CWSL Alumna Mandy Tovar ‘03 Appointed Judge
California Western School of Law (CWSL) is proud to proud to announce that California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Mandy Tovar ‘03 to serve as Judge in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.
Tovar has served in multiple roles in the Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office since 2022, including Deputy Public Defender and Training, Equity, and Development Director. She was a Trial Lawyer at Biggam, Christensen & Minsloff from 2005 to 2022. Tovar was a Deputy Public Defender at the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office from 2004 to 2005. Tovar received a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Timothy R. Volkmann.
About California Western School of Law
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.