Dennis Schoville Donor Spotlight

Trial Lawyer of the Year Donates Stipend to California Western Pre-Trial Program
Recognizes experienced faculty, rigorous curriculum which prepare students for practice

During a surprise visit to campus, San Diego attorney Dennis Schoville, winner of the "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award from CAL-ABOTA, presented a donation of $5,000 to California Western Distinguished Jurist James F. Stiven for his Pre-trial Practice program.

As recipient of the 2009 award from the California Chapter of the American Board of Trial Attorneys, Schoville may donate $5,000 to a law school or program of his choice.

"Jim is one of the finest trial lawyers I've ever worked with and he is still giving back," Schoville said. "I've visited his class before, and it really exposes students to the litigation process. They are already so far ahead of lawyers out in practice."

Retired as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California, Stiven joined the California Western faculty in 2005 to teach the pre-trial course, focused on persuasive writing and oral advocacy. Students write and argue three motions, at least one of which is argued before practicing judges and attorneys in a moot court setting.

"I am very moved by this donation," Stiven said. "Denny is one of the finest trial lawyers in the country. It is an honor to have him share the rewards of his achievement with this law school."

Stiven and Schoville practiced law together at Gray Cary Ames & Frye (now DLA Piper) from 1974-1996, when Stiven was appointed Magistrate Judge and Schoville opened his own firm. Schoville continues in private practice and has worked on several high-profile cases. The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear an appeal in the case of Buell-Wilson v. Ford Motor Company, resulting in an $88 million judgment for Schoville's client, a San Diego woman paralyzed after a roll-over accident on Interstate 8.

"California Western is proud to have faculty members like Judge Stiven and generous donors like Dennis Schoville," said Dean Steven R. Smith. "This donation will help us improve access to legal education and prepare our students for rewarding careers."

To nominate someone for our 'Donor Spotlight', please contact Jonathan Obest at jpo@cwsl.edu.