» Alumni Success

Although they share common degrees, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law alumni they are more than just lawyers. They are entrepreneurs, Presidential Management Fellows, partners and shareholders at major law firms, in-house counsels for multinational corporations, judicial clerks, accountants, auditors, public interest workers, human rights defenders, mediators and much more.

Chapman alumni rise to the world's challenges and make an impact in their communities. These are just some of their stories.

Two Chapman Alumni Win Landmark $161 Million Verdict

Robbie Munoz and Gabe Houston portrait

Two Chapman Law School alumni T. Gabe Houston (JD ’08) and Robbie Godinez Munoz (JD’20) have recently been awarded a $161 million verdict in a civil case against a major motorcycle manufacturer. The verdict, eight years in the making, has $11 million compensatory, and $150 million punitive damages attached to it, represents the culmination of a legal marathon for the lawyers and their client.

Diana Chao Made President of the OCCDL

Diana Chao portrait

Diana Chao (JD ’10) has been made president of the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law (OCCDL). Initially recognized for her appointment as vice president of this Orange County organization she has recently assumed the role of president.

Alum Gary Polk to Serve as Judge in the Riverside County Superior Court

Gary Polk portrait

Chapman Alumni Gary Polk (JD ’08) has been appointed by Governor Newsom to serve as a judge in the Riverside County Superior Court. Polk has been a fixture in the Riverside County District Attorney’s office since passing the bar in 2008, and after fourteen years of service in a variety of roles there, Polk is coming to grips with this new, challenging, and prestigious opportunity.

Christopher Navarro named one of Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers

Christopher Navarro portrait Christopher R. Navarro (LL.M. ‘11), partner at Singh Singh & Trauben, was named one of Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers for 2021, along with Singh Singh’s managing partner, Simran A. Singh.

Michele Mathis Appointed to the Riverside Superior Court

Michele Mathis portrait Hon. Michele Mathis (JD ‘07) spent most of her legal career as a public defender, but she says that she has "always been able to see both sides of the argument." That’s a skill that suits her well in her newest role—Mathis was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Riverside Superior Court in November 2020.

Katie Rodin named ‘Sports Counsel of the Year’ by AMEC

Katie Rodin '01 (JD '05) received the “Sports Counsel of the Year” award from the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel at its 2020 Counsel of the Year Awards. Rodin is vice president and general counsel for the Anaheim Ducks, where she oversees all legal activities not just for that hockey club, but also for the San Diego Gulls, the Honda Center, and The Rinks.

Timothy Weiner appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court

Hon. Timothy Weiner (LL.M. ’10) wants Fowler School of Law students to keep an open mind and learn as much as possible about the area of law in which they’re interested.

Diana Day Among Forbes’ ‘World’s Most Powerful’ Sports Agents

Diana Day (JD '07) leveraged her background as a UCLA athlete and connections she made at the Fowler School of Law to launch a career with sports agencies while still a 3L. A decade later, Forbes estimated she played a role in landing $22.5 million in 2017 commissions.

Leslie Ivie Finds Her Passion Serving the Community as Founder of the Restoration Law Center

Leslie Ivie (JD '08) founded Restoration Law Center, which provides low- or no-cost services for nonprofits and individuals in 2015, and has since been recognized by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for her work.

Jack Anderson Parlays Externship into Position at Blizzard Entertainment

Jack Anderson (JD '15) found himself in a unique place as the only first-year associate at Blizzard Entertainment after parlaying a hard-earned externship into a full-time position.

Antoinette Balta One of '100 Most Influential People in Orange County'

Antoinette Balta (JD ’06, LL.M. ’11) was named to the Orange County Register's list for her work as co-founder of Santa Ana's Veterans Legal Institute.