Advancement

Dean Erwin Chemerinsky taught his own CLE course recapping the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 2021-22 term, and held a town hall meeting to hear from our graduates.

APALSA-affiliated students and members of the Berkeley Law Asian American Alumni Association were active in the long process of responding to the discovery of the racist anti-Chinese writings of John Henry Boalt. John Kuo ’88 says the group reflected on the three years since their last meeting and the impactful work of Quyen Ta ’03 and the Alliance for Asian American Justice, as well as the school’s efforts to split from Boalt’s legacy.

“There’s still much to be done, but reconnecting with old friends in person and the camaraderie of our shared alumni experience buoyed us all,” he says. — Gwyneth K. Shaw

To give back, and help current and future students enjoy some of the benefits they shared, the committee members decided on funding a class scholarship. Pledges exceed $360,000 so far, including a seed gift from King and substantial pledges from other members. Any Berkeley Law student with a demonstrated financial need will be eligible for the aid.

King says he’s long felt moved to give because of Berkeley Law’s public mission, diversity, and the “transformative impact” it had on him. He fondly remembers the influence of Professor Melvin Eisenberg, and the many great interactions with other students, from intellectually vibrant discussions over finer points of the law to joking around over a Zachary’s pizza.

“Our tuition was probably the best ROI I ever made and it feels only right to give back,” King says. “More financial aid and scholarships are required to allow Berkeley Law to continue to fulfill its public mission, and our gifts can play an impactful role.”

Classmate Dana Shilling Rieger agrees. She remembers how the class learned during orientation it had the highest percentage of women students in school history. Three years packed with a rewarding variety of classes and activities “gave me the confidence to think I could do a number of different things with my degree, and I have!” says Rieger, whose experiences include time as a labor and employment litigator to commercial real estate and trust transactions, along with pro bono work as a patient advocate and as a board member of her children’s public schools.

“Thirty-five years is a long time from graduation,” she says. “Participating in this fund seemed a way to say Berkeley Law is still relevant to my life.”

Dean of Admissions Kristin Theis-Alvarez says supporting financial aid programs is one of the most impactful ways alumni can help the school. In the last several years, Berkeley Law has maintained both need- and merit-based aid, growing its number of scholarship programs.

“Our alumni community is an integral part of the network that attracts, recruits, and supports students,” she says. “These are now signature initiatives, and they are in large part how we’ve maintained both excellence and access.”

Donations of all sizes matter, Rieger notes, helping to build the tradition of public school alumni giving — and to improve lives.

“It would be wonderful if all students were able to choose careers that are personally and professionally rewarding, even if those choices might not be as lucrative as others,” she says. “If we can, let’s help mitigate crushing student debt for Berkeley Law students.” — Gwyneth K. Shaw

The partner in charge of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo’s main office in Cerritos, Calif., Rodriguez Moisa has increased her activity with the school since serving on her 30-year reunion committee last year.

“I had tons of fun reconnecting with my fellow classmates,” she says. “I’m inspired by what they have accomplished.”

Named a Super Lawyer by Southern California Super Lawyers magazine every year since 2004, Rodriguez Moisa believes Berkeley Law graduates “are the most interesting, innovative and community-oriented alumni of all law schools across the country … I wanted to work with this talented and diverse group.”

A litigation associate at O’Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles, Ickowitz co-founded Berkeley Law’s first regional alumni chapter there and has spearheaded many community-building events.

“Reminding alumni about how Berkeley Law can still impact their lives, and how they can still impact Berkeley Law, is most rewarding,” says Ickowitz, who has participated in mock and real interviews of students, informally mentored some at his firm, and promoted fundraising campaigns. “As government funding continues to dwindle, instilling the importance of alumni giving becomes more and more important to sustaining the law school.”

Serving on the alumni association board is a natural fit for Ickowitz, who was co-president of the Student Association at Berkeley Law and received the school’s Student Service Award.

“Alumni engagement is more than just a line on a bio,” he says. “It keeps Berkeley Law as a core part of our alumni’s lives.”

Staley-Ngomo, recruited to join the board by friend and classmate Monique Liburd ’08 and fellow Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo Garcia ’95, remained closely involved with the school while living in the Bay Area for two years after graduating. She attended Admitted Students Weekend and Alumni Reunion events, stayed connected with Law Students of African Descent, and was a panelist during For People of Color’s law school seminars.

Now, Staley-Ngomo welcomes a new chance to help chart Berkeley Law’s future.

“It’s important to be an engaged alum for mentoring, networking, and fundraising purposes,” she says. “Current law students depend on alumni to serve as mentors as they navigate the legal field. And the school needs financial support in order to implement plans, recruit stellar professors, and continue offering amazing courses, clinics, and events.”

As for the top priorities, the newcomers sound similar notes: “Recruiting the best and the brightest,” Rodriguez Moisa says, “and raising enough funds to keep our premier law school affordable so that our graduates can pursue the legal career of their choice.” — Andrew Cohen