Shawn Tafreshi

J.D., Loyola Law School
B.A., UC Irvine

Professor Shawn Tafreshi has been a trial lawyer for over 20 years and currently serves as a Deputy District Attorney and Chief at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. While attending Loyola Law School, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Loyola International and Comparative Law Review and served as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Kim McLane Wardlaw of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

At the District Attorney’s Office, Professor Tafreshi has developed expertise in complex homicide litigation. He was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Prosecution by both the San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Association and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for his work on cold case murders. His leadership roles have included Team Leader of the North County Gang Prosecution Unit, Assistant Chief of the Major Narcotics Division, and Assistant Chief of the North County Branch. He currently serves as Chief of the North County Branch.

As an educator, Professor Tafreshi has lectured on Evidence, Legal Ethics, Trial Practice, Homicide, Gang Violence, Opioid Abuse, Criminal Procedure, Jury Selection, Sentencing, and Grand Jury Practice. His passion for teaching began early while working at a school for children with learning disabilities and continued through his mentorship with Big Brothers and Sisters of San Diego. He frequently speaks at local schools about the dangers of negative peer influences and youth crime and is a dedicated high school mock trial coach. Outside the classroom, he enjoys coaching youth baseball and softball.

Since 2015, Professor Tafreshi has taught at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, bringing a real-world jury trial perspective to his courses. He is deeply committed to his students’ professional development as they prepare for careers in law.

Courses Taught: Evidence, International Criminal Law