Western State is renowned for fostering a collaborative and family-oriented atmosphere that has drawn numerous families to choose this esteemed institution for their legal education. We are excited to share inspiring stories of families who have established enduring legacies at our law school, with multiple generations earning their J.D. from Western State.

Shelly Aronson (Class of 1982) was installed as president of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association on March 2nd at the 46th Annual Awards Gala.

Western State congratulates Shelly and wishes her the best of luck in her new leadership role.

Frank Darras (Class of 1986) has been recognized for the 19th consecutive year on Lawdragon's esteemed annual list of 500 Leading Lawyers in America. Additionally, he has also been named to their list of 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers.

The Hon. Thomas Garza (Class of 1985) was recently named Judicial Officer of the Year by the Western San Bernardino County Bar Association. He was honored earlier this month on March 6th at the 5th Annual Judicial Officer Awards Ceremony.

Congratulations, Judge Garza!

James A. Hayes, Jr. (Class of 1992) has been appointed to the California Lawyers Association Insolvency Law Committee for a 3 year term. This is a well-deserved recognition and a testament to his expertise in the field.

A longtime WSCL adjunct faculty member, Hayes has been assigned to the Education Subcommittee and will be organizing an annual program each year. We are excited to see his contributions over the next 3 years and wish him luck.

Pamela S. Liosi-Traut (Class of 1994, Hall of Fame) was installed as president of the Orange County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). The organization's mission is to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy.

Congratulations, Pamela! You make us #WesternStateProud!

Branden Lopez (Class of 2017) has been reappointed to the California Fraud Assessment Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom. He has served in this position since his first appointment in 2019.

Branden is the Executive Director for the Center for Contact Compliance and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Fair Contracting and Construction Industry Force Account Council.

Guillermo Tello (Class of 2011) has recently been honored as a 2024 Leader of Influence: Minority Attorney by the LA Business Journal. His dedication and success in the legal field are truly commendable.



Congratulations, Guillermo!

Eric V. Traut (Class of 1989, Hall of Fame) was recently named 2024 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the CAL-ABOTA Board of Directors. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in advocacy, a distinguished career, and uphold values of civility, ethics, and fair play.

Congratulations, Eric!

District Attorney George Marquez Shares Wisdom with WSCL Students

Government: Orange County District Attorney's Office

Audience: Recent Graduates & Alumni

Position: Deputy District Attorney I, II, III, IV

Apply to: County of Orange

Description: The District Attorney's Office has opportunities for Deputy District Attorney I, II, III, IVs who will be a positive influence in making Orange County a safe place to live by supporting the District Attorney's mission. Public safety and the administration of justice are universal concerns.