Public Law Section Forges Partnerships with California Law Schools to Initiate Panel Receptions with Public Officials and Practitioners

By John M. Applebaum*

Beginning in April and extending through October 2014, the Public Law Section initiated an exciting new partnership with California law schools, bringing together high-ranking prosecutors, public defenders, city attorneys, county counsels, and civil practitioners to discuss their careers, the benefits of public service, pointers in seeking public employment, as well as general guidance in pursuing such careers. Students learned how these top practitioners got their start, the challenges they overcame, and the experience they look for when hiring, including what students should avoid when seeking public-service related employment. These practitioners shared practical insights with the students not available in a book, based on real life experiences. Students then asked follow-up questions and met the panelists afterwards. Law students from area law schools were all invited to participate.

Orange County: The program rolled out on April 2, 2014, in Orange County at U.C. Irvine School of Law where Dean Chemerinsky moderated a panel that included Orange County D.A. Tony Rackauckas, Orange County Public Defender Frank Ospino, Chief Asst. U.S. Attorney Denise Willett, Senior Rutan & Tucker Partner Bill Marticorena, and Best, Best & Krieger Of Counsel Cristina Talley.

Sacramento/Davis: This was followed on September 25, 2014, at U.C. Davis School of Law, where Asst. Dean Craig Compton moderated a panel featuring U.S. Attorney Ben Wagner, Sacramento D.A. Jan Scully, Sacramento City Attorney James Sanchez, Best, Best & Krieger Partner Kara Ueda, and Rutan & Tucker Senior Partner Bill Marticorena.