Cindy Ostberg Named 2017 Law Day Recipient

On May 3, the San Joaquin County Bar Association awarded its 2017 Law Day Award to Dr. Cindy Ostberg, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Pacific Legal Scholars Program. The Law Day Award is presented annually to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the local legal community. Dr. Ostberg was honored for the Pacific Legal Scholars program, which she developed and has led since 2007.

The Pacific Legal Scholars program is a unique pre-law program that provides students with the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree and juris doctorate in six years. It is a highly selective honors program that is designed to expose students from varying disciplines to the legal field and prepare them for the rigors of law school, should they choose to pursue a law degree.

Since 2007, more than 100 students have explored their career options and interacted with law faculty through unique one-unit seminars developed by Dr. Ostberg. Both Pacific Legal Scholar students and members of the local legal community have benefited from robust interaction through fieldtrips to courthouses, participation in lectures and panel discussions, and experiential learning through internship opportunities. Members of the San Joaquin County Bar Association have served as guest lecturers and members of the Program's Board of Directors, thereby heightening the excellent quality of this program.

Graduating students credit the program for preparing them to pursue their law degrees at McGeorge School of Law or elsewhere, their graduate degrees, or successful careers in which they benefit from their foundational knowledge of law.

"Dr. Ostberg has an extensive record of university and community service," stated Provost Maria Pallavicini. "Her development and leadership of the Pacific Legal Scholars Program has helped to increase the quality and reputation of a Pacific education. Her recognition by the Bar Association is well deserved."