Jodie Howard

Jodie Howard is a Professor of Law and Interim Director of the Law Library and Legal Research & Writing Program at San Joaquin College of Law. She founded the BREN Special Education Legal Clinic in 2019, serving as its first director to defend educational rights of children with disabilities. A SJCL valedictorian and high honors graduate, she earned the George A. Hopper Moot Court Award for Best Brief and multiple Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence.

Education:

• J.D., San Joaquin College of Law (Valedictorian, High Honors)
• B.S., Brigham Young University, Provo

Research focuses on special education law, legal writing pedagogy, and disability advocacy. Key contributions include policy analyses for neurodevelopmental disabilities and parent empowerment initiatives. Her speaking engagements emphasize advocacy strategies, policy reform, and interdisciplinary collaboration in education systems.

Awards:

• George A. Hopper Moot Court Award
• Fresno County Women Lawyers Scholarship
• Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence

Advising/Grants: Leads BREN Clinic providing legal services to families, integrating law student training with community advocacy. Collaborates with UCSF, UC-LEND, and Central Valley Regional Center on policy initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Directs BREN Special Education Legal Clinic and coordinates legal research programs at SJCL’s Law Library.