China Program

Thomas Jefferson School of Law has two centers of academic excellence, the Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment Law Center and the Center for Criminal Law and Policy. The centers were created to take advantage of Thomas Jefferson's existing academic strengths. Each center addresses profound changes in our society that are giving rise to new fields of law, while rapidly transforming virtually traditional areas of law practice.

The centers combine a substantial body of faculty research, a large collection of courses and speaker programs and colloquia.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law, one of the most diverse law schools in the nation, is conveniently located in downtown San Diego. The school offers the opportunity to work in a stimulating and diverse environment. In addition to outstanding career opportunities, employees enjoy excellent benefits that include health, dental and vision coverage, generous vacation and holiday accrual plans, a 401k retirement plan, tuition assistance for staff members and their family, library privileges and participation in cultural and social events. To apply for a position(s), all applicants should submit a resume accompanied by a cover letter to: hr@tjsl.edu.

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Thomas Jefferson School of Law to afford equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), creed, color, religion, sex (including transgender, gender, gender identity and expression), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, physical and mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or other characteristic protected by law. Our students, as well as our applicants, employees, and others with whom we do business, will not be subjected to sexual, racial, religious, ethnic, or any other form of unlawful discrimination or harassment. The law school will not condone such conduct, whether committed by an administrator, faculty member, staff person, agent, contractor or student. Nor will it permit discrimination to affect any employment, admissions, or academic decision.

An exception to our policy of non-discrimination is granted to representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense who may discriminate on a basis not permitted by our policy. This exception is made in order to avoid the loss of federal funds that would otherwise be imposed by the 1996 Solomon Amendment.

Available Positions

Mission Statement
The Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni Association seeks to promote and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Thomas Jefferson School of Law and all its alumni. The Association is dedicated to serving its alumni by providing social, educational, and professional opportunities. Lastly, the Association is dedicated to supporting the law school's educational mission.

No Dues: All Thomas Jefferson School of Law graduates, including Western State University College of Law--San Diego graduates, are members of the Alumni Association.

2022-2023 Board of Directors (Board Meeting Schedule--Meetings Open to all Alumni)

Check the Alumni Calendar of Events

View: Bylaws of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Term of Office: Directors serve two-year terms.

Board Meeting Dates: 

Board Meeting Dates: Alumni Association Board meetings take place on the fourth Tuesday of every month (third Tuesday for the months of November and May; no meetings June, July, or December) at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 701 B St. Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92101.  Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.   

If you would like to attend monthly board meetings or receive emails directly from the Board of Directors regarding upcoming events, please send an email to tjslaabod@gmail.com. 

Committees (Each Committee has specific Projects):

• Admissions Committee
• Alumni and Community Engagement
• Bylaws and Election Committee
• Career Planning Committee
• Communications Committee
• Development Committee

Volunteer: If you would like to volunteer for a committee or alumni event please email tjslaabod@gmail.com.

ALUMNI AWARDS

"Judicial Service Award," Presented by the Alumni Association of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, recipients include:  

2022 - Hon. Browder Willis, '83

2019 - Hon. Joel R. Wohlfeil, '80

2018 - Hon. John A. Houson

2017 - Hon. Mitchell Dembin

2016 - Hon. Larry Burns

2014 - Hon. David Gill

2013 - Hon. Roger Benitez, '78

"Outstanding Service to Community Award" Presented by the Alumni Association of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, recipients include:

Ray Warner, '99

2022

Danna Cottman, '96

2019, ARC IP Law, PC

Srinivas Hanumadass, '03

2018, Casey Gerry , LLP

Anna M. Romanskaya ‘07

2017, Partner, Stark & D’Ambrosio, LLP

Gary S. Bloch '81

2016, Commissioner (Ret.), Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

Terri P. Peters '87

2015, Deputy Public Defender, San Diego County (co-recipient)

William J. Edwards '91

2015, Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County (co-recipient)

Craig A. Sherman '93

2014, Inaugural Year, Craig A. Sherman, PLC

WALL OF FAME - ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD
2nd Floor of the Law School

• Congressman Duncan Hunter, 1987
• Hon. (Ret.) Lillian Lim, 1987
• Hon. Lisa Schall, 1987
• Michael W. Brennan, 1988
• Helen Rowe, 1988
• Martin A. Kruming, 1989
• Thomas S. Topuzes, 1989
• Marc Abdelnour, 1990
• Mary C. Avery, 1991
• Peter Quon, 1995
• Leslie Lee Alexander, 2013
• Gary Bloch, 2013
• Bonnie Dumanis, 2013
• Hon. Roger T. Benitez, 2014
• Henry C. Coker, 2015
• Randy Mize, 2018

"A. Thomas Golden Alumnus/a of the Year Award" Presented by the Student Bar Association at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, recipients include:

• Brian K. Findley '07

           2018, Mulligan, Banham & Findley

• Sabrina Green '02
  2017, Stratton & Green, APC
• Ben Aguilar '11
  2016, Law Offices of Ben Aguilar
• Eric Ganci '08
  2015, Ganci, Esq., APC
• Jeremy M. Evans '11
  2014, California Sports Lawyer
• Renee Galente ’08
  2013, Galente Law, APC
• Commissioner (Ret.) Gary Bloch '81
  2012, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
• Jon H. Epsten '82
  2011, Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC
• Lori Westin '04
  2010, Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati
• Frank Mead '00
  2009, Lorona & Mead, PLC
• Hon. Browder Willis '83
  2008, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
• Philip A. Shapiro '85
  2007, Law Offices of Philip A. Shapiro
• Hon. (Ret.) Lillian Lim '77
  2006, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
• Randy M. Grossman '94
  2005, Law Offices of Randy M. Grossman, APC
• Denise Asher '02
  2004 Inaugural Year, Asher Mediation

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is committed to helping our alumni succeed by strengthening relationships between our alumni, the Law School and our community. All graduates of Thomas Jefferson School of Law are members of the Alumni Association. If you cannot find what you need among the listed services, please contact alumni@tjsl.edu. Stay connected: like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM PREP: Need to pass the California Bar? Thomas Jefferson School of Law offers for free the Continuing Bar Candidate Program. The Law School is committed to its graduates and their dreams of becoming licensed attorneys. The program is geared towards students who were unsuccessful in the first attempt at the California Bar Exam.

CAREER SERVICES OFFICE: Whether looking for your first law job or a mid-career change, the Career Services Office is a one-stop shop. Please contact careerservices@tjsl.edu for assistance or to make an appointment.

DIPLOMAS AND TRANSCRIPTS: All Western State University College of Law graduates may receive one complimentary diploma by contacting alumni@tjsl.edu. Provide your name, graduation year and mailing address. If you graduated after 1995 please contact the Registrar with your diploma request and mail at $25.00 check for the diploma replacement fee. Make check payable to Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Memo: Diploma replacement fee and mail to Registrar’s Office, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 701 B St. Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92101.  Transcripts are provided free of charge by visiting the Registrar and filling out the Transcript Request Form or contacting registrar@tjsl.edu or (619) 297-9700.

LIBRARY ACCESS: Alumni are welcome on campus to use the Library and materials and resources available. Alumni may also seek assitance of the Library Staff if they need help with locating a resource or with research tasks.  Alumni must check-in with Security desk on the first floor before heading to the Library.

STUDENT EXTERNS: Does your firm or organization need a law intern? Alumni can request a student extern at no cost. Visit Externships & Pro Bono Programs.

Alumni Phone: (619) 297-9700 E-mail: alumni@tjsl.edu

Philanthropic contributions are essential to Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s mission to provide a high standard of legal education and preparation for practice to a diverse student body. Generous donors are necessary to support financial aid including scholarships, community-based clinical programs, the law library educational infrastructure, student organizations and new initiatives.

We thank our alumni and friends who are helping to build the culture of philanthropy that is critical to providing an unparalleled legal education for our students.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation. Our fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.

How to Give

Your gift to Thomas Jefferson School of Law can be made by check (payable to “Thomas Jefferson School of Law”) or online through PayPal.

Giving Online
Donations to TJSL can be made with VISA, MASTER or American Express card online. All online donations will be securely processed by PayPal .

Make a Secure Online Gift

Giving by Mail
Please make check payable to Thomas Jefferson School of Law and mail to:

Types of Gifts

Annual Fund
The Thomas Jefferson Annual Fund is the most popular way that alumni, parents, and friends support the Law School. Gifts made to the Annual Fund provide "budget relieving" support to some of the most important areas on campus including financial aid, academic support and student programs. Unrestricted gifts are the most helpful as the funds can be applied to the area of greatest need.  Annual Fund gifts are expended in the same fiscal year in which they are received. Make a Secure Online Gift to the Thomas Jefferson Annual Fund.

Endowment Gifts
Endowed gifts are invested directly, with the generated income used to fund whatever donors specify. This means that the principal gift is never touched, but continues to generate income in perpetuity. For this reason, many donors elect to name endowments: to honor a family member, life-changing professor, or other mentor; preserve the name of their family foundation; or create a personal legacy. The endowment helps ensure adequate provision is made for the students, faculty and facilities of the future.

Planned Giving
Your bequest can help ensure the future of Thomas Jefferson School of Law. It can also offer practical advantages to you and your heirs, these charitable gifts are 100 percent deductible from your taxable estate.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law and its Center for Law and Social Justice have created the Samuel Kossack ’15 Social Justice Award. Funded through the generous contributions of Sam’s family and friends, an endowment has been established to fund the award in his honor. The award recognizes a currently enrolled Thomas Jefferson School of Law student who, through his or her own scholarship action, or both, seeks to promote social justice either on an individual basis or by seeking to transform systems that perpetuate injustice. Read press release here.

Matching Gift
Many employers offer matching gift opportunities. You may qualify to have your gift matched by your firm or company. If this applies, please enclose the appropriate form from your employer with your gift to the school. You will be recognized for the full amount of your gift plus any resulting corporate or firm match.

Questions?
Have questions or wish to discuss types of gifts, please contact Alumni Relations at (619) 961-4263 or alumni@tjsl.edu.

Why Alumni Support Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s Career Services team offers a wide range of services to help you succeed in the legal job market.

Everything you need to succeed is here: networking opportunities, internship opportunities, clerkships, job leads, interview coaching, resume and cover letter writing and individualized career planning with our counselors.

Each semester there are career fairs on campus where legal organizations send recruiters to conduct on-campus interviews.

The recruiting organizations include private law firms, government agencies, and public interest community organizations.

Career Services also offers a special program for students who are interested in Public Interest Law. That program includes counseling services, resume and cover letter writing, information on post-graduate fellowships, loan repayment assistance and access to the PSLawNet.

To schedule an appointment with one of our counselors, log onto Symplicity and on the Quick Links on the right hand side, click "request a Counseling Appointment'. If you are having difficulty with Symplicity, call 619.961.4233 or send an email to CareerServices@tjsl.edu  

The Career Services center is a one-stop shop for recruiting, employment opportunities, advice, guidance, networking events, externships, and community opportunities. 

Employer Services
We can assist you with all your recruiting needs. Click here if you would like to post a job.

Student Services
Planning your career goes hand-in-hand with taking the courses that will get you there. The professional team in the office will work with you as you explore the options a degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law will provide.

The team is adept at career counseling, coaching, networking opportunities and applying for internships and clerkships. The Career Services center hosts career fairs. Our counselors have all been working lawyers and have the knowledge and experience to help you build a successful career.

Alumni Services
We are here for you throughout your career. Whether you are looking to further your career goals or are interested in mentoring students, we have resources to help you achieve your goals. 

The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) and the American Bar Association (through the Class of 2018) provide statistics on the types of jobs our graduates have secured. Click on the links below. 

• NALP detailed summary Class of 2019
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2018
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2017
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2016
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2015
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2014
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2013
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2012
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2011
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2010
• NALP detailed summary Class of 2009

• ABA employment summary Class of 2018
• ABA employment summary Class of 2017
• ABA employment summary Class of 2016
• ABA employment summary Class of 2015
• ABA employment summary Class of 2014
• ABA employment summary Class of 2013
• ABA employment summary Class of 2012
• ABA employment summary Class of 2011
• ABA employment summary Class of 2010

When legal issues are making news – think Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Our faculty members are experienced media commentators and great resources for stories on legal issues in the news.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law's faculty are dedicated and skilled teachers, committed to helping each student discover their professional identity, succeed in law school, and excel in legal practice. They are accomplished lawyers, passionate educators, and voracious students of the law themselves. They are engaged in all aspects of campus life, from organizing professional and academic conferences, to coaching student competition teams and advising student organizations, to mentoring every law student and joining in student organized events.  Together, they strive to make the law school experience personally rich and professionally rewarding for every student who crosses the threshold of Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

Our professors have a wealth of real-world legal experience. They have structured business transactions at both the international and domestic levels. They have litigated before the World Court at The Hague, the U.S. Supreme Court, and federal and state trial and appellate courts. Their clients have ranged from the largest multi-national corporations to the neediest members of our society.

Our faculty are also prolific scholars.  Our professors have authored treatises, casebooks, and other scholarly books that are used by universities and practitioners throughout the United States and abroad. They regularly produce cutting-edge research -- in areas ranging from intellectual property to entertainment law, from labor and employment to international investment, from constitutional law to criminal law -- that is published in leading journals and cited by many courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.  They have testified before Congress and state legislatures, have appeared as experts on national television and radio news broadcasts, and have served as legal consultants to our government, the United Nations and several foreign governments.

Drawing on their wealth of practical experience and their cutting edge research, Thomas Jefferson's faculty make it their mission to nurture and educate the next generation of talented and committed lawyers, to help them achieve their professional aspirations, and to prepare them to join, contribute to, and lead the California legal community.    

Learn who our professors are.  Explore the richness of their work.  Discover the scope of our faculty expertise.

The classrooms in our law school are “smart classrooms.”

That means our 21st Century technology is more innovative than anything you may have seen – smarter, faster and with amazing intuitive abilities that make the classroom experience come alive.

Our aim is to improve teaching, learning and productivity while benefiting the environment with our “greener” systems.

The network is based on fast, reliable wireless access available to all students. It allows TJSL to provide you with more consistent access to Internet resources, multi-media content, podcasts and resources we will add in the future.

When asked, students are even able to connect their laptops to the classroom projectors wirelessly and share the contents of their screen!

Integrated video conferencing equipment is being used to bring off-site instructors and guests into our new classrooms -- as well as to join multiple classrooms together. You’ll feel like you’re in the same classroom with other students anywhere in the world – because you can see them and talk to them virtually!