Oyango Snell

Oyango A. Snell is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Snell serves as the Director of Academic Support and also teaches Global Lawyering Skills II and The Legal Profession (TLP). Snell joined McGeorge’s adjunct faculty in December 2023 and taught TLP and Practical Analysis, Strategies, and Skills (PASS) II. Snell joined the full-time faculty in July 2024.

With nearly two decades of experience in legal, government, and corporate affairs in both the public and private sectors, Snell is known for his energetic servant-leadership, motivational speaking, and endless transformative innovation, representing Fortune 500 energy, financial services, and insurance companies, trade associations, and charitable nonprofit organizations.

Prior to joining McGeorge, Snell served as the chief executive officer for the California Lawyers Association, and its charitable affiliate, the California Lawyers Foundation. Before joining CLA, he served as Senior Vice President and the first In-House General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for the Western States Petroleum Association, representing some of the world’s largest energy producers. In addition, Snell has served in leadership roles within national, regional, and statewide trade associations, including the American Property Casualty Insurance Association in Washington, D.C. Within each position, he worked to ensure that his professional and personal passions for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion were not just theorized but practiced.

Snell has earned numerous awards and accolades, including the 2021-2022 Association Executive of the Year by the California Society of Association Executives, Columbus, Ohio Business First 40 Under 40, Lifetime Achievement Award by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Delta Zeta Chapter, and Alumni Hall of Fame Award by Central State University, a historically Black university in Wilberforce, Ohio, and Snell’s alma mater.

With a proven track record managing complex organizations, overseeing legal teams, advising boards, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Snell exercises his passion for association and nonprofit management as a volunteer leader serving on various committees and councils with the American Society of Association Executives, the California Society of Association Executives, and United Way California Capital Region where he served as Chair of the Board of Directors for two terms leading the way to mitigate poverty through education throughout the Greater Sacramento Region.