USD Law Advocate, Spring 2026

ACADEMIC EVENTS

FLAGSHIP EVENTS CONNECT STUDENTS TO THEIR CLASSES At the University of San Diego School of Law, lecture series offer students the invaluable opportunity to deepen and expand upon what they learn in the classroom, bringing legal concepts to life through real-world insights and perspectives. These events introduce students to scholars, practitioners and thought leaders who challenge them to think critically, broaden their understanding of complex issues and engage with emerging topics beyond the traditional curriculum. By connecting academic study with contemporary practice, lecture series help students see the richness and relevance of the law in action.

❱❱ The Bergman Memorial Lecture on Women, Children and Human Rights is the result of a wonderful gift by Dr. Barbara Yates, a longtime professor at the University of Illinois and a friend of the late Jane Ellen Bergman. According to Dr. Yates, Bergman was “an ordinary citizen who chose to devote her professional life to public service. As a nursing administrator, public health educator and family therapist, she developed an abiding interest in the human rights of common people, especially the plight of women and children, in a rapidly changing world.” This series is a lasting tribute to Bergman and an opportunity for USD students, faculty and staff, as well as interested members of the community, to hear distinguished lectur ers speak about issues concerning women, children and human rights. The Class Action Law Forum is held in collaboration with Western Alliance Bank and directly benefits the Western Alliance Bank Scholarship Fund supporting a

USD Law School student in financial need. Attendees hear insights and take part in discussions on the most important developments and issues surrounding class actions and mass torts. Panelists include sitting federal judges and top defense and plaintiffs’ attorneys. The Evolving Doctrine Lecture Series was established in 2023 to give modern perspectives on doctrinal lectures. This series aims to provide social and historical context to 1L doctrinal courses and give students a better under standing of past and present impacts of doctrinal law on society, with a focus on marginalized groups. It is gener ously supported by the Jane Ellen Bergman and Nathaniel L. Nathanson endowments. The Hugh & Hazel Darling Foundation Originalism Works-in-Progress Conference is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Constitutional Originalism and made possible through support from the Hugh & Hazel Darling Foundation. Featuring a presentation of a variety

The Nathaniel L. Nathanson Memorial Lecture Series

The Lesley K. McAllister Symposium on Climate & Energy Law

SPRING 2026

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