Alumnus Caleb Donner (JD '90) Running for Ventura County Judge
March 22, 2018 | After 27 years in civil litigation, Caleb Donner (JD '90) has kicked off a campaign for one of two openings on the Ventura County Bench. Caleb says, ""The judge is an ambassador to the public of the legal system. We need to make it clear that people will have a fair experience."
An alumnus of the Class of 1990 and one of the first participants in Randy Lowry's dispute resolution certificate program, Caleb explains, "I got a great background at Pepperdine; both a dispute resolution and law background helped prepare me for a lot of what I run across in (my) practice." He describes his time as intense but amazing - meeting his future wife and preparing to "think like a lawyer." Caleb is admitted to the California State Bar, the United States District Court, Southern District, United States Court of Appeal, 9th Circuit, and United States Tax Court. He handles several different areas of law including Commercial Litigation, Textile Rental Litigation, Business Contracts and Litigation, Conservatorships, Wills, Trusts and Estates, and Personal Injury.
In 1993, Caleb and his wife, Lori (JD '90), opened Donner and Donner Law Firm when they realized that there was a need for good, experienced, caring attorneys to represent businesses and individuals. Caleb runs what he describes as a cooperative rather than adversarial practice. He explains, "I am a court appointed representative to conservatees or conservators who may be gravely disabled. This offers me a very different perspective because I see people who don't have the capacity, due to illness, to cope with taking care of their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. I enjoy being able to help people."
Caleb demonstrates high standards for legal excellence and a commitment to service through his pro bono work and ongoing community outreach. He volunteers providing free legal service, helping people who are struggling in Moorpark, and helps Dreamers.
In the run-up to this summer's election, Caleb continues to meet with local political clubs and attorney networking groups. The election for Ventura County Superior Court will be held on June 5. "We need more excellent judges of good temperament that will treat all people with respect and integrity," Caleb says. "I'm a fighter and the tiger on the issues."