Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Inspires Students at Discover Law Day Event

At UC Davis' King Hall, thirty-one high school students from Sacramento and Yolo Counties gathered for Discover Law Day, an event sponsored by the UC Davis Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP). When they were selected for the program, they didn’t know they’d be meeting the highest-ranking judge in California, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

As the keynote speaker, Chief Justice Guerrero shared her dreams as a young student in Imperial County and the pathway that led to her assuming the office of Chief Justice of California in 2023.

“My parents taught me the real value in helping people at a very young age, so public service became my calling,” said Chief Justice Guerrero.

The Chief Justice also credited the guidance of her eighth-grade principal for helping her achieve her dreams of going to college.

“He made it clear that these institutions were out there, and that we belonged. And if you’re here at King Hall, you have a large group of people seeing the same in you. I hope that support motivates you,” she said.

What is Discover Law Day?
EAOP’s Discover Law Day is an educational initiative that introduces students—particularly those from underrepresented or under resourced backgrounds—to the legal profession.

The event offered a variety of activities, including a tour of the UC Davis School of Law led by current and pre-law students, a court case history-themed Jeopardy game, and a debate activity.

"My counselor was instrumental in my attending UC Davis as a first-generation student," said Yolo Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Sonia Cortés, who supported the program and the day's activities. Assistant Presiding Judge Cortés is an alum of a similar program sponsored by the university during her high school years. 

Judges across California volunteer to support events as part of a broader effort to make legal education more accessible and to cultivate a diverse next generation of legal professionals.

“We truly appreciate the Chief Justice’s time and presence at the event. It was an unforgettable experience not only for the students, but also for all of us who put on this program,” said EAOP staff Alyss Foge.

About EAOP
EAOP was established in 1976 by the University of California in response to the State Legislature’s recommendation to expand postsecondary opportunities to all California’s students, including those who are first-generation, socio-economically disadvantaged, and English-language learners. The organization assists middle and high school students with academic preparation, admission, enrollment and financial aid requirements, and can be found on all ten UC campuses.

If your EAOP program would like to connect with a judge, visit powerofdemocracy.org.