The Honorable Consuelo Maria Callahan, United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, has been named the 2025–2026 Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence at Southwestern Law School. Southwestern’s Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence Program provides students with the opportunity to learn directly from leading members of the judiciary through conversations, classroom visits, and community events. 

“Judge Callahan’s distinguished career, dedication to mentorship, and leadership in the Inns of Court movement will inspire our students,” said Darby Dickerson, President and Dean of Southwestern Law School. “Judge Callahan’s amazing career, her commitment to public service, and her ability to connect with law students make her the perfect candidate for this role. I know our students will learn from and be inspired by her.” 

Judge Callahan’s residency will include a series of events and interactions with the Southwestern community, beginning with the Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence Program on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. This event will feature a conversation between Judge Callahan and Dean Dickerson, covering her legal career, judicial philosophy, and advice for law students. She will also be guest lecturing in various courses, working with Southwestern’s two Inn of Court chapters, and interacting with students in other ways.  

“I have always believed that education and mentorship are central to building a strong and accessible justice system,” said Judge Callahan. “I am honored to join Southwestern’s community and look forward to engaging with students as they prepare to serve the public through the law.” 

Judge Callahan was appointed to the Ninth Circuit by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2003. She previously served as a Justice on the California Court of Appeal, Third District, and as a Superior Court Judge for San Joaquin County, where she was the first woman and Latina appointed to that court. Earlier in her career, she was a prosecutor and Deputy City Attorney in Stockton, where she tried more than 70 jury trials and founded the county’s first Child Abuse Sexual Assault Unit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, J.D. from McGeorge School of Law, and LL.M. from the University of Virginia School of Law.