CWSL Celebrates 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awardees

On September 20, 2024, California Western School of Law (CWSL) hosted its annual Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards were given to four individuals excelling in their fields: The Honorable Tila Nunn-Miller ’10, Geneviéve Jones-Wright ’05, Mark Simpliciano ’19, and Professor William Aceves.

The Honorable Tila Nunn-Miller ’10 received the Distinguished Judicial Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have made significant contributions through their service as judges. This award recognizes their dedication to justice, leadership in the judiciary, and lasting impact on the legal community. 

Judge Nunn-Miller currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge at the State Hearings Division of the California Department of Social Services. She also mentors new judges and trains judges statewide in public benefits law. Reflecting on her role, she shared, “I want to make sure that judges feel supported, that my colleagues feel supported, and that the parties that appear before me feel heard, and that they feel that I’m making full and fair decisions for them.”

Speaking about her decision to attend California Western, Judge Nunn-Miller noted, “I wanted to go to a law school where I would really have the skills to hit the ground running when I graduated.” She credits her success to CWSL’s emphasis on practical skills and hands-on training, including her internship with San Diego’s Volunteer Lawyer Program, where she provided pro bono HIV/AIDS legal services. Judge Nunn-Miller expressed gratitude for the personal connections she formed with CWSL professors and staff, who she felt were genuinely invested in students’ lives. Reflecting on her success, she has since given back by supervising student interns during her time at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. “It’s a real honor,” Judge Nunn-Miller said of receiving the Distinguished Judicial Alumni Award. “I am just so thrilled that I went to this school.”

Geneviéve Jones-Wright ’05 received the Distinguished Practitioner Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession through their practice. This award recognizes their excellence in legal service and commitment to client advocacy.

Geneviéve is the Founding Executive Director of Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) and a former San Diego County public defender. Inspired by learning about Justice Thurgood Marshall in the fourth grade, she decided that she “was going to use the law to make our world better.” As the first person in her family to attend college and become a lawyer, she shared, “This award is very special to me because I talk a lot about Cal Western and how you should be creative with the use of the law, and that's what I do every single day at my impact litigation organization.” After receiving her J.D. from Howard University, Geneviéve pursued an L.L.M. in Federal Criminal Defense at CWSL, where she honed her trial advocacy skills. “I’m completely confident in being able to navigate different jurisdictions because of what I learned,” she said. “And I’m adhering to the values instilled in me at Cal Western.”

“I want to leave a legacy of service,” Geneviéve emphasized. She has been a mentor to CWSL students since graduating, volunteering with the California Western Innocence and Justice Clinic and the Community Law Project. She also organizes a speed mentoring event co-hosted by CWSL and the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association each year. Looking forward, she plans to continue giving back to the CWSL community, saying, “California Western really understands what students need as they navigate law school and become lawyers who make real change.”

Mark Simpliciano ’19 received the Rising Star Award, which recognizes alumni who have graduated within the past ten years and have already made a significant impact in the legal field. This award celebrates their early promise and leadership potential.

Mark is an Associate Attorney at Garcia Hong Law and is motivated by a desire to support the communities that shaped him, including the Filipino-American and LGBTQ+ communities. “I was shaped to be an advocate for those who seek justice and further equality. And throughout my career, I’ve been able to do that—whether for individuals, small businesses, or communities,” he said. Winning this award is especially meaningful to Mark, as his early years after graduation were marked by challenges, including taking the bar exam during the pandemic and the loss of his father. “I learned through adversity,” he shared. “Remembering my ‘why’—to advocate for someone—has fueled my passion to excel in this profession.” Mark has remained close to the CWSL community, providing mentorship and networking opportunities through his leadership roles in Affinity Bar Associations and as Co-President of the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association. “Giving back to Cal Western students has been very meaningful in my career,” he noted.

Professor William J. Aceves received the California Western School of Law Legacy Award, the highest accolade the school bestows. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to California Western through their service, philanthropy, and leadership.
Professor Aceves is CWSL’s Chief Justice Roger Traynor Professor of Law, and he is one of the school’s foremost experts on civil rights, human rights, and international law. A renowned scholar, he has worked with several civil rights and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the ACLU, serving as amicus curiae counsel in cases before federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Since joining the faculty in 1998, Professor Aceves has contributed to CWSL in numerous ways. In addition to teaching, he has served as Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, faculty advisor for student groups, and coach for the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team, leading students to success against top law schools worldwide. He also holds the distinction of being California Western’s most consistent donor, having made 450 contributions in his 26 years as a professor.

“What motivates me to work at California Western, what motivates me to contribute to California Western, is my belief in this community,” said Professor Aceves. “This school has been in existence for 100 years, and that means something. It’s a reflection of the people who work here and being a part of that is an honor. Whether it's in the classroom, donating to this institution, or celebrating my colleagues, my students, or our alumni, I feel privileged to make that contribution.”

Congratulations to The Honorable Tila Nunn-Miller, Geneviéve Jones-Wright, Mark Simpliciano, and Professor William Aceves on their well-deserved recognition. Their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the legal field continue to inspire the entire California Western community.