UC Berkeley School of Law Profile

The University of California, Berkeley School of Law, often referred to as Berkeley Law or Boalt Hall, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and selective law schools in the United States. Known for its commitment to both academic excellence and social justice, Berkeley Law has a rich history of producing influential legal professionals, scholars, and activists. As one of the leading institutions for legal education, Berkeley Law offers a variety of programs designed to equip students with the tools they need to navigate and shape the ever-evolving legal landscape. The school’s history, its rigorous academic programs, its influential faculty, and its diverse and innovative approach to legal education make it a premier choice for aspiring lawyers.

Berkeley Law’s reputation is built on its long-standing tradition of academic excellence. The school was the first in the United States to offer both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Jurisprudence and Social Policy, a reflection of its emphasis on interdisciplinary legal education. These advanced degrees allow students to explore the intersection of law with a variety of other fields, including philosophy, economics, political science, and sociology. This unique approach fosters a deeper understanding of the role of law in society and prepares students for careers in both practice and academia.

The degrees offered at Berkeley Law are diverse, catering to a wide range of legal career paths. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, which is the traditional law degree, is the most well-known and sought-after degree. The J.D. program offers a comprehensive legal education, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills necessary for success in a variety of legal professions. Students in the J.D. program can specialize in a number of areas, including corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property, international law, and human rights. The flexibility of the J.D. program, along with Berkeley’s strong reputation in fields like intellectual property and environmental law, makes it an attractive option for students with diverse interests and career goals.

In addition to the J.D. program, Berkeley Law offers several advanced degrees for students who wish to deepen their legal expertise or engage in academic research. The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is designed for internationally trained lawyers seeking to further their legal education in the U.S. The LL.M. program is highly regarded for its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest while benefiting from Berkeley’s world-class faculty and resources. The Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) is Berkeley’s highest law degree and is aimed at students who wish to pursue academic careers in law. The J.S.D. program offers a unique opportunity for students to conduct independent legal research and contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship.

The M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) are among the most distinguished in the country. These interdisciplinary programs allow students to study law within the broader context of social, political, and economic issues. Students in the JSP programs work closely with Berkeley Law’s renowned faculty, who are experts in fields such as law and economics, social justice, political theory, and legal philosophy. The M.A. and Ph.D. programs are ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, policy analysis, or research institutions.

Berkeley Law is also home to an extensive range of student-run scholarly journals that reflect the school’s commitment to fostering intellectual engagement and scholarly debate. Among the most prominent journals are the Asian American Law Journal, the Berkeley Business Law Journal, the Berkeley Journal of African American Law & Policy, and the Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law. These journals offer students the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge legal scholarship while also engaging with contemporary legal issues in a practical and meaningful way. By publishing on a wide variety of topics, Berkeley Law’s journals play an important role in advancing legal discourse, particularly in areas related to race, business law, criminal justice, and public policy.

In addition to its academic programs and student journals, Berkeley Law boasts a number of research centers that focus on a wide range of legal issues. These centers are integral to the school’s mission of fostering interdisciplinary research and public service. One of the most notable centers is the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE), which focuses on the intersection of environmental law and policy. CLEE conducts research and offers programs designed to address pressing environmental challenges, making it an invaluable resource for students and professionals interested in environmental law. Another important center is the Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice, which provides students with opportunities to work on social justice initiatives and engage with issues of inequality, human rights, and public interest law.

The Institute for Legal Research at Berkeley Law is another important center that encourages students and faculty to pursue innovative legal research. It serves as a hub for scholarly collaboration, bringing together legal experts from different fields to work on projects that address complex legal and social issues. The Robert D. Burch Center for Tax Policy & Public Finance is another key research center at Berkeley Law, focusing on issues related to tax law and policy. These centers not only enhance the academic experience at Berkeley Law but also provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience and engage with real-world legal challenges.

Berkeley Law’s impressive academic offerings and commitment to public service are reflected in its rankings and reputation. As of 2010, Berkeley Law is ranked 6th among the top law schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, tying with the University of Chicago. The school’s reputation in specific areas of law is even more impressive. Berkeley Law is ranked 1st in the country for its intellectual property law program, a testament to its strength in this rapidly evolving field. Additionally, Berkeley Law is consistently ranked highly in other key specialties, such as environmental law and business law, making it an attractive option for students interested in pursuing careers in these fields.

The school’s selective admissions process, coupled with its strong academic offerings and diverse programs, contribute to its high ranking. The Princeton Review’s 2008 rankings placed Berkeley Law 5th for being the "Toughest to Get Into," indicating the competitiveness of the school’s admissions process. This selectivity ensures that students admitted to Berkeley Law are highly capable and ambitious, creating an environment where intellectual exchange and academic rigor thrive.

Berkeley Law is also recognized for its faculty, which is consistently ranked among the best in the country. In the 2006 Leiter Law School Rankings, Berkeley Law ranked 3rd for faculty quality, based on the membership of its professors in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS). The school’s faculty includes many prominent scholars in fields ranging from constitutional law to international law, and its professors are widely regarded as leaders in their respective fields.