Love and the Law: Celebrating Couples who Found Romance at UC Law SF

At UC Law San Francisco, students gain more than just rigorous legal training. They also build lifelong relationships—both professional and personal. In honor of Valentine’s Day, meet two couples who found lasting romance while mastering the law.

Andrew Turner ’89 and Kim Gelman ’89

Andrew “Andy” Turner and Kim Gelman arrived at UC Law San Francisco in 1986, the same year Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” topped music charts and the film “Top Gun” became a pop culture phenomenon.

But for them, the era’s defining moment wasn’t on MTV or the silver screen — it was on campus, where they first crossed paths. Nearly 40 years later, they’ve both built thriving careers, raised two daughters, and continue to support each other in every aspect of life.

“Meeting Kim is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Andy said.

Though they had no first-year classes together, Kim and Andy met through mutual friends at UC Law SF’s many social gatherings—intramural softball games, happy hours, and law school events.

Andy recalls playing outfield during slow-pitch softball games in the Presidio with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Kim, not an avid player at first, was often persuaded to join with promises of post-game drinks.

“I liked playing on Andy’s team the best,” Kim said.

Andy, then living in a small North Beach studio, recalls visiting Kim in her McAllister Tower apartment, where she cooked “the best stir fry lunches” with fresh vegetables from the UN Plaza farmers market.

What started as a friendship deepened over time.  Kim appreciated Andy’s kindness and his ability to truly listen, while Andy admired Kim’s energy, intelligence, and fun-loving spirit.

As they pursued their legal careers, Andy and Kim leaned on the strong foundation UC Law SF had provided. After law school, they faced a challenge: Kim took a job with Baker McKenzie in Los Angeles, while Andy stayed in the Bay Area as a Marin County deputy district attorney. For two years, they managed a long-distance relationship before Kim transferred to San Francisco, where they quickly became inseparable.

They married in 1994 and built a family together. Their adult daughters, Logan and Ellery, have inherited their parents’ adventurous spirit, studying and working around the world.

Kim eventually transitioned from real estate lawyer to real estate agent, where her background gives her an edge in navigating contracts and regulations. Meanwhile, Andy became a sought-after eminent domain attorney, helping clients — from homeowners to business owners — obtain just compensation for land seized for government projects.

Today, the couple enjoys traveling the world and hosting themed parties for their wide circle of friends. But they’ve never forgotten the law school where it all began.

Their advice to today’s UC Law SF students? Andy tells students to embrace law school’s unique environment. “Maybe you’ll get more than a JD,” he said. “You’re in a bubble for three years, where you become very close with classmates.”

Kim adds, “Take the time to meet people and enjoy law school. You’ll never be around a wittier, smarter group of people. My advice on love … start with friendship.”

David Casarrubias-González ’18 and Raul González -Casarrubias ’18

Before the first day of law school, David and Raul met at a pre-orientation event. David was immediately drawn to Raul but kept his distance—Raul was in a relationship at the time.

For two years, their paths barely crossed, despite having mutual friends. David was deep into his roles with moot court and the student government association, while Raul was equally busy with his own pursuits, including his involvement with the Latinx Law Students Association (then La Raza) and his rigorous coursework.

In the summer before their 3L year, they reconnected while watching the Bay to Breakers race with friends. Soon after, David started joining Raul on his half-marathon training runs. Their friendship deepened over shared conversations about law school pressures, family, and their mutual Los Angeles roots. They also worked side by side organizing fundraisers and events for La Raza.

By their final semester, their bond had turned into something more.

After graduating, the couple embarked on another major test—studying for the bar exam together. They motivated each other, pushing through long hours of review sessions and practice exams. Their hard work paid off—both passed and became licensed attorneys.

David is now senior counsel in the Corporate and Risk Management Group at Hanson Bridgett LLP, representing public agencies in complex matters. Raul is a corporate associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, specializing in capital markets transactions.

Their relationship continued to flourish post-law school, and in November 2023, they tied the knot. With demanding careers, their honeymoon had to wait—but in December, they finally took their dream trip, traveling to Thailand, Vietnam, Bora-Bora, and Mexico City.

Ask David what he loves most about Raul, and he doesn’t hesitate: “Raul is incredibly patient and forgiving—two qualities that are ‘target rich’ for me. He’s also an amazing cook.”

Raul’s specialties? A rich, comforting coq au vin and a “sinful” homemade take on Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme.

For Raul, David’s intelligence, intuition, and deep commitment to his passions make him one of a kind.

“David is caring, brilliant, and just gets me,” Raul said. “He supports me in everything I do—and that’s priceless.”

The couple has a few words of advice for current law students.

“Love finds a way, but don’t let it distract you,” Raul said. “Your legal career will challenge and change you, but the right person will love you for who you are—including your ambition.”

David added, “You can’t control when you fall in love, but you can control how hard you study. If you find someone who supports your goals, you’ve found the one.”