Page 17 - ACTL Journal Win24

FELLOWS WHO ATTENDED THE FALL MEETING IN SAN DIEGO WERE WELCOMED TO SAN DIEGO BY THE FIRST LATINA CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT, PATRICIA GUERRERO.
The Imperial Valley in California stretches some fifty miles, from the south end of the Salton Sea to Mexico. Chief Justice Guerrero’s grand- parents and parents immigrated there from Mexico. She grew up in the small town of Imperial with Spanish as her first language, a life she describes as humble beginnings but rich in so many other ways.
Her father worked at back-breaking manual labor jobs in the heat of the valley. Her mother helped support the family by providing childcare for neighbors. Both parents encouraged her to follow her dreams, instilling the idea that with hard work, perseverance and taking advantage of opportunities, anything is possible! Her mother was her role model for strength and independence as well as teaching the essential importance of helping people less fortunate, no matter what your station in life may be.
The Chief Justice attended the public schools in Imperial, worked in a grocery store, and graduated as valedictorian. Her dreams were to become a lawyer and ultimately, to serve the public.
UC Berkeley came next, funding her entire education with scholar- ships and working twenty hours a week, graduating magna cum laude at the top of her major, Legal Studies. Then to Stanford Law School, where she was identified as one of the best writers and researchers in her class. Following graduation in 1997 she joined Latham and
Watkins in their San Diego office.
WINTER 2024
JOURNAL 16
CHIEF JUSTICE
PATRICIA GUERRERO
WELCOME
TO SAN DIEGO