Partner

​Education

Jason graduated from Fresno State with a B.S. in Criminology. While at Fresno State, Jason was accepted into the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Honor Society.

 

Prior to entering a law clerk position with a private practice law firm, Jason completed an internship at WestCare, where he was exposed to the clinical aspects of the addiction and the recovery process. Jason’s internship has proved to be very beneficial because addiction and criminal law defense are often intricately interwoven. Additionally, this internship provided a firsthand look from the perspective of clients regarding the services and programs received by clients undergoing treatment.

 

In 2019, Jason graduated from San Joaquin College of Law, (SJCL). While at SJCL. Jason was accepted into the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Jason served on the Board of Delta Theta Phi for three years; he held the positions of: [1] Vice Dean; [2] Treasurer; and [3] Sergeant-at-Arms. Jason participated in two Moot Court Competitions while at SJCL: [1] the 2016 George Hopper Moot Court Competition; and [2] the UCLA Cybercrimes Moot Court Competition. For the George Hopper Moot Court Competition, Jason won Best Brief and advanced to the Final Round of the oral competition. As a law student, Jason felt strongly about volunteering his time in the legal community. He has assisted with the CCLS Senior Law Day; helped individuals at CCLS with their Immigration applications; and served as a judge at the 2017 and 2018 Fresno State Western Regional National Mock Trial competition. At SJCL, Jason was awarded the Ernest S. Kinney Trial Lawyer Scholarship and Delta Theta Phi Scholarship. In 2018, Jason received the 2018 SJCL Student of the Year Award. Last, in 2018, Jason was awarded the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate Award for dedication of his time and experience in performing pro bono services.

 

Experience

From May of 2017 through February of 2023, Jason gained criminal law experience through employment with a private Criminal Defense Law Firm. In this capacity, Jason’s primary role was preparing legal motions and drafting and submitting Post-Conviction Writs and Appeals. As a law clerk, Jason’s exceptional research and writing skills were utilized in: [1] multiple Appeals and Writs submitted to the Superior and Appellate Courts of California; [2] multiple Writs and Appeals submitted to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—including an Appeal accepted for Oral Argument in August of 2020; [3] a Petition for review by the California Supreme Court; and [4] countless motions, in both Civil and Criminal law, to the Superior Court of California. Additionally, Jason has received experience assisting in Special Circumstance Homicide cases—including a highly complex death penalty case. Jason quickly became an asset and integral member of this private firm through demonstrated passion and commitment to providing clients with the very best defense possible.

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As a law clerk, Jason received the following compliments from Clients:

1. “[Jason’s brief was] very powerful and professional”—D.B.; and

2. “I wanted to thank you for the appeal filed on my behalf…My wife and I read through it and were both amazed how thorough it was written and in fact, how well-written it was. You explain things so easily even we could understand! We both appreciated the many examples you cited using previous case law…It was very clear to both of us. Thank you very, very much. –A.R.

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As a law clerk, Jason had the privilege of assisting in every stage of litigation proceedings—in both civil and criminal matters. In his law clerk capacity, Jason was allowed to: [1] make several appearances on the record; and [2] perform a Direct Examination of a Witness. Jason was ecstatic to have had early opportunities to assist in several juvenile justice cases, a homicide trial, and several complex sex cases.

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In 2023, Jason passed the California Bar Exam, and was sworn in to practice law for all Courts in the State of California. In the same year, Jason accepted a position as Associate Attorney with Fitzgerald, Alvarez & Ciummo. As an Associate Attorney, Jason gained Courtroom experience by running a calendar for assigned Departments of the Fresno County Superior Court. Jason: [1] gained valuable experience in managing a heavy caseload; [2] gained experience negotiating plea/settlement agreements; [3] gained experience building trial advocacy skills; and [4] began building a strong reputation with all members of the judicial community. Jason has also received the benefit mentorship and guidance in drafting and submitting post-conviction resentencing petitions for FAC (Penal Code §§ 1172.6 and 1172.75 petitions). 

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In 2024, Jason accepted a position as a panel attorney for appointed appeals with the Sixth District Appellate Court (Sixth District Appellate Panel). As a panel attorney, Jason has been provided the opportunity to receive mentorship and guidance through experienced Appellate Attorneys staffed with the Sixth District Appellate Program.

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Through Jason’s education and career experience, he developed a love for post-conviction work and is passionate about every facet involving Writs and Appeals. He approaches each case with intense scrutiny and diligently works to lay the foundation for a great defense. Jason takes the time to listen to clients. He ensures the clients are personally communicated with and are frequently updated regarding their cases. Last, he ensures clients understand the work being performed, and the defense being proffered, on their cases.