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UPCOMING EVENTS
 

 
Hello from Qingdao, China!
 
Last Friday I attended the first graduation of our dual-degree undergraduate students with Ocean University of China. There were 77 members of the class, and the graduation had all the spirit we enjoy at graduation events in Tucson. Please join me in welcoming our new alumni -- our new Wildcats for Life!

Speaking to the graduates.

 
This week, wherever you are, we wish you a happy 4th of July holiday.

Below we continue our series of alumni stories with news from Denver-based alumnus Judge Kato Crews ('00). Judge Crews shares his story from law school to his appointment as a U.S. Magistrate Judge last year, with a nod to great Arizona Law classmates and friends.

Until the footnotes,
 
Marc 
 
Denver Alumnus Judge Kato Crews ('00)


Judge Kato Crews is a Colorado native who came to Arizona Law to join the JD Class of 2000. He chose the UA in part because he was looking to experience new surroundings and escape the Colorado winters. 

Crews found a supportive and collegial community at Arizona Law and gained a core group of friends with whom he remains close -- Rafael Gonzalez, Gabe Galanda, Justin Ruggieri, Ed Russo, Mike Canarick, and Andre Sabbah (all '00):
 
"These folks are like brothers to me. It's been fun supporting and tracking our respective careers and reflecting on our growth from Arizona Law to now."
 
As a law student, Crews interned with Snell & Wilmer in Tucson and spent a summer as a clerk in the legal department of ExxonMobile in Houston. He says that having this exposure to the real-life happenings of lawyers was instrumental in giving him a base of experience. 

Crews also participated in Arizona Law's Domestic Violence Law Clinic and highly recommends clinics for anyone who aspires to be a litigator: "It gave me a tangible glimpse into the actual practice of law and experiences of lawyers."


Judge Crews with new magistrate judges
from other judicial districts.


After graduation, Crews returned to his home state where he practiced law for over 17 years with a focus on labor and employment law and civil litigation before being appointed to the bench. 

He started his career as an attorney with Region 27 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Board in Denver. He then entered private practice as an associate with a large Denver law firm where he became one of the youngest associates to make partner at the firm in 2008. He later left that firm to become a founding partner of a small law firm.
 
In August 2018, Crews was appointed as a U.S. Magistrate Judge with the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, becoming the first African American U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District.
 
Arizona Law friends were there to celebrate the milestone with him:


Fellow Class of 2000 alumni Mike Canarick (l) and Rafael Gonzalez (r) attended Judge Crews's investiture.

 
Throughout his career, Judge Crews has worked hard to integrate community involvement into his life. He was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the University of Northern Colorado (his alma mater) from 2014 to 2018. He has also served on the board of directors of various charitable organizations throughout his career and mentored numerous young people (high school, undergraduate, and law students).
 
We asked Judge Crews if he had any words of wisdom for law students or alums who might aspire to be a judge someday. His reply:
 
"If you looked at my resume you'd assume I was an individual who decided early on that I wanted to be a judge, and then patterned my path to achieve that goal. I'm certain that my in-depth community involvement was a high point for the District Judges who voted unanimously to appoint me. But I did those things because giving back was an integral part of my identity, not because I aspired to the bench. As a result, I believe I was able to speak to these experiences in my interview from a place of authenticity. My recommendation to those aspiring to be judges is to follow your authentic path instead of a pre-determined formula."
 
We applaud Judge Crews's community involvement in Colorado and his enduring connections with fellow Wildcats. 

Thanks for sharing your story, Judge Crews, and congratulations on your appointment to the bench, where you continue and extend your service to your community and the legal profession. 

We look forward to seeing you and your classmates in Tucson next year for your 20 year law school reunion!

 
Around the College
Arizona Law at the State Bar Convention   

Double Wildcat John Moody (JD '92, BS '88).

A broad team of UA faculty and staff greeted our Arizona Law Wildcats throughout the State Bar of Arizona Convention last week. Thank you to all who stopped by the Arizona Law table and who joined us at our reception on Friday evening. 


Another Double Wildcat, Arizona Court of Appeals (Div. 1)
Judge Maria Elena Cruz (JD '01, BA '98).


Alumni and friends enjoying the Arizona Law reception.


Congratulations to Double Wildcat Chas Wirken (JD '75, BS '72) who was presented with a President's Award during the 2019 convention.


The Bear Down Network is Now Over 3,100 Wildcats Strong!

 
 
Stay connected with Arizona Law students and alumni on the University of Arizona's new Bear Down Network! 

Join to access networking and career development opportunities exclusive to Wildcats.  http://beardownnetwork.com/ 

Once you've signed up, you can find classmates by looking for the College of Law group.

The 2019 Homecoming and Reunion events taking place the first weekend of November make for a perfect reason to sign up for the Bear Down Network -- whether or not you are in a reunion class.
 
In the News

Fast Company , reports on college's Innovation for Justice Program

Forbes, reports on college's Innovation for Justice Program

LexBlog, reports on college's Innovation for Justice Program

KUER, referencing professor Robert S. Williams, Jr.

New website 'Hello Landlord' helps give renters back their voice
KOLD, reports on college's Innovation for Justice Program
 
UA law students help create website to curb eviction problem
KVOA, reports on college's Innovation for Justice Program
 
Arizona Daily Star, reports on college's Innovation for Justice Program


I hope that the 4th of July holiday provides you with an opportunity to relax and spend time with family and friends.

I'm happy to have my 16-year-old son, Owen, with me in China on my travels this week.

Wishing you well from Qingdao ...

... in the 4th of July spirit from Shangsha ...

... and from Shanghai.

Warmly,

Marc

 

 

 
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