The Pacific Law Review Symposium 2026, titled "The Rule of Law Under Pressure: Executive Power, the Role of the Judiciary, and Democracy’s Future," is an annual event organized by the University of the Pacific Law Review. Scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT, the symposium will be held in a hybrid format, accommodating both in-person attendees at Classroom H of the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, and virtual participants via Zoom.
This year's symposium will delve into critical issues such as the politicization of the judiciary, executive overreach, and the erosion of institutional norms. Key topics include the tension between judicial independence and political interference, democracy and the courts, enforcement and accountability, and the role of public trust and legal education in upholding the rule of law. Discussions will feature debates on current and former administration policies, democratic backsliding, and necessary reforms to safeguard the legal system.
The event will feature multiple panels with distinguished speakers, including legal scholars, practitioners, and advocates from around the world. Notable speakers include Judge Kimberly J. Mueller (Ret.), Professor Erin Carroll, Professor Raquel Aldana, Executive Director Salena Copeland, Dean and Professor Brian Gallini, Professor Corinna Lain, Professor Steve Ramirez, Professor Mary-Beth Moylan, Professor Scott L. Cummings, Professor Michael Vitiello, Professor Thomas Main, Professor Charles W. Rhodes, and Professor Xingzhong Yu. The symposium will conclude with a reception from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Salon, providing attendees with opportunities for networking and further discussion.
The symposium is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for the event. For those seeking Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, the program has been approved by the State Bar of California for a total of 7 hours, including 1.5 hours in Legal Ethics, 1 hour in Civility in the Legal Profession, 0.75 hours in Technology in the Practice of Law, and 3.75 hours of general CLE. This event is particularly beneficial for legal professionals, scholars, and students interested in the current challenges facing the rule of law and the judiciary.
Categories
Speakers(17)
Brian Gallini
Dean and Professor of Law at Quinnipiac University School of Law
Brian Gallini is the Dean and Professor of Law at Quinnipiac University School of Law, focusing on criminal law and procedure.
Charles W. "Rocky" Rhodes
Professor of Law at University of Missouri School of Law
Charles W. "Rocky" Rhodes is a Professor of Law at the University of Missouri School of Law, specializing in constitutional law and judicial process.
Corinna Lain
Professor of Law at University of Richmond School of Law
Corinna Lain is a Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, specializing in constitutional law and the death penalty.
Erin Carroll
Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center
Erin Carroll is a Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, focusing on media law and the First Amendment.
Erin O'Neal
Associate Professor of Law & Public Policy at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Erin O'Neal is an Associate Professor of Law & Public Policy at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, focusing on legislative process and policy analysis.
Kimberly J. Mueller
Senior U.S. District Judge at United States District Court, Eastern District of California
Kimberly J. Mueller is a Senior U.S. District Judge for the United States District Court, Eastern District of California, with extensive experience in federal judiciary matters.
Mary-Beth Moylan
Associate Professor of Law at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Mary-Beth Moylan is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, specializing in legal writing and appellate advocacy.
Michael Vitiello
Distinguished Professor of Law at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Michael Vitiello is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, known for his work in criminal law and sentencing reform.
Rachel Van Cleave
Visiting Professor of Law at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Rachel Van Cleave is a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, with expertise in comparative criminal law and gender issues.
Randall A. Miller
Founding Partner at Miller Waxler LLP
Randall A. Miller is the Founding Partner of Miller Waxler LLP, with expertise in complex litigation and legal ethics.
Raquel Aldana
Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law
Raquel Aldana is a Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law, specializing in immigration law and human rights.
Salena Copeland
Executive Director at Legal Aid Association of California
Salena Copeland serves as the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Association of California, advocating for access to justice and legal services for underserved communities.
Scott L. Cummings
Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law
Scott L. Cummings is a Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law, with expertise in legal ethics and the role of lawyers in social movements.
Steve Ramirez
Professor of Law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Steve Ramirez is a Professor of Law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, focusing on corporate governance and financial regulation.
Thomas Main
Professor of Law at William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Thomas Main is a Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, focusing on civil procedure and complex litigation.
William Shapiro
Visiting Professor of Law at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
William Shapiro is a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, specializing in constitutional law and civil rights.
Xingzhong Yu
Chair Professor at the Faculty of Law at University of Macau
Xingzhong Yu is a Chair Professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Macau, specializing in comparative law and legal philosophy.
Event Details
- Date
- March 27, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Sacramento, United States
- Classroom H, McGeorge School of Law
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Legal professionals, scholars, students, and the general public interested in the rule of law and judiciary issues.
- CLE Credits
- 7 hours (1.5 Legal Ethics, 1 Civility, 0.75 Technology, 3.75 General)