Fiske Legal Series
The Fiske Legal Series was established in 2021 to help SDSU students interested in law have more access to real professionals in the field. It was important to John and Courtney Fiske to help in demystifying the legal profession and fostering a robust network of San Diego's legal experts. This series brings together SDSU alumni who have excelled in the legal field to engage in intimate and insightful panel discussions. These discussions aim to provide valuable insights, share experiences, and build connections within the legal community.
The Fiske Legal Series creates an environment where participants can interact with our esteemed panelists on a personal level. The intimate setting and networking opportunities allow for meaningful conversations and the opportunity to interact directly with the panelists and legal alumni. This personal connection facilitates mentorship, guidance, and the cultivation of a supportive network within the San Diego legal community.
Panels will feature accomplished SDSU alumni and legal community members who have made significant strides in their legal careers. From seasoned attorneys to public officials to esteemed judges; each panelist brings a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge to the table. Our discussions can cover a wide range of legal topics, including different practice career paths to attending law school, along with challenges faced and success stories. Whether you're a pre-law student, an upcoming graduate, or an alumnus legal professional, this event offers something for everyone.
Our discussions go beyond just demystifying lawyers; the panels will inspire, educate,
and empower aspiring legal professionals. By showcasing the achievements of SDSU alumni,
we demonstrate the possibilities and potential that lie within the legal field. We
believe that every individual with a passion for law deserves the opportunity to connect
with experienced professionals and gain insights that can shape their career journeys.
Fiske Legal Series at SDSU Gives Students Insight Into the Law Profession
Aspiring law students have an opportunity to meet law professionals to learn about career pathways thanks to alumnus John Fiske
When John Fiske (‘04) decided he wanted to go to law school in the fall of 2003, he had minimal understanding of what lay ahead for him.
A political science student, Fiske won a spot in the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program to study for two weeks with Leon Panetta and other CSU awardees at CSU Monterey. It was there that Panetta told students, “Go to law school, you’ll learn to think properly.”
Join us at the Fiske Legal Series to be a part of these engaging discussions, broaden your knowledge of the legal profession, and expand your network of San Diego legal experts. Together, we can foster a community that thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.
Stay tuned for our upcoming events via this website. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with successful SDSU alumni who are making a difference in the legal field. Let's demystify lawyers and build a strong network of legal professionals in San Diego!
We look forward to seeing you at the next Fiske Legal Series!
Alumni Panel Discussion and Networking Event
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
6 p.m.
SDSU Experimental Theatre
Please join fellow pre-law students, SDSU alumni and the campus community to welcome three expert legal graduates back to campus for a formative discussion on “Aspirational Lawyering Today.”
Panelists Vic Bianchini (Political Science ’60) and Judge Devon Lomayesva (History ’94) are excited to share their unique career stories and keys to their success. Moderator and event sponsor John Fiske (Political Science ’04) will facilitate a conversation with valuable insights for both current and aspiring attorneys.
Moderator: John Fiske (‘04), Partner, Baron & Budd Environmental (Public Entity as Plaintiff) Expert
Panelist: Vic Bianchini (‘60) Retired State of California Superior Court Judge and a retired, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Panelist: Judge Devon Lomayesva (‘94) Chief Judge of the Intertribal Court of Southern California
Light refreshment provided during networking.
What is Law School Really Like?
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Join us for a conversation with members from the SDSU Alumni PreLaw Board who attended law school. Topics covered include what to expect in law school, tips for thriving academically and personally, and how to find a job post-law school.
Jon Davidi (SDSU, 2015)
Trial Attorney
Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP
Kerri N. Kramer (SDSU, 2013)
Employment Attorney
Kring & Chung LLP
Jeffrey D. Light (SDSU, 1987)
Business Development Director
A.B. Data
Lawyering Today
Pre-Law Society Networking Event and Panel Discussion
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
A special SDSU Legal Conversation featuring legal experts (and SDSU alumni) sharing their unique career stories and keys to their success, leading to a formative discussion.
Moderator | John Fiske (Political Science ’04)
Partner, Baron & Budd
Environmental (Public Entity as Plaintiff) Expert
Panelist | Jennifer Stone (English ’96)
Sr. Deputy County Counsel, Office of County Counsel, County of San Diego Office
Panelist | Rodney Cruz Pizarro (Sociology ’03)
Lead Counsel
Airbnb Host Community
There is a wealth of resources and information for students interested in the legal field.
Upcoming Event
Fiske Legal Series Presents: California Attorney General, Rob Bonta
Thursday, April 10 | 5-8 p.m.
Parma Payne Goodall Center
Pre-law students, SDSU alumni, and the campus community welcome California Attorney General Rob Bonta to campus for a formative discussion on navigating a career in the legal field.
Moderator: John Fiske (‘04) Partner, Baron & Budd Environmental (Public Entity as Plaintiff) Expert
Event Schedule
5 p.m. | Legal Showcase, featuring law schools, local law firms, and SDSU student law organizations
6 p.m. | Discussion with California Attorney General Rob Bonta
7 p.m. | Networking with light refreshments
About Rob Bonta
On April 23, 2021, Rob Bonta was sworn in as the 34th Attorney General of the State of California, the first person of Filipino descent and the second Asian-American to occupy the position. Attorney General Bonta's passion for justice and fairness was instilled in him by his parents, who served on the frontlines of some of America's most important social justice movements. It's why he decided to become a lawyer — to help right historic wrongs and fight for people who have been harmed. He worked his way through college and graduated with honors from Yale University and attended Yale Law School.
Attorney General Bonta has led statewide fights for racial, economic, and environmental justice and worked to further the rights of immigrant families, renters, and working Californians. He previously worked as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, where he represented the City and County and its employees, and fought to protect Californians from exploitation and racial profiling. He went on to pursue elected office in Alameda County, first as an Alameda Council Member and later as an Assemblymember representing Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro. In the State Assembly, Attorney General Bonta enacted nation-leading reforms to inject more justice and fairness into government and institutions.
As the People's Attorney, he sees seeking accountability from those who abuse their power and harm others as one of the most important functions of the job. He is married to Mia Bonta, and they are the proud parents of three children Reina, Iliana, and Andres, as well as their dog Legolas.
