2026

On June 11, 2026, an esteemed group of Santa Clara University School of Law alumni and friends congregated in Washington, D.C. to be sworn in before the United States Supreme Court. The alumni were Brian Bathurst, J.D. ’00; Christopher Daley, J.D. ’09; Albie Jachimowicz, J.D. ’82; Caitlin Robinett Jachimowicz, J.D. ’10; Joshua Robinett Jachimowicz, J.D. ’11;  Sarina Jwo, J.D. ’21; Lauren Ladwig, J.D. ’06; Alexander Louie, J.D. ’20; Gemini McCasland, J.D. ’00; Daniel Myers, J.D. ’95; Carla Passero, J.D. ’95; Jason Peterson, J.D. ’18; Kendrick Reid, J.D. ’76, and Michael Reiter, J.D. ’98. Individually and collectively, they have made tremendous contributions to the legal field and society over the course of their careers and have served as great representatives of both Santa Clara Law and Jesuit education. 

Dean Michael Kaufman remarked, "This momentous occasion carried special resonance given the times in which we find ourselves, where democracy and the rule of law are being tested in unprecedented ways. To be sworn in before the Supreme Court of the United States in this particular moment in history is both a professional achievement and a recommitment to the responsibility of being a steward of justice. As I reflect on the ceremony and the trip, I find myself thinking about our new and continuing students. The alumni we connected with, including those sworn in before the Supreme Court, were once in the same position as those students: learning, finding their voices, discerning what kind of lawyers they want to become and how they want to pursue justice. They are so blessed–as we all are–to be surrounded by a strong, supportive, and life-long law school community!"

Read reflections on the trip and post-Santa Clara Law careers from a few participants below:

"For the last several years, I have tried to include local older women attorneys in my practice area of family law in group events such as lunches or movies, and one told me about an experience she had being sworn in at the U.S. Supreme Court. This inspired me to sign up and join the Swearing-In Ceremony with Santa Clara University. It is hard to believe I graduated and was admitted as an attorney in 1995. I don't know how it has been over 30 years that I have been an attorney. Part of what I appreciated the most was the opportunity to spend time with fellow alumni of Santa Clara University Law School, experiencing together the impressive U.S. Supreme Court. The group was small enough and we were close enough to make eye-contact with the U.S. History making Supreme Court Justices. Having practiced family law, since having been admitted to the bar, I have helped many clients. I particularly appreciated the times that I saw that I helped my clients build their self-confidence as they go through their life transitions to being single people again," said Carla Passero, J.D. '95.

"My great-grandfather and my grandfather came to the United States in the early 20th Century, and were subject to severe discrimination and the Exclusion Acts. I felt compelled to become a member of the Supreme Court bar because it would represent the ultimate circle, how their descendant would become an officer of the Court that eventually guaranteed their rights. The most memorable part was attending the Court session, where eight of the justices were present, and hearing my name called out in the highest Court in the country. My observation is to be prepared for anything. I never intended to be a litigator, and didn't take any trial prep classes. Yet, most of the legal roles I have taken since graduation involved working in the courtroom," said Alex Louie, J.D. '20.