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Meet McGeorge School of Law’s newest students: JD program
This year’s incoming class at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law includes 266 students: 215 JD, 9 MPA/MPP, 22 LLM, 1 JSD, and 19 MSL students. They come from 52 colleges and universities, including the UC system, CSU schools, University of the Pacific, and institutions from Florida to California, as well as international universities in Brazil, Egypt, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and India.
Over half (56 percent) of our students identify as People of Color, 18.5 percent as LGBTQIA+. 63 percent of our students are women, and more than 40 percent are first-generation college students. Our incoming class represents 18 countries and speaks over 20 languages, including Bengali, Catalan, Nepali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
This diverse group brings a wide range of experiences, including careers in the ACLU, acting, the U.S. Army, commercial fishing, public health research, education, music journalism, Special Olympics coaching, and more. These varied backgrounds enrich our community and enhance the learning experience at McGeorge School of Law.
Visit the website for a full entering class profile.
Meet Monique Magdaleno, part-time JD program
Monique Magdaleno, first year law student in the McGeorge School of Law part-time JD program.
Monique Magdaleno is a part-time JD candidate at McGeorge School of Law, balancing her studies with a full-time career and family responsibilities. Raised in Fontana, California, Magdaleno’s experiences growing up in a marginalized community shaped her passion for advocacy.
"My family and I have confronted challenges common in marginalized communities, including struggles with incarceration and the impact of drug abuse,” Magdaleno said.
As the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college, Magdaleno earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA.
With six years of experience in Human Resources, working with companies like Sony Pictures Entertainment and the NFL, Magdaleno developed a deep understanding of the need for diversity in male-dominated fields.
"My experiences revealed the power of advocacy and the need for diversity,” Magdaleno said.
She is pursuing a JD degree at McGeorge, where the part-time evening program allows her to balance work and family life while pursuing her goal of becoming an attorney.
"The evening program offers the flexibility I need to support my family as I work toward my goal of becoming an attorney,” she said.
Magdaleno’s decision to attend law school stems from her desire to honor her immigrant roots and address systemic inequities.
"I saw firsthand the barriers that limit access to meaningful opportunities and hinder upward mobility,” Magdaleno said.
She is inspired by the women she has worked alongside, whose strength and mentorship have reinforced her belief in her ability to empower women of color in the legal profession.
Magdaleno chose McGeorge for its supportive environment and strong academic resources.
"I was immediately drawn to the culture of both Sacramento and McGeorge, which felt warm and welcoming from the moment I visited campus,” Magdaleno said.
She also values opportunities for personal wellness, such as the Running Club, which allows her to connect with peers while engaging in self-care. At McGeorge, Magdaleno has found the perfect environment to thrive and continue her journey toward creating a more inclusive legal system.
Meet Aengus Nelson, full-time JD program
Aengus Nelson, first year law student in the McGeorge School of Law full-time JD program.
Aengus Nelson is a JD candidate at McGeorge School of Law. Originally from Sacramento, he attended Jesuit High School, where he embraced its focus on social service and being a “man for others.” He later earned a degree in Political Science from Xavier University in Ohio, where he interned for California Gov. Jerry Brown and at the Ohio Statehouse.
Aengus’ passion for social service expanded through a fellowship in Kenya with a healthcare nonprofit, which deepened his understanding of international social issues.
After moving to New York City in 2019, Nelson worked with South Bronx United (SBU), a nonprofit youth development organization using soccer as a tool for social change. Inspired by SBU’s impact, Nelson continued to contribute as a tutor, coach, and board member.
He later joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as a paralegal, a position he has held for two years. Nelson remains committed to leveraging his diverse experiences to create meaningful change, especially in his hometown of Sacramento.
Nelson is pursuing his JD at McGeorge School of Law because of its flexibility and the opportunities it provides for meaningful impact.
"I believe a law degree offers a versatile foundation applicable to a wide range of fields," he shared.
His experiences in both legal and nonprofit sectors have reinforced his belief in the law’s potential to drive change in areas he cares about.
McGeorge’s strong ties to his family and hometown also played a significant role in his decision. Both of Aengus’ parents are McGeorge alumni, and many of his close friends have built successful careers there.
"I love Sacramento and have always aspired to return to my hometown," he said.
Nelson is also actively involved in McGeorge’s rugby community, a sport that has been an important part of his life.
"McGeorge Rugby has provided a sense of camaraderie and balance during my first semester,” Nelson said.
For Nelson, returning to McGeorge has been a refreshing restart, allowing him to focus on his career while prioritizing what matters most.
This news story is the first news story in a series highlighting exceptional first-year students at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Stay tuned for more news stories recognizing students from various programs at the law school.
