Profiles of Remarkable Tony Patiño Fellows
Jeffrey Mandell
Chicago (’06)
Fellow Jeffrey Mandell (Chicago ‘06) is an influential impact litigator. He is the general counsel of Law Forward, a nonprofit committed to promoting voting rights and democracy in Wisconsin through litigation. With Law Forward and its partners, Jeff brought challenges that resulted in the state Supreme Court striking down Wisconsin’s highly gerrymandered legislative districts. He also filed a first-in-the-nation lawsuit that produced historic settlements against the 10 fraudulent electors and lawyers who attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
Adriana García, JD
Columbia (’12)
Ms. García observed through her work in major U.S. cities that private funding and philanthropy can help fill urgent needs that the government cannot. Today, Ms. García uses her public policy and social justice background to bring the full power of philanthropy to bear on bridging those gaps through her work at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Read more about Ms. García in this profile written by Fellow-Elect Sam Ruby, UC Law SF Class of 2024.
Kameron Matthews, MD, JD, FAAFP
Chicago (’06)
“Medical school confirmed my love for medicine and patient care, but law school allowed me to see medicine through the social and political lens of public policy. It opened my eyes to the various social determinants of health. More importantly, law school provided me the tools to advocate for policy that addresses them.”
Read more about Dr. Matthews in this profile written by Fellows-Elect Ryan Kokell, Iris Wagner, and Rohan Naik.
Honorable Kenneth M. Karas
Columbia (’91)
“I remember the day I was selected to be a Tony Patiño Fellow-Elect as a first-year law student. Along with the exhilaration of being accepted into a family-like network came the sense of responsibility of living up to the ideals of the Fellowship: to be a leader and contributor to the community. This responsibility was not a burden, but an inspiration to become the kind of lawyer who could help others.”
Jeanette M. Acosta, in memoriam
UC Law SF (’16)
In her remarkable 32 years, Jeanette Acosta was a leader for social justice, a leader in the Latinx community, and a leader for women’s health. She will always be a cherished Fellow in our Tony Patiño community.
“As challenging as this battle is, I am stronger because of you and your help. My purpose is clearer. My willingness to adapt is greater. My capacity to lead in the face of this illness is fuller because I am not alone.”