Thomas Jefferson School of of Law Adjunct Professor Lea Fields-Bernard has joined the staff of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner as Director of Appointments & Compliance. She will be working closely with TJSL alumnus Vince Hall ’08 who is Mayor Filner’s Chief of Staff.
“I am thrilled be a member of Mayor Bob Filner's team!,” said Professor Fields-Bernard. “As Director of Appointments & Compliance, my primary responsibility is to locate and vet people who are interested in serving the City by being appointed to its over 50 boards and commissions. I particularly look forward to helping Mayor Filner achieve one of his main goals of increasing the diversity of the members who sit on the City’s boards and commissions so that they truly represent the make-up of the San Diego community.”
Professor Fields-Bernard has been with TJSL for several years and specializes in teaching trial practice and coaching TJSL’s Mock Trial team.
Her professional career includes being a Deputy City Attorney and staff member to former San Diego City Councilman Tony Young.
“I have worked for the City of San Diego for almost 14 years, as a prosecutor and a legislative staffer,” says Professor Fields-Bernard. “Being able to serve the public on a daily basis is incredibly rewarding to me. It is exciting and I get to help people every day. Of course, my other passion is trial work and it is just as rewarding to teach and coach trial skills at TJSL!”
Professor Fields-Bernard is yet another example of how valuable a law degree is, whether you are a practicing lawyer or working in an entirely different field.
“When I was in law school, I never imagined having a job in politics,” she adds. “It is an example of one of the many things one can do with a law degree. The analytical skills you learn in law school can help you achieve success in many other careers.”
Congratulations to Professor Fields-Bernard from everyone in the TJSL family!