From USD Law to the Hall of Justice: 2026 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Inductees Michael Lasater ʼ73 (JD) and Lynne Lasry ʼ79 (JD)
The San Diego County Bar Foundation inducted two University of San Diego (USD) School of Law alumni into the Distinguished Lawyer Memorial on Wednesday, May 20, at the University Club Atop Symphony Towers. Michael E. Lasater ʼ73 (JD) and Lynne R. Lasry ʼ79 (JD) were among the 2026 inductees. USD School of Law was the Champagne Sponsor of the 2026 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Reception.
The Honorable Cynthia A. Bashant presented Michael’s induction, reflecting on his role as an elder statesman who was always ready to dispense advice or share a joke. Highlighting Michael's 50-year career as a prosecutor, Judge Bashant praised his excellent judgment, mentorship, humor, and generosity, as well as his deep devotion to his family.
Michael never turned down a request for guidance, creating an environment where those around him could learn, grow, and thrive. Michael met his wife, Judge Melinda Lasater, when they were students at the USD School of Law. Together, they raised two daughters and were blessed with multiple grandchildren. Throughout their lives, Michael took immense pride in Melinda’s many accomplishments.
Michael’s tribute video included testimonials from:
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Andrew Haden ʼ08 (JD), Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of California
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The Honorable Michelle Pettit, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Southern District of California
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The Honorable Francisco Sanchez, San Diego Superior Court
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Gary Schons ʼ72 (BA), ʼ76 (JD), Senior Assistant Attorney General (Ret.)
Briana Pendergrass ʼ10 (JD), a former fellow at Sandler Lasry Laube Byer & Valdez, presented Lynne’s induction with a moving tribute to her mentorship and inspiration. She praised Lynne as a leader who was confident without being arrogant, impactful without being overstated, and powerful without being performative.
Briana shared that Lynne’s grit, quiet charisma, and natural magnetism frequently made her the smartest person in the room. She endearingly referred to Lynne as her "fairy boss mother," a steadfast mentor for more than 15 years. Closing her remarks, Briana quoted the Honorable Chris Whitten ʼ91 (JD), of the Maricopa County Superior Court, who beautifully described Lynne as possessing a rare, invaluable combination of brilliance and steadiness.
Lynne’s tribute video included testimonials from:
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The Honorable Mitchell Dembin, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Southern District of California
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Adriana Ochoa ʼ08 (JD), Snell & Wilmer
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James Sandler ʼ75 (JD), Sandler Lasry Laube Byer & Valdez
The Distinguished Lawyer Memorial honors those who have demonstrated superior legal skills, high ethical standards and have additionally demonstrated outstanding dedication to the welfare of the community. The Memorial gives special and permanent recognition to those who spent their lives supporting the objectives of the San Diego County Bar Foundation: improving the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services and increasing public awareness of the legal system.
Inductees are celebrated at an annual reception and are recognized with a permanent plaque displayed in the Hall of Justice at the San Diego County Courthouse. Donations made to the Bar Foundation in the honorees' names help fund grant programs providing legal services to underprivileged and at-risk communities in San Diego.
About the School of Law
Each year, USD Law educates approximately 800 Juris Doctor and graduate law students from throughout the United States and around the world. The law school is best known for its offerings in the areas of business and corporate law, constitutional law, intellectual property, international and comparative law, public interest law and taxation.
USD School of Law is one of the 88 law schools elected to the Order of the Coif, a national honor society for law school graduates. The law school’s faculty is a strong group of outstanding scholars and teachers with national and international reputations and currently ranks 34th nationally among U.S. law faculties in scholarly impact and 35th nationally in past-year faculty downloads on the Social Sciences Research Network (SSRN). The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Founded in 1954, the law school is part of the University of San Diego, a private, independent, Roman Catholic university chartered in 1949.