BCLT was founded in 1995 to respond to the significant interest of students attending Boalt Hall in high technology law. Boalt was already home to the Berkeley Technology Law Journal, and also had a number of faculty with international stature in high technology law and policy. Founded to consolidate, enhance, and expand upon these resources, the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology was started.
BCLT has taken advantage of its location near the “fertile crescent” of the information revolution. By reaching out to Silicon Valley and other Bay Area law firms, as well as to leading high technology companies, to forge a program in high technology law that not only provides opportunities for outstanding training for students interested in technology fields, but also serves as a resource for lawyers, industry groups, and other affected parties as they grapple with the complex policy and legal issues arising in the wake of high technology developments. BCLT has developed links with several other organizations and outstanding affiliated faculty and scholars with interests in high technology law, including some of the top economists working on technology policy.
BCLT has also played an important role in public policy debates and education of public officials. BCLT’s conferences and faculty research have directly addressed many salient issues. BCLT faculty frequently testify at legislative hearings and advise public officials. BCLT has become the principal resource for the Federal Judicial Center in its efforts to educate federal judges about intellectual property law. BCLT has organized more than a dozen judicial education programs over the past five years, including an annual three-day retreat in Berkeley for about 40 judges.
The Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic at Boalt Hall was the first clinic in the country to provide law students with the opportunity to represent the public interest in cases and matters on the cutting-edge of high technology law. Students participating in the Clinic play an integral role in defining how civil liberties and other public values will be protected in an increasingly high-tech world.
BCLT's Program Booklet
The Law & Technology Program Booklet outlines the curriculum at Boalt Hall, the Law & Tech Certificate, BCLT and affiliated organizations, student organizations, and the Law & Tech Faculty. (1 mb)
Annual Bulletin
BCLT's Annual Bulletin overviews our events and developments; core teaching faculty; current and upcoming classes; student activities; and affiliated programs, scholars, and sponsors. They are now available online dating back to 2001.