Class of 2026 Celebrates California Western School of Law’s 120th Commencement

California Western School of Law celebrated commencement for the class of 2026 during its annual ceremony, set against the iconic backdrop of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, on May 8.  
 
Opening the program, Chairman of the Board Michael Whitton welcomed students, families and friends, acknowledging commencement as a celebration of the students’ success and took a moment to recognize “the families and friends that supported you and the faculty and staff that prepared you."

In her welcoming remarks, Dean and President Miriam Baer reminded students of what they will carry forward, including the network and resources they have cultivated throughout their years at California Western. 
 
“Tomorrow and the days to come, you will embark on the final leg of your journey to becoming an attorney,” Baer said. “As you do that, remember your network, your community, and your school. We will always be your resource and your rock, ready to provide guidance when you need it, to celebrate your many achievements, and to always be a source of friendship throughout.” 
 
Baer also announced California Western’s annual teaching and service honors, as chosen by the student body: 
 
1L Professor of the Year: Shawn Fields 
2L Professor of the Year: Jessica Fink 
3L Professor of the Year: Michael Yu 
Adjunct Professor of the Year: Iris Fugate 

 Malalai Fazilat was selected student commencement speaker and noted, “We are not just graduates; we will soon become officers of the court. We are entrusted with something sacred: to use our knowledge ethically, compassionately, and courageously. And as we leave California Western, I hope we remember this: that the law is powerful, but so are we. Use your degree to build. Use your voice to protect. Use your platform to uplift.” 

 Commencement speaker, the Honorable Michael S. Groch ‘92, presiding judge of the San Diego Superior Court, imparted his lessons to the Class of 2026, one of which was reminding the class that they worked and sacrificed to be where they are, and proved their worthiness time and again. Now is the time to carry it forward and “do not question it and certainly do not question yourself.” 
 
Groch echoed Baer’s statements about the network and community students built at California Western. “The practice of law does not happen in isolation. It happens in a close-knit community. … The people sitting next to you today are your friends, your colleagues, your future partners, and your future judges. They will celebrate your successes. They will take your call when things go wrong. Treat them with respect, kindness, and empathy — always, especially when it is difficult or not reciprocated.” 
 
Groch said that, as a judge, he sits daily at the intersection of legal technicalities and human consequence. “The law is powerful, but empathy is what operates it. Every case represents someone’s worst day or greatest hope — whether they are the client or sometimes the opposing counsel. Never lose sight of the person behind the case.” 
 
The full 2026 California Western Law School Commencement ceremony is available on our YouTube channel.