Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Overview

The Hon. Barbara A. McAuliffe is a recalled United States magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California[1]. McAuliffe was appointed to the bench by the judges of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on October 14, 2011[2].

Her judicial work has included civil cases with party consent, including business litigation, employment law, class actions, and civil rights cases[2]. She has also conducted jury trials involving complex legal and factual disputes[2].

Educational background

McAuliffe received a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in 1980[2]. At the University of San Diego School of Law, she completed a J.D., magna cum laude, in 1989[2]. While in law school, she served as executive editor of the Law Review[2]. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1989)[3].

Career history

After graduating from law school, McAuliffe began her legal career at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (1989 to 1991), in Los Angeles, California[2]. She then joined Lang, Richert & Patch (1991 to 1995), in Fresno, California[2]. Four years later, she became a partner at Motschiedler, Michaelides & Wishon LLP (1995 to 2000), in Fresno, California[2]. During those years in private practice, her work emphasized civil litigation, including employment, construction, and business matters[2].

In 2000, McAuliffe became a judicial law clerk to Lawrence J. O'Neill at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California[2]. She remained in that role until 2011[2]. During that eleven-year clerkship, she managed O'Neill's high-volume caseload[2].

McAuliffe also served as an adjunct professor at local educational institutions, teaching legal research and writing, business law, business ethics, administrative law, and international law[2].

Her professional service has included membership on the American Bar Association Judicial Division Ethics and Professionalism Committee and prior service on the State Bar of California Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility[2].

Personal life

In professional settings, McAuliffe has spoken and participated in panels on ethics and professionalism[2].

References

[1] U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California — All Judges
[2] U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California — Barbara A. McAuliffe
[3] State Bar of California — Licensee Detail