Announcements

Southwestern Law School is proud to announce that John Heilman, Professor of Law and longtime member of the Southwestern faculty, will serve as Commencement Grand Marshal. A distinguished educator, attorney, and civic leader, Professor Heilman has dedicated his career to teaching, public service, and advancing the legal profession. Since joining Southwestern’s faculty in 2012, he has been recognized with numerous teaching awards and has played a pivotal role in academic success and bar preparation programs. In addition to his academic leadership, Professor Heilman has served with distinction as a member of the West Hollywood City Council for decades, including eight terms as Mayor.

 

Southwestern Law School is proud to announce that Richard L. Jolly, Professor of Law, will serve as a Commencement Grand Marshal. A respected scholar and educator, Professor Jolly joined Southwestern’s faculty in 2021 and teaches civil and criminal procedure, evidence, and torts. His scholarship, which focuses on civil justice, procedural design, and the role of juries in the American legal system, has appeared in leading law journals including the Michigan Law Review, Boston College Law Review, and Vanderbilt Law Review. Before entering academia, Professor Jolly practiced complex litigation in Los Angeles and clerked for the Honorable Deborah L. Cook on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. His dedication to legal education, rigorous scholarship, and student mentorship exemplifies the values of the Southwestern community.

Southwestern Law School is proud to announce that renowned entertainment and criminal defense attorney and Southwestern alumna Shawn Holley '88, partner at Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir, will deliver the keynote address at the law school’s 111th Commencement Ceremony on May 15, 2026 at the Rose Bowl. A nationally recognized trial lawyer with a distinguished career spanning public defense, high‑profile civil and criminal litigation, and entertainment law, Holley has made extraordinary contributions to the legal profession. In recognition of her professional achievements and enduring commitment to Southwestern, Holley will also be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the ceremony.

 

Southwestern Law School is honored to recognize The Honorable Consuelo Maria Callahan, United States Circuit Judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, as an Honorary Degree Recipient. Appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2003 following unanimous Senate confirmation, Judge Callahan has dedicated her career to public service and the administration of justice. With decades of distinguished service as a federal appellate judge, state trial and appellate jurist, and prosecutor, Judge Callahan has made extraordinary contributions to the legal profession, judicial education, and civic life. In recognition of her exemplary career, leadership, and enduring commitment to the rule of law, Southwestern Law School will confer upon Judge Callahan the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.