California Western Celebrates Students Inducted into Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Societies

SAN DIEGO (April 3, 2025) -- On April 1, 2025, California Western School of Law (CWSL) honored students for their extraordinary commitment to justice and community service at the annual Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Society Induction Ceremony. Held on campus with faculty, alumni, and family in attendance, the ceremony recognized the students’ exceptional contributions—more than 11,000 hours in total—to underserved populations and at government institutions. 

“Dedication to pro bono and public service work is, and will continue to be, as critical as ever,” said, CWSL President and Dean Sean Scott, who opened the evening. To the inductees, she said, “We are incredibly proud of you for stepping up this year—for showing up for the people and communities who needed it. The need to work for justice, equality, and fairness never wanes.” 

Founded in 1991, with support from the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP), the Pro Bono Honors Society was created to recognize students who volunteer at least 50 hours with local organizations serving individuals of limited means. In 2010, the Public Service Honors Society was established to honor students who dedicate 50 or more hours to government legal offices—including the judiciary—at the city, county, state, or federal level.  

These programs are coordinated by CWSL’s Career & Professional Development Office, which plays a central role in cultivating relationships with partner organizations, and counseling students on career paths in public service. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that students have meaningful, well-supported service experiences. 

This year, 42 students were inducted into the Pro Bono Honors Society, collectively contributing 6,666 hours to local nonprofits, legal aid centers, and advocacy organizations. 29 students were welcomed into the Public Service Honors Society, having contributed 5,025 hours to various governmental institutions. Dean Scott commented that “at a modest rate,” these unpaid hours equate to nearly $3 million in attorneys’ fees. 

The keynote speaker for the evening was Anne S. Bautista ‘97, Director of Legal Support and Strategy at Casa Cornelia Law Center and an adjunct professor at CWSL, where she teaches Women and Immigration Law and the Immigration Seminar and Clinical Field Placement: Helping Victims of Domestic Violence. Before joining Casa Cornelia in 2021, Bautista spent 24 years at Access, Inc., where she led legal programming with the focus on providing access to justice for marginalized women and families. 

In her speech, Professor Bautista described how she discovered her calling during her CWSL externship in San Francisco, where she worked with undocumented women—often married to U.S. citizens—who were experiencing domestic violence. It was through that experience, she said, that she realized her passion was pro bono work, particularly advocating for those who are not seen as the “perfect victim.” To the inductees, she emphasized that “being a lawyer is a privilege which allows us to advocate for others” and to always keep “justice with compassion” at the heart of their work. 

These sentiments were echoed by the honorees themselves. 

3L Chelsey Tobiason, inducted into the Pro Bono Honors Society, interned with The Innocence Center (TIC), a nonprofit dedicated to freeing the wrongfully convicted and supporting exonerees. Tobiason said this work, “sharpened my legal skills and gave me purpose.” She spoke of a client who had a deep impact on her. “He took my role seriously—gave me ‘homework’ to learn about the federal prison system,” she said. “We talked about everything: his case, systemic racism, his hopes for the future. His story continues to shape my perspective on justice.” 

3L Jared Paulson, inducted into the Public Service Honors Society, completed his hours in the chambers of the Honorable Anthony J. Battaglia ‘74, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. “Working for a judge has given me invaluable insight into the decision-making process and the inner workings of the District Court,” Paulson said. “Judge Battaglia’s guidance on courtroom conduct and legal writing has shaped how I think about my future in the profession.” After graduating this spring, Paulson will return to the Southern District as a judicial law clerk. “Judges, clerks, and court staff play a critical role in upholding the rule of law. I’m proud to be joining their ranks.” 

3L Ragan Fowzer, inducted into both the Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Societies, interned at the SDVLP, the California Western Community Law Project (CLP), and the Office of the United States Trustee. “One of my memorable experiences was when I was shadowing a volunteer attorney at a CLP clinic last summer,” she said. “I learned so much about how to best approach client interactions. It was also very rewarding to see how much the clinic and the appointments with the volunteer attorney helped the clients with their legal issues.” Reflecting on the importance of service, she added, “Pro bono and public service work is important to me because it allows me to use the education that I am so fortunate to receive to make a difference in our community.  

2L Madison Motsenbocker, who was also inducted into both societies, split her time between the Legal Aid Society of San Diego’s Fair Housing Team and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in the Collaborative Justice Division. “At Legal Aid, I was surrounded by women who showed me what compassionate, client-centered advocacy looks like,” she said. “They were relentless and kind, and I felt supported every step of the way.” Her time at the DA’s Office offered a different kind of impact. “I worked with a mentor on an implementation strategy for courts and law enforcement related to a newly passed policy,” she said. “I've always been interested in policy writing, and it felt like a dream come true.” For Motsenbocker, service is more than a requirement—it’s a moral compass. “I believe each person has a duty to help in whatever way they can,” she said. “The law affects nearly everyone, but it’s often inaccessible. I went to law school to change that.” 

These stories reflect not only the mission of CWSL but the broader spirit of the legal profession: to serve. Whether assisting in housing cases, developing policy initiatives, or advocating for the wrongfully convicted, the inductees exemplify what it means to be a lawyer in service of justice—with compassion.  

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.