Berkeley Empirical Research in Quantitative Justice (BERQ-J) Workshop
The Berkeley Empirical Research in Quantitative Justice (BERQ-J) Workshop is an informal lunchtime series where graduate students and early-career researchers present quantitative research related to crime and justice. The workshop provides a supportive environment to share early-stage work and receive feedback from peers across disciplines including economics, political science, sociology, public policy, psychology, and law.
BERQ-J Research Grant Program
The CLJC is pleased to offer a Small Grant Program designed to support UC Berkeley graduate students conducting criminal justice research that incorporates quantitative methods. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 are available to fund data collection, analysis, and other research-related expenses. Eligible students must submit a 5-page anonymous research proposal and, if selected, will present their findings at the Berkeley Empirical Research in Quantitative Justice (BERQ-J) Workshop Series and be considered for publication in a CLJC research brief. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and students may apply multiple times for different projects. For more information about eligibility requirements and the application process, please contact dyo@berkeley.edu. Application Here
CLJC Fall 2025 Internship Program
The Criminal Law & Justice Center’s Fall 2025 internship program offers motivated undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience in legal research, litigation support, and criminal justice advocacy. Interns contribute to impactful projects while building essential skills through real-world application, with opportunities for court observations and involvement in center operations. Open to students with strong research and writing skills and an interest in criminal law and justice issues, applications are due by September 18, 2025.
Events and Speaker Series
Existing AI Tools for Public Defense
Immigration Liberation Practicum Fall 2025
CLJC’s Immigration Detention seminar and practicum provides students with comprehensive immersion in immigration bond advocacy through limited scope representation of immigrants detained in ICE custody. Students gain hands-on experience drafting federal habeas corpus petitions, conducting case management, and working directly with detained clients, while a seven-week seminar featuring distinguished guest speakers explores the broader landscape of immigration detention and crimmigration. This program combines real-world legal practice with academic study and requires a special application process.
Justice Impacted Student Leaders Fund
The UC Berkeley Criminal Law & Justice Center’s Justice Impacted Student Leaders Program recognizes that the most powerful insights into our justice system come from those with lived experience of its impact. The program actively engages students who have been directly impacted by incarceration—whether through their own experiences or family circumstances—bringing invaluable perspectives that inform and strengthen CLJC’s research, advocacy, and educational initiatives. Participating students collaborate with the CLJC team on meaningful projects, develop professional networks, gain hands-on experience in legal research and policy analysis, and access mentorship opportunities that accelerate career growth. Rather than simply sharing stories, the program empowers students to become leaders and changemakers in criminal justice reform by building essential career skills and contributing their knowledge to work that matters to them.
Larsen Justice Fellowship
The Christian (“Chris”) Larsen Justice Fellowship is a post-graduate program administered by CLJC that supports recent Berkeley Law J.D. graduates (2020-2025) pursuing careers in public interest or government work focused on criminal justice. This 12-month apprenticeship provides $49,500 in funding plus additional support for bar costs and healthcare, with priority given to graduates who need the yearlong experience to develop skills and competitiveness for launching careers in public interest criminal justice. Fellows work with eligible sponsoring organizations under attorney supervision, completing projects that require a J.D. or draw heavily on their legal education and training.
Prosecutor in Residence Program 2025
The Prosecutor in Residence Program at UC Berkeley Law’s CLJC connects Berkeley Law students interested in prosecution careers with experienced prosecutors from various offices and jurisdictions. Running from August 2025 to July 2026, the program offers flexible mentorship opportunities including career guidance, guest lectures, professional development workshops, and individual student consultations. Participants also serve as expert advisors on CLJC research projects and policy initiatives while engaging in campus events, panel discussions, and informal student interactions each semester.