CLASSROOM SHIFT: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, approved by...

CLASSROOM SHIFT: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, approved by the Senate on Tuesday for a U.S. Supreme Court seat, predicted during her confirmation hearing that more women would reach high places on the bench. The reason, she noted: The percentage of women law students keeps increasing. Fullerton-based Western State University of Law, with 2,400 students at three campuses, is approaching parity, with women now making up 45% of its student body. That’s double the percentage in the 1970s.

JUDGE JUDGING: San Diego Judge Mickey Greer recently retired after an investigation of his judicial conduct, including questions about certain gifts. But the Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services panel in Orange has hired him, and John K. Trotter, a former appellate justice who runs it, explains why: “Judge Greer has been treated unfairly.” Trotter says the allegations are not only minor, but untrue. “I am personally offended by what has happened,” Trotter says.

FAT FREE: Diana Rosenfeld, 43, may be the best success story out of the Lindora Medical Clinic in Costa Mesa: She’s shed 382 of her 621 pounds over two years. Despite her joy, she was left with an uncomfortable problem: She needed a tummy tuck she can’t afford. . . . Help arrived, though, from others proud of her. This morning, plastic surgeon Michael Niccole will operate for free, and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital is donating its facilities. Says Rosenfeld about the surgery: “I’m excited. I won’t flap any more.”

BERKELEY BOUND: Because of space, UC Berkeley, already one of the toughest schools in the country to get into, must now turn away even qualified applicants. Which is why Orange Coast College is boasting about its new transfer agreement with Berkeley. . . . It guarantees Berkeley admission to students who qualified for Berkeley as freshmen, could not get in, and who instead complete their first two years at Orange Coast.

Women in Law

Western State University follows the national trend of a growing percentage of female law students. 1978: 25% 1981: 35% 1984: 41% 1987: 42% 1990: 44% 1993: 45% Source: Western State University College of Law