About Us

George Ackerman
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

JD, MBA, PhD, Nova Southeastern University

Mark Allen III
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
B.A., Grinnell College
Mark C. Allen III has over twenty years of experience in alternative energy, real estate, environmental and land use law. His clients include national real estate developers; hotels; schools; churches; financial institutions and local governments. Professor Allen is one of a small number of attorneys with experience in the particular land use issues of nonprofits and religious institutions. He has been involved in environmental ligation, land use issues, alternative energy siting and environmental remediation projects for many years. Professor Allen has taught the Environmental Law and Administrative Law classes the Trinity for many years. He has also taught on environmental law issues to lawyers though state local and national organizations. He is a published author and lecturer on real estate and environmental issues affecting public, non-profit and religious organizations. Professor Allen received his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, and is an honors graduate of Grinnell College. He has been active in California State Bar committees, including the Public Law and Environmental Law Sections, and the State Bar select committee on the courts. He is actively involved in national and community organizations.

Anne Bachle Fifer
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

JD, University of Michigan Law School

Matthew Batezel
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Kristin Bengfort
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., University of San Diego School of Law Kristin is an Adjunct Professor at Trinity Law School and a partner at Nordhoff Bengfort. Kristin is a California Certified Family Law Specialist with nearly 15 years of practice experience. She teaches Community Property and Family Law. Kristin received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. She is a Newport Beach native and is an active presence in her community, with two young children of her own. In addition to being a wife and mother, Kristin serves on the boards of Casa Theresa (a non-profit organization providing services to pregnant women in crisis) and the Lido Island Yacht Club.

Preston Branaugh
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

JD, University of Denver Preston J. Branaugh teaches Conflict Management for Business and Nonprofit Organizations. After attaining his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver, Professor Branuagh entered private law practice. He has since practiced for over 20 years in business, nonprofit, and tax-exempt organizations, as well as estate and probate matters. Professor Branaugh has multiple publications and papers in legal training programs, together with various speaking engagements for community groups, including serving as a guest lecturer at Denver Seminary. Preston has received an award for his work in the Mediation/Arbitration Clinic at the University of Denver College of Law, and has recently joined Trinity Law School as an Adjunct Professor.

Brittany Bulthuis
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law

William Campbell
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Southwestern Law School B.A., California State University, Fullerton After graduating from Southwestern University College of Law and passing the California State Bar Exam, William Campbell sought as much time in the courtroom as possible and started his legal career working for the Fresno County Public Defender and District Attorney’s Office. Professor Campbell’s start as a criminal defense attorney with the Public Defender’s Office was short lived after securing an acquittal for his client in his first jury trial as a lawyer. It was soon after that acquittal that he found himself working for the District Attorney’s Office. In that capacity, he spent almost every day in the courtroom arguing motions and doing jury trials. Professor Campbell has prosecuted and defended individuals in cases involving low-level misdemeanors to three strike felony cases. With all the necessary skills to be an effective litigator, Professor Campbell moved to the private sector and to civil law. He began working as a Senior Litigator with The Seideman Law Firm, P.C. and fought for consumers who were harassed by creditors, debt collectors, and debt buyers as a Plaintiff’s lawyer using the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and its California equivalent, The Rosenthal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Currently, Professor Campbell is a Partner at Fitzgerald Campbell, APLC focusing on consumer protection and criminal defense.

Kenneth Chinn
INSTRUCTOR – CRIMINAL LAW

J.D., Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles

Eddie Colanter
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

BA, University of California San Diego MA, Simon Greenleaf University MA, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity International University MA, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity International University

Zach Cormier
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Pepperdine Law School

William Evans
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Loyst Fletcher
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., College of William and Mary B.A., Hampton UniversityLoyst P. Fletcher is experienced at all levels of litigation, from preliminary analysis and strategy through settlement, trial and when necessary, on appeal. His firm regularly represents clients in federal and state courts in California, Nevada, Michigan and throughout the country and has a proven track record of obtaining extraordinary relief for his clients. While Professor Fletcher’s expertise in the courtroom is unparalleled, he is acutely aware that his clients’ objectives are sometimes better attained through alternate strategies. Thus, he is equally familiar with a variety of arbitration and mediation forums. Professor Fletcher’s clients range from emerging companies to entrepreneurs, professionals, hourly employees and artists. He has represented businesses and individuals involved in entertainment, technology, media, real estate, financial services and consumer products. Consistent with his focus on employment and complex litigation, Professor Fletcher has extensive experience in consumer and employment class action litigation, has played a significant role in large and complex class cases, and currently serves as class counsel representing consumers and employees across California. At Trinity Law School, he teaches Evidence and Civil Procedure.

Stephanie Forbes
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

M.S., University of Pennsylvania Stephanie Forbes teaches Performance Assessment and Staffing and Compensation in the MLS Human Resources track. She earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in Liberal Studies from Chapman University where she was the founder and President of the Chapman chapter of Student CTA and an executive member of her sorority, Alpha Phi. She obtained her master’s degree in Urban Education from University of Pennsylvania. She taught secondary math and science in Philadelphia where she partnered with the Drexel University STEM fellows to incorporate technology into the classroom. She served on the Teach for America Junior Development Board and as a new teacher advisor. After moving back to her home state of California, she transitioned from teaching to Human Resources, working primarily with Nordstrom in their LA flagship store. She is excited to combine her two passions, education and HR, as a professor here at Trinity.

Lora S. Friedman
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Trinity Law School B.S. Chapman University Lora S. Friedman attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chapman University with a major in Criminal Justice. Thereafter she attended Trinity Law School where she earned her Juris Doctor Degree. While attending Trinity Law School she participated in the Roger J. Traynor Moot Court Competition, was the Editor-in-Chief of the Trinity Law Review and served as the President of the Associated Student Body. She was also the recipient of three Trinity Scholar Awards, and was honored at her graduation ceremony by receiving the Law Student of the Year Award. Professor Friedman’s areas of practice include general civil litigation and appeals, estate planning, probate and business litigation. Professor Friedman accepted a position at Trinity Law School as an Adjunct Professor in the Fall of 2013 and has instructed classes in Civil Procedure, Civil Litigation Skills and Legal Writing.

Jason Gaudy
INSTRUCTOR

J.D., Trinity Law School

Robert Grant
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., University of La Verne College of Law M.Div, Promise Christian University B.S., Excelsior College Robert Grant practices at the Law Offices of Robert Grant with offices in San Bernardino and Pomona. He is a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law and also concentrates in employment law. Professor Grant is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as the Federal Central District of California and the State Bar of California, since 2001. Professor Grant joined the Trinity faculty as an adjunct professor in 2012 and teaches workers’ compensation law and contracts. He is also an ordained minister who teaches and preaches internationally.

Venus Griffith Trunnel
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

LL.M., George Washington University Law School J.D., Southwestern Law School B.A., Loyola Marymount University Venus Griffith Trunnel has been practicing law for over twenty years. She was admitted to practice in 1995 to the Georgia State Bar and in 1995 to the California State Bar. She is also licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, as well as all courts in the State of California, Central District. Professor Trunnel received her LL.M. in Intellectual Property in 2001 from George Washington University Law School and received her J.D. in 1994 from Southwestern Law School where she received a Certificate in International Business Law through the Inns of Court program at Regent’s College, London, England. She is a former Trademark Examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office and White House Intern, who worked for former Vice President Al Gore’s Reinventing Government Project in 1994. Professor Trunnel specializes in the area of domestic and international trademark prosecution and enforcement and works with individuals, corporations and law firms on a broad range of copyright and trademark related matters including advising on clearance and adoption of marks, prosecution of marks, oppositions, infringement and cancellation actions, copyright and domain name issues, and drafting and negotiating various agreements. Professor Trunnel completed her thesis on Intellectual Property Barriers to Treating HIV/Aids in Africa. Professor Trunnel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles California. She is a member of the Intellectual Property Section of the California State Bar and an active participant in the International Trademark Association (INTA).

Bruce Harbin
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Pepperdine University School of Law MBA, Oral Roberts University B.S., Oral Roberts University Bruce Harbin is a partner in the firm of Harbin & McCarron, emphasizing a real estate and business law practice. Prior to attending law school, Professor Harbin was a real estate broker and owner of Harbin Real Estate Schools. A member of the California Bar, Professor Harbin is author of legal articles on topics including fair housing, ethics, real estate contracts, and arbitration. At Trinity Law School, he teaches Property, Real Estate Transactions, and Contracts.

Bruce Harbin
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., University of San Diego School of Law

Michele IronCastle
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Trinity Law School B.A., California State University, FullertonMichele IronCastle is a solo practitioner in the area of civil litigation. She received her J.D. from Trinity Law School and her B.A. from California State University, Fullerton. Ms. IronCastle’s experience ranges from working at the Christian Legal Aid Office assisting needy clients in Orange County pro bono to practicing law as a sole practitioner. She has served as second chair in an employment trial, resulting in a $477,000 jury verdict for her clients. Additionally, she was an associate attorney in a legal team for the Tijero v. Aaron Brothers class action lawsuit, which settled for $900,000. Ms. IronCastle has done extensive motion work and has argued before the Court of Appeal for her clients. In her free time, she serves as JV manager for the Ice Lions, the JSerra High School ice hockey team, for their 2015-16 season. She was manager for their previous season as well. Before the Ice Lions, Ms. IronCastle was involved as a team manager for the Orange County Hockey Club from 2011 to 2014. She joined the Trinity Law School faculty in 2016.

Christopher Kall
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., University Of San Diego School Of Law M.A., University Of Southern California B.A., San Diego State University

Bryan Kazarian
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law B.A., California State University, Fresno A.A., Orange Coast College Bryan R. Kazarian is an adjunct professor at Trinity Law School. He also specializes in criminal and personal injury law. His practices are predominately in the Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. Professor Kazarian obtained his undergraduate degree from California State University, Fresno while participating in the University’s football program on an athletic scholarship. Professor Kazarian then attended Western State University College of Law in Fullerton California and earned various honors such as American Jurisprudence Awards, Cum Laude, and Dean’s List and served on the Law School’s newspaper as a Law Review honors recipient before graduating in 1990. Professor Kazarian spent over six years as a prosecutor beginning with the Juvenile Division and ending up in the elite Gang Unit assigned to a specialized gang enforcement team. During his time as a prosecutor, Professor Kazarian spoke at high schools, community colleges and served on a city’s School Attendance Review Board for monitoring the attendance of students in local elementary and high schools. As a prosecutor, Professor Kazarian handled high-profile cases such as white collar embezzlement, attempted murder, elder abuse/poisoning, child molestation, jewelry store takeover robbery, various forms of hate crimes and of course gang crimes. As a Criminal Defense Attorney, Professor Kazarian has defended clients facing a variety of criminal statute violations such as burglary, grand theft, vandalism, vehicle theft, automotive “Chop Shop” crimes, DUI, driver’s license crimes, drug possession/sales amongst others. From these forums, Professor Kazarian has acquired a wealth of experience as a criminal attorney. In addition, Professor Kazarian has spearheaded the creation and administration of the Trinity Law School/Orange County Rescue Mission’s partnership for the pro bono Legal Clinic and Mobile Legal Clinic and currently serves as the lead professor for the Trinity Mobile Legal Clinic.

Dr. Stephen Kennedy
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Ph.D, University of Southern California M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary B.A., University of Southern California Dr. Stephen Kennedy was a Congressional Fellow in the United States Senate in 1986 and was a speechwriter in the US Department of Health and Human Services for the three years following his fellowship. He has taught at Georgetown University, Concordia University – Irvine, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He is director of the Human Rights Project at the Timothy Center for Sustainable Transformation and an adjunct faculty member at Biola University and Trinity Law School. At Trinity, Dr. Kennedy teaches Jurisprudence and Legal Institutions and Values, as well as the Summer Human Rights Program in Strasbourg, France.

Ryul Kim
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law B.A., University of California, Los Angeles For over 30 years, Ryul Kim has specialized in U.S.-Korea legal matters, serving as an advocate, arbitrator, mediator, consultant, educator, and expert witness in both transactional and litigation matters valued from a few thousand dollars to nine figures. Professor Kim teaches the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) class and Mediation Clinic courses at Trinity Law School and also serves as an arbitrator and mediator for ADR Services, Inc. and the Orange County Superior Court. Professor Kim has received many awards, including the Alliance Defense Fund (Honor Guard) for 500 Hours Pro Bono Services, The Wiley Manuel Award Recipient for Pro Bono Services, and State Bar of California Board of Governors Award for Pro Bono Services. In addition to the California State Bar Association, he has received membership and recognition from the U.S. Court of International Trade, Orange County Bar Association College of Trial Advocacy (Civil), and the National Litigation Academy in London, England. He has also spoken and written on a wide variety of legal topics with U.S.-Korea cross-border implications. He founded and served as Executive Co-Chair of the Korea Law Center at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where he created and implemented the fellowship program for visiting Korean jurists in 2009. As a founder of the U.S.-Korea Law Foundation, he hosted the annual U.S.-Korea Law Day, which has been held at KIA corporate headquarters in Irvine since 2011.

Ronald Larson
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., University of California, Davis B.A., California State University, Fullerton Ronald Larson has been with Trinity Law School since 1999, teaching courses in business organizations and professional responsibility. He is a partner with the Irvine law firm Grant, Genovese & Baratta, LLP, where he practices business litigation. Professor Larson’s clients include real estate developers, corporations, partnerships, entrepreneurs, contractors, manufacturers and numerous other businesses throughout Southern California. From 1996 to 2006, Professor Larson also served as trial counsel as a Judge Advocate in the United States Army Reserve.

Judge Daniel S. Lopez
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Loyola University of Chicago M.A., Claremont Graduate University B.A., Claremont McKenna College In 1989, Judge Daniel S. Lopez was first appointed to the East Los Angeles Municipal Court by Governor George Deukmejian. In 1994, Judge Lopez was elevated to the Superior Court by Governor Pete Wilson. He is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College, Claremont Graduate University and Loyola Law School. As an attorney, Judge Lopez worked with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Orange County Public Defender’s Office, and was in private practice for ten years prior to his appointment to the bench. During the course of his 24 year career as a Superior Court Judge for the County of Los Angeles, Judge Lopez specialized in criminal assignments covering misdemeanor cases, felony matters and juvenile delinquency cases. Judge Lopez has served as a supervising judge at East Los Angeles Court, Pomona Juvenile Court and West Covina Court. Although he officially retired last year, Judge Lopez continues to pursue his passion of working with the youth of the El Monte City School District, where he established their Mock Trial Academy in 2010. Judge Lopez also continues to preside over their monthly sessions of Truancy Court and Teen Court. Most importantly, Judge Lopez has been a member of Trinity Law School’s Adjunct Faculty for almost 20 years, where he teaches Trial Advocacy and Juvenile Law & Procedure. Currently, Judge Lopez is on assignment as a retired judge in the East District of the Los Angeles County Superior Court in the Pomona Courthouse. Judge Lopez is one of eight children born into the Lopez family, where he grew up in the South Gate area of Los Angeles County. He and his wife, Yolanda, have been married for over 40 years and have four adult children and one precious granddaughter.

Eric Mackey-Fitzgerald
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Trinity Law School Eric Mackey-Fitzgerald is an Orange County native and Trinity Law School graduate. During his time at Trinity, Professor Fitzgerald served as Editor-in-Chief of Trinity Law Review and was a member of The Federalist Society. He was an intern for a Social Security attorney in San Diego, California before becoming a clerk for a family law attorney in Garden Grove, California. It was during his clerkship that he decided to pursue a solo family law practice. Professor Fitzgerald practices family law in Garden Grove and is a volunteer attorney for California State University, Fullerton’s College Legal Clinic, as well as for the Christian Legal Aid Office in Santa Ana. At Trinity Law School, he teaches Community Property and Family Law.

Kelli Marsh
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Trinity Law School

Andrew McCarron
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law B.A., California State University, Long Beach Andrew McCarron is an experienced real estate and business litigation attorney and is currently general counsel for multiple real estate brokerages throughout California. Professor McCarron is a Temporary Judge for the Orange County Superior Court. He also lectures for Continuing Education providers, including the Orange County Bar Association College of Trial Advocacy and the California Association of Realtors. At Trinity Law School, he teaches Contracts, Uniform Commercial Code and Property.

Ken McDonald
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law B.A., California State University, Long Beach Kenneth McDonald has always had two great passions as a child, baseball and the law. After realizing that his true gifts were in law, he went to law school. During his law school days, Professor McDonald was hired by then Assistant District Attorney of Los Angeles County, Johnnie L. Cochran (O.J. Simpson fame) to work full-time in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Hardcore Gang Unit, where he was one of the first law clerks hired in the newly formed unit. After passing the California Bar Exam, Professor McDonald was led to work in the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, where he had a mission to represent the indigent and needy members of our society. Professor McDonald has worked for over thirty three years in the Public Defender’s Office rising to the level of Senior Trial Attorney, handling the most complex Capital Cases. He also had another great passion, which was to influence the young. He therefore is fulfilling that passion by teaching Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Death Penalty at Trinity Law School and formerly Simon Greenleaf Law Schools. He has taught for over 23 years, receiving Professor of the Year Award, and currently assists Trinity’s Criminal Law Association as their faculty advisor. He often helps the students in their preparation for Moot Court in the statewide and national competitions. Professor McDonald is active in the community. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Long Beach Bar Foundation and works with Project Shortstop, a nonprofit community-based education and criminal diversion program for at-risk juveniles in the greater Long Beach area and surrounding communities. He teaches students how to pass the California Bar Exam for a Bar Review Program, called “Barwinners.” He frequently speaks to school children in the greater Long Beach area, and can be found from time to time leading groups of students from Trinity or public schools on tours of the new Long Beach Courthouse, where he speaks to the students about his role as a Public Defender. Professor McDonald is married and has two beautiful daughters. He attends and serves at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest.

William Overtoom
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law B.A., California State University, Fullerton William Overtoom has served as Senior Deputy District Attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for over 33 years. He also served as Former Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California, where he prosecuted at least 150 jury trials and hundreds of other types of hearings. Professor Overtoom has also argued cases on appeal at state, federal, and U.S. Supreme Court levels. He has been a member of the California State Bar since December 1980 and is also a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar. Professor Overtoom joined the Trinity faculty in 2009 and teaches Criminal Law.

Laurie Ellen Park
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Chapman University Laurie Ellen Park teaches in the MLS program. Laurie Ellen received her undergraduate degree from Villanova University, cum laude, in Philosophy & English, Minoring in Business, with an Honors Concentration. She was awarded the Target All-Around Scholarship and the Connelly-Delourvrier Honors Program Award funding her undergraduate study at St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University Law School where she was active in Hurricane Katrina recovery work. Laurie Ellen Practiced environmental law for several years post-graduation and then transitioned into higher education and non-profit management. From there she moved into the tech sector. She is currently a Director at a tech company, the general counsel for a privately help corporation, and has her own start-up.

Michael Parker
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., McGeorge School of Law B.A., University of California, Los Angeles Michael L. Parker is an adjunct professor at Trinity Law School, where he teaches Insurance Law, Professional Responsibility and Remedies. Professor Parker received his J.D. from McGeorge School of Law, and his B.A. in History from UCLA. Professor Parker has over 25 years of experience practicing insurance coverage, real estate and business litigation in State and Federal Courts. Professor Parker has also provided pro bono representation in Constitutional and Civil Rights litigation involving Free Speech and Free Exercise of Religion issues. Professor Parker’s research interests include global issues in Defamation, Privacy and International Human Rights Law. Professor Parker and his family attend the Evangelical Free Church in Cypress, California.

Michael Peffer
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Simon Greenleaf School of Law A.A., Orange Coast College Michael Peffer spent the first ten years of his adult life pursuing pastoral ministry. Thereafter, God opened the doors for ministry through the law. In his early adult years, Professor Peffer worked in various pastoral ministries at churches in California, as well as a church in Ontario, Canada. He worked in insurance claims for over 12 years prior to and during the time he was attending law school at Simon Greenleaf University, now called Trinity Law School, in Santa Ana where he graduated Cum Laude. Professor Peffer is currently Senior Counsel for the Pacific Justice Institute and Director of its Santa Ana, CA office. He began practicing law at Lynberg and Watkins in downtown Los Angeles and worked there for two years. He then practiced at McCune & Harber, also in downtown Los Angeles, for seven years. He managed his own law practice, The Law Office of Michael J. Peffer, for nearly 3 years before coming to work for Pacific Justice Institute. His work in civil litigation often intersected with religious liberties. This included a case where the plaintiff was arguing that the religious corporation exemption for the California Fair Employment and Housing Act was unconstitutional, a case in which a liturgy teacher in a Catholic school was arguing that the “Ministerial Exception” did not apply to her, and cases where he argued that particular piece of litigation would put the court in the improper position of deciding doctrinal issues. Professor Peffer attends Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and is active in the Men’s Ministry, known as the Iron League. He has also taught classes at the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Costa Mesa. He has been married to his wife, Valarie, for over 30 years.

Chester Puchalski
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Trevor Roberts
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Trinity Law School

Lisa Runquist
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., University of Minnesota B.A., Hamline University Lisa A. Runquist, an attorney in Los Angeles, CA, has represented nonprofits for over 35 years. She is the winner of both the Outstanding Lawyer Award and the Vanguard (Lifetime Achievement) Award from ABA Business Law Section, NP Committee. She is the author/editor of Guide to Representing Religious Organizations (2009), The ABC’s of Nonprofits (2005), Nonprofit Resources (2007), as well as serving as ABA Liaison to the ALI/ABA Principles of the Law of Nonprofit Organizations, ABA Advisor to ULC Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act (finalized 2008) and to the ULC Model Protection of Charitable Assets Act (finalized 2011). Her spare time is spent with her husband, Mike Savage, and competing with her three standard poodles

Stephen Shepard
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Western State College of Law B.A., University of California, Los Angeles Stephen Shepard joined the Trinity Law School faculty in 2011 and teaches Contracts to first-year students. With a strong background in litigation, he practices in the areas of business law, real estate litigation, probate court matters and estate planning. Professor Shepard attends Refuge, a Calvary Chapel in Huntington Beach, where he and his wife, Bari, provide pre-marital counseling, coordinate the annual Married Couples Retreat, and participate on the after-service prayer team. He also enjoys surfing, mountain biking and chess.

Laurie A. Stewart
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Chapman University School of Law M.A., Talbot School of Theology B.A., California State University Fullerton Professor Laurie Stewart is an Adjunct Professor at Trinity Law School, having taught Legal Research & Writing, Christian ADR, and now Torts. Originally from Iowa, Professor Stewart moved to California to go to college, earning her B.A. from California University Fullerton. In 2003, she graduated from Chapman University School of Law, earning her J.D. degree. While in law school, she served as the Associate Managing Editor for the Nexus Journal, where she also published an article, Reviving Religious Liberty in America 8 Nexus J. Op. 151 (2003) (a historical examination of the First Amendment establishment clause and the original intent of the framers of the United States Constitution). Additionally, Professor Stewart served as the Vice-President of the Christian Legal Society, participated in the Mock Trial competition, was selected as a Dean’s Fellow to teach legal research to first-year law students. After earning her law degree, she worked with Dr. John Eastman, supervising summer Blackstone Fellow students. Most recently, in 2019, Professor Stewart earned her M.A. from Talbot School of Theology. She wrote her Master’s Thesis on “A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Women, Religion & the Law.” Professor Stewart started practicing law in 2003, first in California, then in Iowa. Her legal practice focused on Civil Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Municipal Law. In Iowa, she served as President of Iowa Association of Mediators and on the Council for the ADR Section of the Iowa State Bar Association. Professor Stewart had the privilege of serving on the Iowa Supreme Court Family Law Task Force ADR Work Group. Additionally, she is a Certified Christian Conciliator with the Institute for Christian Conciliation. As a civil litigator, she has represented plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of civil matters, including defending religious liberty and traditional family values. Professor Stewart has worked with several public interest groups, including Alliance Defending Freedom, Pacific Justice Institute, Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence, and Center for Individual Freedom. In 2006, she received the C. William Carlson award from Pacific Justice Institute for her “exceptional level of integrity and commitment.” Professor Stewart teaches seminars to universities, colleges, churches, and other groups all over the world on Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, and Christian Apologetics. Professor Stewart has served on the boards of Women in Apologetics, Iowa Association of Mediators, Marketplace Women of Orange County, Orange County chapter of the Federalist Society, Orange County Women Lawyers, and Camp Berachah. She currently sits on the board of Intelligent Faith and is on the Advisory Board for Christ Transformational Ministries. Professor Stewart and her husband, John Stewart, have three grown daughters and an energetic German Shepherd.

Meghan Taylor
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Chapman University School of Law Meghan O. Taylor teaches Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. She received her undergraduate degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While at Point Loma she played for the nationally ranked Women’s Volleyball team and studied abroad in Galway, Ireland. In the year prior to attending law school she served in AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps. Professor Taylor attended law school at Chapman University School of Law in Orange, CA where she served on the Executive Board of Chapman’s Journal of Criminal Justice and was a member of the Mock Trial team, winning a National Championship at the American Bar Association’s Arbitration competition. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and passed the California State Bar exam on her first attempt. Professor Taylor clerked with both the Orange County Office of the Public Defender and the San Diego Office of the Public Defender. Prior to opening her own firm, she spent eight years at a prestigious Orange County Criminal Defense firm.

Rachel Toberty
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Lloyd Tooks
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

J.D., Howard University School of Law B.A., Whittier College Lloyd Tooks is a California native, born and raised in San Diego. Upon graduating from San Diego High School, he attended Whittier College on a football scholarship. After graduating from Whittier College, he attended Howard University School of Law, receiving a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, cum laude. He was also a member and officer of the Howard Law Journal. After graduation from Howard, Professor Tooks was selected to be a law clerk for the Honorable James M. Carter, Circuit Judge, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. After his one-year clerkship, Professor Tooks was hired as an associate attorney with the then-San Francisco law firm of Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro. After two years with Pillsbury he left to become a founding partner in the Los Angeles law firm of Sanders & Tisdale. Four years later, he began his career as a sole practitioner in San Diego, specializing in federal court litigation concerning employment discrimination and constitutional issues. From 1985 through 2000, Professor Tooks was also a lecturer and trainer for employers regarding employment discrimination law and workplace diversity. Professor Tooks began his career as an adjunct professor of law at Trinity in 1998, teaching the Employment Discrimination Law course. He continues to teach that course while also continuing his federal court litigation practice.

Christine Torres
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Christine received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State University, Long Beach in 2004. She attended Trinity Law School from 2004-2007, where she was a member of the Moot Court team and Law Review, and she interned with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. She has been practicing for over 10 years. A highlight for her career thus far was working on The Scharpen Foundation v Becerra case. The research she assisted with evidencing that the state law, the FACT Act, targeted pro-life pregnancy clinics, was cited by Supreme Court Justices in the sister case of NIFLA v Becerra, 585 U.S. ___ (2018). Christine and her husband Greg have been married for 30 years, and have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. Her husband is the pastor of Calvary Chapel Hollywood, where they have been ministering for almost 4 years. Christine teaches in the children’s ministry and women’s ministry.