The University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Capital Center for Public Law and Policy gives you the chance to learn to lead among leaders. Our location in California’s capital city provides opportunities for you to examine critical government issues while you complete your J.D. degree. Our Capital Lawyering Program is one of few such programs in the nation, offering exclusive engagement and networking activities to students pursuing the Capital Certificate in Public Law & Policy.
Mission
The mission of the center is to educate lawyers to lead and to analyze and influence public policy.
Faculty
Our faculty includes teachers and scholars who know government law, and who have worked in public law positions:
Leslie Gielow Jacobs
Served as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
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Adrienne Brungess
Served as a staff attorney for the Voluntary Legal Services of Northern California, and helped establish and manage the Self Help Center at the William Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse in Sacramento.
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J. Clark Kelso
Served in a number of appointed positions, including as the Federal Receiver of the California Healthcare Prison Receivership.
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Educational Initiatives
Our school’s location in California’s Capital City provides our students with a distinctive advantage while studying and gaining real-world experience in policy-making and law.
Capital Programs
The Pacific McGeorge Capital Center offers an exciting lecture series, relevant conferences, and important initiatives for our students and community.
- Capital Center Lecture Series
- Ethics Across the Professions Initiative
- Symposia, Conferences, Workshops & Training
Publications
Students and faculty work together to publish timely and informative publications about ballot initiatives, legislation, policy, and more.
Public Service Activities
Public service is a significant attribute of the legal profession, and our school is committed to recognizing and promoting volunteerism and service to our community.
- Educational Pipeline Initiative
- Capital Commendation for Public Service
- Public Legal Service Society (PLSS)
- Public Service Brochure (pdf)
Questions?
Contact Leslie Gielow Jacobs, Director, Capital Center for Public Law & Policy
Email | 916.739.7217
Contact Adrienne Brungess, Director, Capital Certificate in Public Law & Policy and Capital Commendation for Public Service
Email | 916.739.7170
Contact J. Clark Kelso, Senior Counsel
Email | 916.739.7104