education, justice and democracy. Professor Lobel discussed how these insights are particularly important when considering smaller countries with scarce resources like Bhutan. For example, she discussed with the law faculty and students an initiative that Bhutan is developing, with Japanese technology, called BuddhaBot , which uses LLM chat bot to help spread knowledge about buddhism.  During her visit, she also had the opportunity to meet with various dignitaries including the former Minister of Health, Dechen Wangmo, who served as the minister during the COVID pandemic. Bhutan faces the challenge of increasing the number of doctors and health care professionals to match the World Health Organization rate per capita standards. This aligns with the research in her book The Equality Machine of how AI can help tackle access to health and medicine, as well as justice and education particularly for developing countries. She also met with Jacques von Benecke who serves as the Group Chief Technology Officer for Druk Holdings & Investment and the Chief Technology Officer for the Bhutan National Digital Identity company. Mr von Benecke consults for the Government as a member of the Bhutan Government Technology Commission, the Bhutan representative of the ITU - Government Consultative Committee (GCC), and the Bhutan Government Liaison for Ayra. Professor Lobel discussed with him the recent development in Bhutan’s digital transformation and how research on human-machine trust and responsible AI can help facilitate these important processes.  “It was a great honor to visit this beautiful country and its wonderful people. I enjoyed learning about Bhutan’s significant environmental and cultural preservation efforts alongside its fast moving technological development, together carving a path to support individual flourishing and economic growth. The faculty and students were greatly insightful and inspiring. I also had an amazing time hiking Tiger’s Nest Monastery, an awe-inspiring climb, exploring the capital city of Thimphu and the serene town of Paro, where I was fortunate to attend the vibrant Paro Tshechu festival—an unforgettable celebration of Bhutanese culture, music, and masked dances set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.”

SAN DIEGO (April 17, 2025) - The San Diego County Bar Association has selected University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Professors David Brennan ‘03 (LLM) and Robert Fellmeth to be honored with a 2025 San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) Service Award for Service to the Legal Community. This award recognizes outstanding long-term or significant contributions that further the goals of the legal profession and promote ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the practice of law through legal education, civics education, mentoring, or service to the SDCBA or the legal community.  Professor Brennan has built a distinguished career, defined by his deep expertise and extensive contributions to both law and education. Before joining the USD School of Law faculty, he was an Associate Professor at Western State University College of Law, where he also directed the Civil-Judicial-Appellate Externship and coordinated Moot Court Competitions. His career as a civil litigator spanned over thirty years in both state and federal courts, where he tried dozens of civil cases. Additionally, he founded and led two law firms and later served as Of Counsel for several litigation firms in Southern California.  His teaching contributions span subjects such as International Law (Public and Private), Civil Litigation, Mediation & International Commercial Arbitration, and Professional Responsibility. He has been instrumental in mentoring generations of students at USD Law. He is the long-time faculty advisor and coach of USD Law's Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (VICAM) team. He coaches VICAM members in competitions in the areas of international commercial law and arbitration in Vienna and Hong Kong, fostering legal writing, international arbitration, and oral advocacy skills among his students.  Price Professor of Public Interest Law and Executive Director for the Centers for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Professor Fellmeth has dedicated the entirety of his long and distinguished career to public service. While at Harvard Law School, he became one of the original “Nader’s Raiders,” working as part of the consumer movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with consumer advocate Ralph Nader. His work greatly contributed to the early consumer movement in the 1970s, including the enactment of several consumer safety and environmental statutes of this period. Retiring in 2025, Professor Fellmeth has had a 47-year career at the USD School of Law and created CPIL, which includes three nationally renowned centers and institutes: the Consumer Protection Policy Center, the Children’s Advocacy Institute, and the Energy Policy Initiatives Center. He has raised millions of dollars to support CPIL; chaired the boards of leading national nonprofit organizations; and engaged in landmark litigation, regulatory reform, and legislative advocacy to protect consumers and children. His accomplishments, passion, and dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community are indeed worthy of this award. The awards celebrate the contributions and commitment of distinguished individuals and organizations serving both the San Diego legal community and the public. Award winners will be recognized at the SDCBA's Annual Awards Ceremony & Celebration of Community Service on Thursday, May 15 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. USD School of Law congratulates Professors Brennan and Fellmeth on this recognition. Their contributions have strengthened the foundation of our legal system and enriched the broader community.