Social Justice and Public Interest

The collaborative program, with students from five UC law schools, offers an immersive semester working at a government agency, nonprofit, or advocacy organization in Washington, D.C.

Led by Berkeley Law students, the initiative provides support for key law-school skills, mentorship, and community-building sessions.

The Food Justice Project helps Berkeley students obtain monthly food benefits, and assists rejected applicants with their appeals.

Berkeley Law’s Pro Bono Program sponsors a transformative trip for 10 students over winter break. 

Taught in Spanish by lecturer Fernando Flores, ‘Representing Spanish-speaking Clients’ focuses on language, culture, and emotional intelligence. 

Kahn played a key role in California court rulings that improved care for inmates with mental health conditions and reduced prison overcrowding.

The expanding student-run program helps to incorporate new businesses led by low-income and minority founders.

The International Human Rights Law Clinic and Human Rights Center fight injustice through litigation, policy suggestions, advocacy, research, and science-based investigations.

The collaborative program provides legal, financial, and supportive services to preserve tenancies and prevent evictions.

Sarah Morando Lakhani ’19, Reynaldo Fuentes ’19, and Emma Mclean-Riggs ’17 will be funded for two years of focused public interest work.

Berkeley Law students Karin Bashir and Safa Ansari-Bayegon share insights from their memorable work.

The center’s new executive director describes its priorities and challenges in a Q&A. 

A Berkeley Law conference explores the proposition’s major impact on legal education, minority students, and campus racial dynamics.

Filed by the East Bay Community Law Center and four partner organizations, the suit also addresses other harmful policing practices on public housing property.

The five journal leaders reflect the growing diversity within Berkeley Law, and within its African-American community.

The report explains how these districts have expanded in number and power while excluding the homeless from public spaces. 

Brenda Munoz ’19, Kiki Tapiero ’20, Elvia Lopez ’19, and Katie Gonzalez ’19 spent a week conducting intakes and providing guidance.

Inspired by his daughter’s experience at the clinic, Ken Stevens helps fund its clinical supervising attorney position. 

The program provides paid law-related internships and classes that integrate a legal curriculum with life and leadership skills.

A Berkeley Law clinic’s yearlong effort prods the South’s first court to stop charging administrative fees to families of youth in the juvenile system.  

The center works to prevent secondary trauma from documenting human rights violations and potential war crimes.

The coveted two-year fellowship supports promising lawyers who develop innovative projects serving low-income populations.

Clinic leaders, faculty scholars, and student advocates work to level the playing field within America’s legal institutions.

Mark Leinauer of the Jurisprudence and Social Policy Program is leading a study of bias against gay and lesbian parents in child custody cases. 

Oscar Sarabia Roman and two Berkeley Law classmates were among 10 finalists chosen from more than 1,200 entries.

More than 40 percent of those who secured clerkships worked last summer in public-service positions.

Five students are chosen for the coveted positions: Sanjana Parkih ’20, Lana El-Farra ’20, Djenab Conde ’19, Andrew Huang ’19, and Jack Siddoway ’19.

Published by Berkeley Law’s Human Rights Center, the study provides a detailed account of anti-trafficking efforts in five Bay Area counties.

Public- and private-sector panelists call for more prosecutor discretion, police accountability, and restorative justice programs.

At a recent Berkeley Law conference, managers, lawyers, scholars, and HR professionals discuss the movement’s global progress and challenges.

The director of Berkeley Law’s Policy Advocacy Clinic is honored for his effective, community-driven teaching and research.

Working with Berkeley Law’s Post-Conviction Advocacy Project, Lee and Hadi painstakingly helped Chris Deragon prepare for his parole hearing.

Berkeley Law’s New Business Practicum expands its Spanish services in person, over the phone, and on the air.

Anchored in 27 California community colleges, the initiative works to funnel more underrepresented students toward law school.

Graduates at the Southern Poverty Law Center gain victories in areas such as debtors’ prisons, immigration, and voting rights.

Launched by a major gift from renowned litigator Elizabeth Cabraser ’78, the center is the first of its kind among top-tier law schools.

Lawyers, researchers, and advocates discuss best practices and strategies for abolishing these regressive charges nationwide.

Known as a well-rounded and respected leader, she is believed to be the journal’s first female African American editor-in-chief.

The Homelessness Service Project and Berkeley Police Review Project hit the ground running to help community members in need.

Students hear from prominent GCs about their roles as social change agents.

International law clinic collaborates on report documenting the repression of women and LGBTQI+ human rights defenders.

From Geneva to Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., Berkeley Law’s full-semester “away” placements provide valuable hands-on experience.

Three Berkeley Law students were among those who gave TED-style talks at the center’s annual Fellowship Conference.

The International Human Rights Law Clinic aids in the investigation of the murder of a Honduran environmental activist.

Led by Professor Victoria Plaut, the lab highlights the implications of incorporating diversity and inclusion in businesses, legal institutions, and schools.

Berkeley Law launches a new program at The Hague for students pursuing a career in international law.

After 37 years on the federal bench, Henderson takes on a new role as a distinguished visitor.

A rock band performs for law students and discusses its years-long First Amendment litigation finally settled by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Highlights include new faculty, flourishing programs, high-impact research, and expanding student opportunities.

Catherine Fisk ‘86, an expert in labor law and legal history, is Berkeley Law’s newest faculty member.