Andrea Sheridan Ordin ’62, J.D. ’65

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For more than 25 years, Andrea Ordin has been portrayed as a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. Her achievements, however, would be remarkable regardless of her gender. An accomplished public servant, she has consistently defended the interests of the people in the courtroom and the office, prosecuting cases of crucial interest in consumer affairs and citizens’ rights and hiring and promoting record numbers of women and minorities.

Early in her career, Ordin distinguished herself in the fields of juvenile law and consumer affairs, successfully arguing on behalf of the people before the California Supreme Court in four of the most significant consumer cases to be decided within the past few decades. In 1975 she was appointed assistant district attorney for Los Angeles County, a post that made her the third-ranking lawyer led to her appointment as United States attorney for Los Angeles County and the surrounding six counties.

Rejoining the state attorney general’s office in 1983, she headed the Division of Public Rights. In 1991 she left the public sector and became a partner with Peppers, Hamilton & Scheetz, where she concentrates on anti-trust, unfair competition and environmental law.

There are many measures of a great university. Alumni like Andrea Ordin are among the most significant, through their accomplishments enhancing and strengthening the institution that first helped them explore and embrace their potential.