Dean's Letter
Welcome to the University of the Pacific and McGeorge!
I look forward to personally sharing in the excitement and pride each of us enjoys in being a part of this special law school community - no matter what our role. In the days to come, you will experience one of the most wonderful aspects of Pacific McGeorge: its outstanding faculty and dedicated staff.
Both are well known for the educational experience they create and foster. I think you will quickly learn why Pacific McGeorge is considered one of the finest teaching institutions in the United States: our faculty cares. Take time to meet and get to know them individually - you won't be disappointed! Their willingness to become personally involved in your legal education, both now and in the future, distinguishes Pacific McGeorge. It's the best reason to begin your legal career here.
Even so, a fine legal education only begins in the classroom. Be sure to investigate the opportunities Pacific McGeorge offers for involvement in actual legal practice - whether serving as interns in countless governmental, legislative and judicial positions here in Sacramento and beyond as part of our off campus field placement program or working with real clients in our many on-campus clinics.
You'll also find that Sacramento, located in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, is a vibrant and engaged community. Whether your interest is professional sports, jazz, high culture or outdoor activities, the Sacramento region is truly a "gold mine." It is also the ideal place to study state and local government, as you will learn at our Capital Center for Government Law and Policy. Closer to campus, there are many ways you can make a difference by participating in any number of community partnerships.
But don't limit yourself to Northern California. Pacific McGeorge is justly renowned for its many remarkable international programs. Plan now to include time for academic work that will stretch your skills, knowledge and imagination by introducing you to other legal systems, whether in U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy's annual Salzburg summer program, our co-sponsored summer programs in China, England and Russia, or any other of the many exchange opportunities offered at Pacific McGeorge. And whether or not you take the time yourself to study abroad, do not fail to get to know the over 50 international students who join us each year, along with an impressive number of international faculty. They'll bring the world to you.
And in that vein, look around you at all of the colleagues with whom you will share law school and your professional career. Like you, they have been carefully selected for their accomplishments, abilities and backgrounds. It has been said that law school is a competitive environment, but those who truly thrive learn to work well with others and make time to form professional friendships that will provide a lifetime of pleasure and support. Get to know them for the professional and personal benefits such friendships will bring in your career.
Finally, a last word: if you don't find it here, ask me. Like the entire Pacific McGeorge community, I want to personally ensure that you become the well-trained, effective and ethical professional and leader that our world needs and for which Pacific McGeorge is justly proud.
Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker
Dean, The University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law