UC Law San Francisco: Top-Ranked Legal Education with Historic Legacy and Modern Impact

UC Law San Francisco, California’s oldest public law school, has a legacy of innovation and social impact dating back to its founding in 1878. Formerly UC Hastings, it recently changed its name to reflect a commitment to restorative justice and a stronger identity tied to San Francisco.

Strategically located near key legal institutions, the school offers rigorous academic programs, including J.D., LL.M., M.S.L., and certificate options, with 12 concentrations and extensive experiential learning opportunities through clinics, externships, and pro bono work.

Known for its top-ranked Moot Court team and influential alumni like Vice President Kamala Harris, UC Law SF maintains strong graduate outcomes and continues to shape the future of legal education through its diverse community, forward-thinking curriculum, and nationally recognized legal centers.

UC Law San Francisco: A Legacy of Innovation and Impact in the Heart of the Bay Area

The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, often referred to as UC Law SF and formerly known as the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, stands as California’s oldest public law school and a prominent institution in American legal education. Founded in 1878 by Serranus Clinton Hastings, the first Chief Justice of California, it holds a unique affiliation with the University of California system, operating independently while contributing significantly to the UC legacy.

A Historic Evolution and Name Change

Initially established as the law department of the University of California, UC Law SF has continuously adapted to the evolving legal landscape. A significant recent development involves its official name change from UC Hastings to UC Law San Francisco. This change, which required approval from the state Legislature and the Governor, was driven by a desire to dissociate from the founder’s historical involvement in genocidal acts against Native Americans in the 1850s.

The decision, supported by a large majority of the school community, reflects a commitment to restorative justice, including plans for an Indigenous Law Center and a public memorial on campus. The new name also emphasizes its deep connection to the vibrant city of San Francisco, where it has been an integral part for over 144 years.

Strategic Location and Campus Life

Nestled in the Civic Center area of San Francisco, UC Law SF boasts a strategically advantageous location. It is within walking distance of the District Courthouse, San Francisco City Hall, the California State Supreme Courthouse, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This proximity offers students unparalleled opportunities to experience the law in practice.

The campus also provides guaranteed housing for its students, with the Academe at 198, a new 15-story mixed-use academic and residential building, offering modern furnished apartments at competitive rents. Beyond academics, students can engage in over 70 student organizations, pursue extracurricular interests, and develop leadership skills. The vibrant cultural scene of San Francisco, including opera, museums, and popular tourist attractions, is easily accessible via the city’s extensive public transportation system.

Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs

UC Law SF is renowned for its rigorous, innovative, and inclusive legal education, preparing diverse students to excel in various professional roles. The academic curriculum is comprehensive, building on foundational legal principles with a wide array of specialized offerings.

Degree Programs:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.): A full-time, three-year program with a traditional first-year curriculum that includes core law courses and the option for an elective in the spring semester. Second and third-year coursework is largely elective, allowing students to tailor their studies.
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in US Legal Studies: A one-year program for students with law degrees from outside the United States. It offers general and specialized tracks and integrates LL.M. students with J.D. peers in most classes.
• Master of Science (M.S.L.): A jointly-conferred Master of Science degree with UCSF in Health Policy and Law.
• Certificate of Studies in Law (CSL): A one-semester program designed for professionals seeking a foundational understanding of legal reasoning and doctrine.

Concentrations: Students in the J.D. program can pursue specialization through 12 concentrations, including:

• Business Law
• Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution
• Criminal Law
• Environmental Law
• Government Law
• Health Law and Policy
• Intellectual Property Law
• International Business & Trade
• International Law & Human Rights
• Social Justice Lawyering
• Taxation Law
• Technology Law and Lawyering
• Work Law

Experiential Learning: UC Law SF places a strong emphasis on practical experience through:

• Clinics: 17 on-campus and external clinics where students work directly with clients on real legal problems, assisting low-income workers, taxpayers, immigrants, asylum seekers, and local residents.
• Externships: Five externship programs including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Corporate Counsel, Judicial, Legal, and a UCDC semester in Washington, D.C.
• Pro Bono Program: Opportunities for students to provide essential legal services to underserved communities.
• Inter-Collegiate Competitions: Five award-winning teams, notably the #1 ranked Moot Court Team in the United States for the 2023-2024 academic year.
• Startup Legal Garage: Provides corporate and intellectual property work to early-stage startup companies under supervision.

Research and Centers: The university is home to several nationally acclaimed legal centers, including:

• Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (CNDR)
• Center for Gender and Refugee Studies
• Center for WorkLife Law
• Center for Innovation (C4i)
• LexLab
• Indigenous Law Center (planned)

UC Law SF also publishes nine scholarly law journals, including the flagship UC Law Review, covering a wide range of legal topics.

Rankings and Outcomes

UC Law SF consistently demonstrates strong outcomes for its graduates.

• Moot Court: Ranked #1 in the nation for the 2023-2024 academic year.
• National Law Journal Rankings: Ranked #29 in the 2017 Top 50 Go-To Law Schools report for graduates hired as first-year associates at prestigious law firms, and #23 for “Associates to Partner.”
• Legal Scholars: Ranked #18 for law schools launching legal scholars (alumni hired as tenure-track law faculty).
• Admissions: In the 2022 application cycle, the school had a 28.0% acceptance rate, with a median LSAT score of 160 and a median GPA of 3.52 for matriculants.
• Bar Passage: The July 2019 first-time bar passage rate was 79%.
• Return on Investment: Ranked #22 nationally for best return on investment (earning – debt payments).
• Big Law Jobs: Ranked #25 for the percentage of graduates securing positions at “Big Law” firms.

Notable Alumni

UC Law SF boasts an impressive network of over 2000 alumni who have achieved prominence in various fields, including judiciary, government, business, and education. Notable alumni include:

• Kamala Harris (J.D. ’89): 49th Vice President of the United States.
• Willie Brown Jr. (’58): Former Speaker of the California State Assembly and Mayor of San Francisco.
• Jackie Speier (’76): Former U.S. Congresswoman.
• Christopher Darden (’80): Prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case.
• Guillermo Söhnlein (’95): Co-founder of OceanGate.
• Richard Thalheimer (’74): Founder and CEO of The Sharper Image.
• Nancy Tellem (’79): Former CBS entertainment president and digital media president of Microsoft.
• Wiley Manuel (’53): First African American Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court.
• Louis Sachar (’74): Acclaimed young-adult mystery-comedy author (e.g., Holes).

UC Law SF continues to be a leading institution, dedicated to shaping the future of legal education and producing graduates with the talent and courage to make a significant impact on society and the legal profession.

FAQs about UC Law San Francisco

What is UC Law San Francisco?
UC Law San Francisco is California’s oldest public law school, formerly known as UC Hastings. It offers innovative legal education and is part of the UC system.

Why did the school change its name from UC Hastings?
The name was changed to disassociate from founder Serranus Hastings due to his involvement in genocidal acts against Native Americans, reflecting a commitment to restorative justice.

Where is UC Law San Francisco located?
It is located in the Civic Center of San Francisco, near major courts and legal institutions like the Ninth Circuit and California Supreme Court.

What degrees does UC Law SF offer?
It offers Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Science in Law (M.S.L.), and Certificate of Studies in Law (CSL).

What are the available concentrations for J.D. students?
Students can choose from 12 concentrations including Business Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property, and Social Justice Lawyering.

What experiential learning opportunities are available?
Students engage in 17 legal clinics, 5 externship programs, a pro bono program, Startup Legal Garage, and national competitions like Moot Court.

What is the bar passage rate for UC Law SF graduates?
As of July 2019, the first-time bar passage rate was 79%.

What are the admissions statistics?
In 2022, the school had a 28% acceptance rate, with a median LSAT score of 160 and a median GPA of 3.52.

Does UC Law SF offer student housing?
Yes, students are guaranteed housing in “The Academe at 198,” a 15-story modern residential building with furnished apartments.

What is the student life like at UC Law SF?
Students enjoy access to 70+ organizations, leadership opportunities, and San Francisco’s vibrant cultural and legal scene.

Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes, especially to the LL.M. program, which is designed for students who hold law degrees from outside the U.S.

What is the return on investment (ROI) of a UC Law SF degree?
UC Law SF ranks #22 nationally for ROI, factoring in post-graduate earnings compared to debt.

How successful are graduates in securing jobs at major law firms?
UC Law SF ranks #25 nationally for the percentage of graduates hired at Big Law firms and #29 for Go-To Law Schools.

What makes UC Law SF’s Moot Court program notable?
It was ranked #1 in the U.S. for the 2023–2024 academic year, reflecting its excellence in legal advocacy competitions.

What law journals does the school publish?
The school publishes nine journals, including the flagship UC Law Review, covering various areas of legal scholarship.

Who are some notable alumni of UC Law SF?
Alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris, Mayor Willie Brown, Rep. Jackie Speier, author Louis Sachar, and OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Söhnlein.

Does UC Law SF have legal research centers?
Yes, including the Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, Center for WorkLife Law, Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, LexLab, and a planned Indigenous Law Center.

Is UC Law SF affiliated with any other universities?
While independent, it is affiliated with the University of California system and jointly offers the M.S.L. with UCSF.

Can professionals without a law background study at UC Law SF?
Yes, through the CSL program and the M.S.L. degree, which provide foundational legal knowledge for non-law professionals.

Does UC Law SF support diversity and inclusion?
Absolutely. The school emphasizes inclusive education, diverse student representation, and initiatives like the Indigenous Law Center.

What public transportation options are available near campus?
The campus is well-connected by BART, Muni, and other transit systems, providing easy access to all parts of San Francisco.