35th Annual Alumni Awards Gala

Outstanding Alumnus of the Year — Brian J. Panish '84

Brian J. Panish '84  is one of the nation’s leading trial attorneys, known for securing some of the largest jury verdicts in U.S. history on behalf of plaintiffs. A leading Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, he achieved the record-setting $4.9 billion verdict in Anderson v. General Motors and has obtained more than 100 verdicts and settlements over $10 million, including seven exceeding $50 million and more than 500 over $1 million across personal injury, wrongful death, car accident, and business litigation matters.

Outstanding Judicial Officer — Honorable Timothy M. Weiner '00 

Timothy M. Weiner '00 is a judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, currently assigned to the Family Law Division. Additionally, Judge Weiner serves as the Supervising Judge of the court’s Southwest Judicial District. Prior to his appointment as a judge in 2018, Judge Weiner served as a Court Commissioner (2016-2018) in the Criminal Law Division. He also sits on the court’s mentorship, community outreach, and security committees, and is an emeriti member of the Southwestern Law School Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.

Outstanding Law Firm — Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP

Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP is a Los Angeles family law firm founded in 1990. With 23 attorneys, including 12 Certified Family Law Specialists, the firm focuses on complex family law matters and estate planning, combining deep expertise, strategic advocacy, and close client service.

Outstanding Friend — CAL-ABOTA

CAL-ABOTA is California’s statewide organization within ABOTA, formed in 1979. Representing eight chapters and more than 1,500 members, it promotes civility, judicial independence, and access to justice through education, advocacy, juror-rights initiatives, and professionalism standards across the trial bar.

"A scholarship like this signals that my passion for public service and commitment to uplifting marginalized communities truly matters. With the added stability, I could devote more time to pro bono initiatives, advocate for domestic violence survivors, mentor fellow first-generation students, and guide immigrant families through their legal challenges."

~ Alexandria Alcala '26

"Success is most meaningful when shared. Whether it's helping a mentee find their footing in law school or organizing resources for those in need, I find fulfillment in being someone others can rely on. This mindset extends to my future as an attorney, where I plan to stay connected with my law school community, offering mentorship, employment opportunities, and practical guidance for students as they transition into their legal careers." 

~ Emil Andreasyan '26

"My time at Southwestern has taught me so much about how rewarding it can be to not only work hard but to be an active member of the community and to allow people to get to know me. Southwestern has taught me that I have so much to give, and by giving what I can, I get so much in return. Being a part of the Southwestern community has given me more purpose in life than I ever have had before."

~ Elizabeth Houston '26

Coming soon