2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Please join California Western School of Law in celebrating the recipients of this year's Distinguished Alumni Awards:

Distinguished Judicial Alumni Award

Honors alumni who have significantly contributed to the legal field through their service as judges. This award recognizes excellence in judicial leadership, dedication to justice, and lasting impact on the legal community. 

Justice Judith Haller '75 

Associate Justice, Fourth District California Court of Appeal (Ret.) 

Judge Michael Washington '94

Judge, San Diego Superior Court 

Distinguished Practitioner Award

Celebrates alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in legal practice. Nominees should exemplify excellence in client advocacy, professional integrity, and meaningful contributions to the legal profession. 

Anne Bautista '97

Director of Legal Support and Strategy, Casa Cornelia

Monica Lopez Reinmiller '98

Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President of Legal, Panasonic North America 

Janice Walshok '08

Shareholder, Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin 

Rising Star Award

Recognizes alumni who graduated within the past ten years and have demonstrated exceptional promise and early impact in the legal field. Honorees are emerging leaders shaping the future of the profession through innovative contributions and commitment to advancing the practice of law. 

Claudia Ignacio '18

CEO, CI Tax Law, Inc. 

Chris Lee '16

Founding Partner, Golshani Lee LLP

California Western Legacy Award

Awarded to an individual who has shown exceptional commitment to California Western through exemplary service and leadership. This award acknowledges extraordinary contributions that have left a legacy. 

Deborah Dixon '07

Founding Partner, The Dixon Firm 

Agustín Peña '12 

Deputy District Attorney, County of San Diego 

Dean's Courage Award

 

Michael Lasso '23

Judicial Law Clerk, Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada