ULV Law Students Argue Appeal
In a milestone moment for the University of La Verne’s College of Law and Public Service, law students Brent Balancio and Erika Zuniga recently argued before the California Court of Appeal—an opportunity rarely granted, even to seasoned attorneys.
This prestigious opportunity underscores not only their dedication but also the rigorous legal training and opportunities offered by the college’s San Bernardino County Misdemeanor Appellate Clinic.
“This was a monumental achievement for CLPS, our clinic, and our students,” said Kevin Marshall, dean of the college. “I know of no other California Bar (CalBar) school that offers these opportunities, and this type of clinical training puts CLPS on par with many American Bar Association (ABA) programs. This is about our students, faculty, and staff playing a significant and responsible role in our constitutional democratic republic.”
Founded in 2019, the university’s clinic provides hands-on appellate law experience, giving students the chance to represent indigent defendants and argue real cases in court. It was through this clinic that Balancio and Zuniga earned their opportunity to argue before the Riverside appellate court.
The clinic provides CLPS students the opportunity to litigate real cases involving real clients. They analyze trial transcripts, identify legal issues, draft appellate briefs, and argue before local superior court appellate panels. Through their work, students don’t just represent clients —they help shape legal precedent, reinforcing the clinic’s role in advancing justice.
“Being involved in this clinic has opened my eyes to how vital appellate advocacy is to the legal system,” Zuniga said. “We’re not just advocating for one client—we’re also contributing to the broader legal and social framework.”
Balancio and Zuniga’s oral argument was the culmination of years of work by at least half a dozen students each semester under the guidance of Professors Courtney Redman, Michele Assael-Shafia, and Arya Shamuilian. The clinic operates like an attorney’s office, providing students with a unique “hands-on” experience.
“Most attorneys never argue before the Court of Appeal,” said Co-Director Assael-Shafia. “The court was very complimentary and told them they were ‘bar card ready.”
These opportunities are challenging, but transformative, say students. Balancio, a third-year law student aspiring to become a criminal defense attorney, said the team contended with a negative tentative opinion in the recent case.
“The court made it clear we shouldn’t simply repeat our briefs, so we had to dig deeper,” he shared. “We immersed ourselves in as many cases as possible, uncovering issues that hadn’t been fully addressed. It felt like solving a puzzle, which I couldn’t have solved without the analysis of my peers.”
Meanwhile, Zuniga, a fourth-year student set to graduate in May, said condensing complex legal issues into a concise, impactful argument and presenting within a limited time was a struggle. Practicing with guest judges and fellow clinic members provided fresh perspectives that helped them shape the best possible argument, she said.
“In class, you learn theory, but the appellate clinic teaches you how law is interpreted in real cases,” Balancio said. “This experience strengthened my confidence and oratorical skills. I’m just thankful that my work with the clinic has provided such a solid foundation, and I’m excited that prospective employers are showing interest in my potential.”
Building on the foundation laid current and previous clinic students, the next step is petitioning the California Supreme Court for further review of the case.
“With the Supreme Court accepting only three to five percent of petitions, this is a major step,” Assael-Shafia said. “It speaks volumes about our students’ advocacy skills and the support they’ve received from CLPS and Dean Marshall.”
