Honorable Danna W. Nicholas ’00 to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address at California Western School of Law

SAN DIEGO (April 8, 2025) -- California Western School of Law (CWSL) is proud to announce that Superior Court Judge Danna W. Nicholas ’00 will serve as the keynote speaker at the school’s 119th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025. The ceremony will take place at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, San Diego.

Judge Nicholas was appointed to the San Diego County Superior Court by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 18, 2023, where she presided over a misdemeanor and felony trial department in El Cajon. In February 2025, she transitioned to the Court’s Central Division, where she now presides over a family independent calendar department.

A committed public servant and community leader, Judge Nicholas is actively involved in numerous civic and legal organizations. She serves as the Southern California Judicial Liaison for the California Association of Black Lawyers and is a life member of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association. Judge Nicholas participates in mentorship and outreach through programs such as the Urban League of San Diego’s Project Ready, San Diego State University (SDSU)’s Harold K. Brown Knowledge, Education, and Empowerment Program (H.B. K.E.E.P.), and the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Center Book Club facilitated by the National Association of Women Judges. She is a member of Legal Geeks—a group of attorneys and judges who explore legal issues through the lens of pop culture—and is a lay minister at her church.

A nationally recognized speaker, Judge Nicholas has appeared at Comic-Fest, Wonder-Con, and San Diego Comic-Con, and has shared the stage with leaders such as General Colin Powell and former President Bill Clinton at high-profile national events.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as Lead Deputy City Attorney in the General Litigation Section of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and earlier as Assistant Public Defender at the Alaska Public Defender Agency. 

We are honored to welcome Judge Nicholas back to campus to celebrate this important milestone with our graduates.

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.