Professor Jeff Fleming | 1955 - 2022 |

Tribute to Professor Jeffery A. Fleming

Jeffery A. Fleming was born on April 14, 1955 and grew up in Stockton, California. He attended and graduated from Stagg High School where he was recognized as a standout member of the debate team. His early debate skills forged a path for later success as a lawyer and educator.

After high school graduation, he attended and graduated from the University of the Pacific. Next, he enrolled at Western State University College of Law where he met his future wife, Susan Sneidmiller. Following their graduation from law school, they founded Fleming’s Fundamentals of Law in 1982. Together they co-authored comprehensive and innovative law school and bar exam materials for all fifteen subjects tested on the California Bar Exam. In 1984, they began teaching in live sessions. Eventually leveraging the internet, they expanded their reach by complementing live training with online courses.|

Professor Fleming was recognized early as an expert in bar examination preparation; and over the years he became a bar review legend. He was a visionary in the field of bar review, who dedicated his life to helping countless law students and bar candidates excel in their legal studies. As a pioneer in law review for bar exam preparation, he developed innovative courses that integrated substantive law and exam strategies with personal coaching.

In 2009, he joined the faculty of Northwestern California University (NWCU) School of Law. At NWCU, he taught numerous law courses in law and legal writing. He motivated the school’s students with enthusiasm, humor, and insight, and is remembered by them with great affection.

His exceptional subject knowledge and masterful storytelling ability created an unforgettable learning experience for his students. His teaching not only taught them law, but also how to have a passion for it, and make use of it ethically and successfully for the benefit of society.

Below are memories and reflections of him from some of his former NWCU law students:
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“Professor Fleming’s lectures and materials were an integral part of my passing the bar exam on the first attempt. His energy kept me motivated and attentive.”

Karin M. Bruce – Attorney/Partner at Complex Litigation Law Firm Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson, Haluck, LLP – Business, Construction, and Trucking & Transportation Law – Member of the Bar: California (2013)
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“Professor Jeff Fleming had a profound, lasting impact on my professional life; I continue to apply what I learned from him daily in my work as a prosecutor. He possessed an exceptional legal mind and a rare gift for simplifying complex concepts. --- His passion for law was matched only by his dedication to his students, who now cherish wonderful memories of him.”

Joseph A. Castagnola – Deputy District Attorney IV, Fresno County, California – Member of the Bar: California (2017), Massachusetts (2024), and Wisconsin (2023)
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“I had many solid professors at Northwestern California University School of Law, none with more passion for the law and for teaching it than Professor Jeff Fleming.  Without his infectious energy and ambition, and clear and direct style, I doubt I would have passed the California Bar exam, let alone on the first try.

“Professor Fleming inspired my classmates and me to see our limitless potential, and then held us accountable for achieving it. And he helped to instill in us a sense of gratitude and pride, that we had the opportunity to go to law school and to take the bar exam.

“Professor Fleming leaves a lasting positive impact on all of his students and, through them, the practice of law in California and, more broadly, the United States.”

Clayton Bond – Attorney/Activist/Civil Rights Advocate – Member of the Bar: California (2017) and Washington D.C. (2025)
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“Jeff Fleming was a great teacher and engaging, memorable individual. He devoted much of his career to helping students learn and apply the law at a formative stage of their career and education. He was not an ivory tower type, with an esoteric narrow specialty, but a practical person with a solid and broadly expansive knowledge of law and the ability to effectively teach it those who are beginners. This is not an easy task, but one he undertook with enthusiasm and gusto. He also had a nice sense of humor that put you at ease. He had an imposing presence, a strong commanding voice, and distinctive swept back hair.  

“If learning law is like learning to sail a ship, he was the seasoned sailor who ‘taught us the ropes’ meaning how to get the sails to work, navigate, weather storms and not capsize. Great teachers stand out and leave an imprint on us, especially in our formative years, and nourish us. Jeff Fleming was one such great teacher. The Yiddish term ‘maven’ is a complimentary term used to describe an expert and a ‘go to’ person. It is derived from the Hebrew word meaning ‘one who understands.’ Jeff Fleming was a true maven at legal teaching. He understood and knew how to make you understand.”

Joel Chodos, MD, JD – Medical Doctor/Lawyer – Member of the Bar: California (2017)
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"Professor Fleming was more than a teacher; he was a true "Awakener of Potentials"—not just a beacon pointing towards the light, but the very fire that fed it. He quietly gave of his own strength to ensure his students never walked in darkness, leaving behind a constant flame that continues to warm the hearts of everyone he touched.

“His legacy isn't written in stone, but in the lives he transformed. After five years in the trenches of Civil Litigation in California courts, I am a testament to his mentorship, serving my clients with the same integrity he instilled in us as he did not just teach; he shaped minds and forged futures, leaving an indelible mark on the world through every student he inspired to shine and carry his light forward”.

Chi A. Iweze – Litigation Attorney at Heidari Law Group – Member of the Bar: California (2021)
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“Professor Jeff Fleming was one of the most influential and inspirational mentors I have ever had in my entire life. He was extremely knowledgeable and knew how to make learning not only fun, but meaningful and transformative. He had a sense of humor that brought the law and its application to life alive in real time. Almost like an episode of Seinfeld, he showcased real world issues or disputes of law and provided funny analogies of how settled case law might be interpreted or argued on each side of these issues. His teaching style meant the world to me, because as funny as he was, he was also very disciplined and hard working.

“As I write this extremely heartfelt memoriam for one of the best teachers I have ever known, I am completely reduced to tears, because more than anything, he was also like a father and one of the closest friends and colleagues I have ever had.

“My life is infinitely better because of his wisdom, inspiration, and belief in me. Words will never be able to express how much Professor Fleming meant to me and my life. He was truly one of the most remarkable people in my life journey.

“With extreme sadness, a smile on my face, and gratitude in my heart, I want to thank you Professor Fleming, and I want you to know how much I love you.” 

Nathan C. Rien – College Professor/Lawyer – Member of the Bar: California (2018)
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“The legal community and academia lost a true titan with the passing of Jeffrey A. Fleming. During my studies at Northwestern California University School of Law, I witnessed firsthand his rare ability to command a room with a style that was as charismatic as it was profoundly committed. Professor Fleming’s captivating lectures were masterclasses in precision, where complex law and abstract theory were vibrantly brought to life. His Wednesday night classes were ones I never wanted to miss.

“What set him apart was the balance he maintained between biting wit and genuine wisdom. He didn't just lecture; he engaged. He listened to our questions with an intensity that made every student feel seen, transforming the classroom into a dynamic dialogue. By seamlessly blending sharp, sarcastic humor with ingenious mnemonics, he did more than make the material accessible--he made it unforgettable. Even now, I count myself fortunate to possess a complete collection of Fleming's Fundamentals of Law recorded video and audio lectures.  They remain a cherished resource—one I return to whenever I need a dose of his signature comic relief, a renewed spark of inspiration, or simply the joy of watching a master doing exactly what he loved to do.

“Professor Fleming’s was driven by an unwavering dedication to our success. His instructional rigor didn't merely prepare us for an examination; it forged the foundation for a career. I credit much of my law school success--and the foundational skills required for my role as an Assistant United States Attorney--to his methodological guidance and practical insights. He was a mentor, a master at his craft, and quite simply, legendary.”

Elisa M. Rodriguez – Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California, Fresno Office – Member of the Bar: California (2024)
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“Professor Jeff Fleming was arguably the most influential figure of my legal education. His concise and focused materials were essential to my understanding of the law. He was an engaging lecturer, approachable, and possessed a warm personality and an excellent sense of humor. He provided the foundation that allowed me to graduate from law school and pass the California Bar Exam.

           “I am forever grateful for the role that Professor Jeff played in my licensure.”

Perry L. Stottlemeyer – Estate Planning Lawyer - CPA – Member of the Bar: California (2021)
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“Professor Jeff Fleming was more than just a professor to me; he was a mentor whose passion for teaching and deep understanding of the law helped guide me, and so many others, on the path to becoming attorneys. He was someone I truly admired. He played an important role in helping me prepare for the California Bar, always offering encouragement alongside his wealth of knowledge. He had a gift for storytelling and a wonderful sense of humor, often sharing memorable anecdotes from his years in practice that brought the law to life. 

“Most importantly, he gave me hope and the confidence to keep going when it mattered most. His impact on my life, and on the lives of countless students, will stay with me always.”

C. Bart Sullivan – Patent Lawyer – Member of the Bar: California (2018)
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“Professor Fleming connected with his students by using an unpretentious direct style of teaching in a way that made us know he cared. He could see what his students were struggling with and explained the fundamentals of law in a way that got us to better comprehend the issues and the rules. His lectures and course materials transformed complex concepts into actionable rule statements, essential for both the school’s final exams and the bar exam.

“The structured approach he taught us was instrumental in my success in law school and passing the bar.”

Peter A. Wallis – Private Practice Lawyer/Litigator – Member of the Bar: California (2022)
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Professor Fleming is missed by our NWCU community and will never be forgotten.