CWSL Welcomes Chief Justice of California Patricia Guerrero in Honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month
Monday, September 15, 2025, California Western School of Law (CWSL) welcomed Chief Justice of California Patricia Guerrero for an address on the rule of law in honor of National Hispanic Heritage month which commences on September 15th because it honors the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. September 16th honors Independence Day for Mexico, and Chile celebrates their Independence Day on 18th.
Dean and President & Professor of Law Miriam H. Baer greeted the audience of over one hundred attendees, which included over twenty jurists and government officials, in addition to prominent alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
“Today is a testament to several things. First, the high regard in which so many of us hold our judiciary. Second, California Western’s mission and commitment to making our students practice-ready by exposing them not just to legal theory, but to practitioners highly skilled in the practice of law and who interact at the highest levels of government. Third, to the success and training of our graduates at the hands of our skilled and committed faculty,” said Dean Baer, praising Professors James M. Cooper and Laura Padilla who put the event together.
Chief Justice Guerrero was introduced to the group by San Diego Superior Court Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin ’98 who is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, and one of six children born and raised in San Jose, California. Judge McLaughlin currently presides over a Civil Independent Calendar Department for the San Diego Superior Court.
Judge McLaughlin stated the Chief Justice is “a leader whose career embodies the principles we hold dear in the legal profession, justice, fairness and a steadfast commitment to service.” She further went on to say, “The profound significance of Chief Justice Guerrero's appointment and her role in our justice system cannot be overstated. Her leadership has made her a role model for many, particularly for Latino youth who aspire to careers in the law and to make a difference in our society.”
Chief Justice Guerrero first joined the California Supreme Court as an associate justice in March 2022, making her the first Latina on the state’s high court. The Chief Justice is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and was born and raised in California’s Imperial Valley. During her remarks, she described the importance of family, strong community, and values. She noted that while her parents may not have used the words “the rule of law,” the messages her parents instilled in their children embodied the idea that in the United States, everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. The Chief Justice further emphasized the ideal that everyone has the same rights regardless of where they come from or how much money they have, and that those same fundamental ideals are the foundation of our legal system, and the rule of law. She commented that her family did not have much, yet they always helped other people and remembered what is important in life.
“I'm proud to celebrate this month in honor of those who came before us and the vision they had of a brighter future secured by the rule of law,” said Chief Justice Guerrero.
The address ended with the Chief Justice asking students questions and advising them on the importance of taking advantage of the many opportunities law school presents then and remaining committed to their ideals and their families.
Professor James Cooper, Dean and President Miriam H. Baer, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, and San Diego Superior Court Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin '98
Dean and President Miriam H. Baer, San Diego Superior Court Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin '98, Vice Dean Liam Vavasour, and Student Body President Robert Wood 3L
Professors James Cooper and Laura Padilla present the Q&A
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.