Western State College of Law Honors Professor Sandra L. Rierson as Faculty of the Year
Empowering future attorneys through connection, curiosity, and courage in the classroom.
At Western State College of Law, excellence in teaching is more than a tradition—it’s the foundation of everything the school stands for. This year, that commitment shines brightly through Professor Sandra (“Sandy”) Rierson, who has been named Western State’s Faculty of the Year.
For Professor Rierson, who joined the Western State community just over a year ago, the honor is deeply meaningful. “It’s very validating of my decision to come to Western State,” she shared. “It’s not easy to make a career change after doing something for 20 years, and I felt like this was confirmation that I made the right choice.”
A Passion for Law and for Learning
Before stepping into the classroom, Rierson spent more than a decade practicing law, eventually becoming a partner at Quinn Emanuel in Los Angeles. Though her career was thriving, she found herself drawn most to the parts of the job that involved mentoring young attorneys, writing, and problem-solving, skills that translated naturally to teaching.
“The things I loved most about being a practicing attorney, mentoring, writing, and organizing, I realized I could do all of that as a law professor, but with even more freedom to explore ideas I care about,” she said.
Over the past 20 years, that realization has evolved into a teaching philosophy grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and relevance. In her constitutional law and civil procedure courses, Rierson brings complex legal concepts to life by connecting them to both current events and local history.
“There’s so much happening in the world that you can bring into the classroom,” she explained. “When we talk about equal protection and school desegregation, I’ll reference Mendez v. Westminster, which happened right here in Orange County, before Brown v. Board of Education. It helps students see how the law is both historical and immediate.”
Recognized by Students, Inspired by Impact
For Rierson, recognition from the Western State community is both humbling and affirming, but the most meaningful moments often happen one student at a time.
“After class one day, a first-year student told me, ‘I think you’re doing a great job. I really love your class.’ That kind of feedback makes it all worthwhile,” she said with a smile.
Her colleagues and students alike describe her as approachable, innovative, and deeply invested in her students’ success, qualities that embody Western State’s reputation for small classes, accessible faculty, and a supportive academic environment.
A Voice for Innovation and Excellence
When asked what advice she’d offer to fellow educators, Rierson doesn’t hesitate.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try something new. If it doesn’t work, that’s fine, just don’t do that again,” she laughed. “The key is to stay open to new ideas and not get stuck in a rut. Be creative and keep learning.”
That spirit of innovation extends beyond the classroom. Rierson’s scholarship bridges trademark and constitutional law, examining issues of federalism, free speech, and civil rights through a historical lens. She’s passionate about using her platform to elevate Western State’s visibility across academic and professional circles.
“Western’s an underappreciated school,” she said. “Anything we can do as faculty to get the name out there, whether it’s writing an op-ed, presenting at a symposium, or speaking at an ABA event, helps showcase the incredible work happening here.”
A Community Rooted in Tradition and Progress
Founded in 1966, Western State College of Law is Orange County’s oldest law school and home to more than 12,000 alumni working across public and private sectors. From its Irvine campus, students gain access to the region’s thriving legal community, with experiential learning opportunities, mentorship, and a strong alumni network that includes more than 150 California judges.
Professor Rierson sees those connections as vital to Western State’s future, and to the future of the legal profession itself.
“The legal field is facing unprecedented challenges to the rule of law,” she said. “If you want to make a difference, having a law degree is an incredible way to start.”
As she continues to shape the next generation of legal minds, Professor Rierson’s blend of rigor, empathy, and authenticity embodies what Western State stands for: an unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and justice.