The career path of Eric Hoffman, ’21, is an example of finding purpose in unexpected places. Initially dreaming of becoming a doctor, Hoffman’s journey took a sharp turn while he was pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Redlands.

“I wanted to be a doctor. But once I hit math and science, I knew it wasn’t the right path,” Hoffman said.

After taking a class in Constitutional Law, he realized that the medical field wasn’t his calling. Instead, he was drawn to the problem-solving aspect of law, which he found just as fulfilling as he imagined a career as a doctor would be.

“The problem-solving part of law reminded me of what I liked about the medical field, and I realized that this was what I loved,” Hoffman said.

While he loved the field of law, Hoffman decided courtroom litigation wasn’t for him. Instead, he followed his passion for politics, focusing on legislative work and advocacy. This led him to the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento in 2018. The school’s proximity to the California State Capitol and the chance to combine law with politics made McGeorge the perfect choice for Hoffman.

“At McGeorge, I knew I was in the right place,” Hoffman said. “The connections to the Capitol and the hands-on opportunities were exactly what I needed.”

During law school, Hoffman pursued the Capital Lawyering Concentration and actively participated in the Legislative & Public Policy Clinic, gaining invaluable practical experience. Notably, one of the bills he contributed to in the clinic was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. SB 311, known as Ryan’s Law, became the first law of its kind in the nation, requiring health care facilities in California to offer terminally ill patients the option to use medical cannabis for pain relief instead of opiates.

From day one, Hoffman took full advantage of McGeorge’s location. He joined student organizations and participated in internships and externships that enabled him to work with legislative bodies. He even received a scholarship that sent him to Washington, D.C., for an internship on Capitol Hill.

“I loved Sacramento, but when I walked through Capitol Hill and saw the rotunda, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said. “That’s when I started looking for firms with offices in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C.”

During law school, Hoffman pursued the Capital Lawyering Concentration and actively participated in the Legislative & Public Policy Clinic, gaining invaluable practical experience. Notably, one of the bills he contributed to in the clinic was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. SB 311, known as Ryan’s Law, became the first law of its kind in the nation, requiring health care facilities in California to offer terminally ill patients the option to use medical cannabis for pain relief instead of opiates.

Today, Hoffman serves as legislative counsel for a senior California Democrat, managing their tax portfolio. His days are split between busy legislative sessions — where he helps draft bills, prepares amendments, and assists in committee hearings — and quieter off-session times spent planning for future legislative work.

“If you're considering a career in politics, Sacramento is the place to see immediate results, especially if you’re a Democrat. There’s a good chance you’ll see your bill passed,” Hoffman said. “The pace is fast, but the work is incredibly rewarding.”

Hoffman’s strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex legal and political landscapes have made him a valuable capital lawyer. While he didn’t become a doctor, his work in law and politics allowed him to make a real impact on people’s lives, fulfilling his desire to help others.

Looking back, Hoffman encourages aspiring lawyers to have confidence.

“Know that you deserve to be in any room, whether you’re standing next to a Yale or Harvard grad,” he said. “That confidence was instilled in me at McGeorge from my professors, and it’s something you’ll learn there too.”

As his career continues, Hoffman is excited about expanding his own impact and always trying to recruit more McGeorge graduates, because he knows for sure that the law school produces great lawyers. His dedication to public service ensures that his work will have a lasting impact on communities across California and beyond.