Dean's Welcome Message

Dean Elizabeth Rindskopf ParkerA Message From Dean Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker

Welcome to the Pacific McGeorge web site! I am delighted to share the excitement and pride each of us enjoys in being a part of this special law school community – no matter our role.

I think you will quickly learn why Pacific McGeorge is considered one of the finest teaching institutions in the United States: our faculty cares. 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 working with real clients in our many on-campus clinics or interning in countless governmental, legislative, and judicial positions here in Sacramento and beyond. Our Advocacy program offers our students the opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Discover why our Trial Advocacy program was recently rated Best in the West and among the top programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

You'll 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.

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 or any other of the exchange opportunities at Pacific McGeorge.

At Pacific McGeorge you will form life-long friendships and create your professional network of colleagues. They will support you – here in law school and throughout your professional career. Like you, they are carefully selected for their accomplishments, abilities, and background. Law school is a collaborative environment, and those who thrive have learned to work well with others and make time to form professional friendships that provide a lifetime of pleasure and support.

When I began at Pacific McGeorge, I worked to "inventory" the Pacific McGeorge community and I have been amazed at what I have learned. To capture the activities and energy of the place, I employed multiple strategies: holding "town hall" sessions with our superb staff, traveling to a large number of alumni functions, and speaking to any number of professional groups. The most helpful thing, however, has been living right here on campus, something my husband Bob and I decided to do in order to gain first-hand exposure to the Pacific McGeorge community. As a result we've had countless opportunities to meet students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Sacramento community that surround us as they attend classes, sponsor events, host conferences and talks and "show off" Pacific McGeorge to others.

By now, I think I have a good sense of Pacific McGeorge. And I've concluded that our school has even more potential today than I imagined upon becoming dean in late 2002! In short, Pacific McGeorge is becoming a leader in legal education, characterized by inspired teaching, relevant scholarship and selfless service for bench, bar and community.

As the luckiest dean in the nation, I look forward to working with you!

And a last word: if you don't find it here, ask us. The entire University of Pacific McGeorge community is here to ensure that you become the well-trained, effective, and ethical professional needed in today's world.

Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker
Dean