Key and Card Access

Access Control & Keys

UC Berkeley School of Law

Building Services is responsible for maintaining a secure and accessible environment for the Berkeley Law community. We manage both physical key distribution and electronic proximity access (via the Cal 1 Card) for all exterior doors, private offices, and restricted interior zones within the Law Building complex.

Electronic Building Access (Cal 1 Card)

The majority of the Law Building operates on a centralized electronic lock system. Your UC Berkeley Cal 1 Card serves as your primary key.

  • Standard Access: Most active Berkeley Law faculty, staff, and enrolled students are automatically granted standard building access upon receiving their Cal 1 Card. This includes exterior door access during designated hours and entry to general student/staff areas.

  • Restricted Zone Access: Certain areas (e.g., specific clinics, secured administrative suites, or specialized labs) require elevated clearance.

  • Troubleshooting: If your Cal 1 Card is not opening a door you believe you should have access to, or if you recently received a replacement card from the campus Cal 1 Card office, please email us with your Student/Employee ID number so we can update your profile in the system.

Physical Keys

Physical “brass” keys are issued primarily for individual private offices, filing cabinets, and specific non-card-reader doors.

How to Request a Key:

  1. Authorization: All key requests for staff and student workers must be approved by a Department Manager or Clinic Director. Faculty members may request keys for their own assigned offices directly.

  2. Submit a Request: Email facilities@law.berkeley.edu with the subject line “Key Request: [Your Name]”. Please include the specific room number and attach your manager’s approval.

  3. Pickup: Please allow 3–5 business days for key cutting and processing. You will receive an email notification when your key is ready to be picked up and signed for at the Building Services main office.

  • Note: Keys cannot be issued to proxy representatives; you must show your Cal 1 Card and sign for your own key.

Policies & Procedures

Lost or Stolen Keys

Lost keys pose a significant security risk to the Law School.

  • If you lose a physical key or your Cal 1 Card, you must report it immediately to Building Services at facilities@law.berkeley.edu and file a police report with UCPD.

  • If your key is stolen, please also file a report with the UCPD.

  • Departments may be responsible for the financial cost of re-keying a door if a master or sub-master key is lost.

Lockouts

  • During Business Hours (M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM): Contact Building Services. We can verify your identity and grant you access to your office.

  • After Hours / Weekends: Building Services is closed. If you are locked out of your office after hours, you must contact UCPD at 510-642-6760 for a lock-out assist. Be prepared to show photo ID.

Returning Keys (Offboarding)

Keys are the property of UC Berkeley. When leaving the university, transferring to a different department, or changing offices, all physical keys must be returned directly to Building Services. Do not hand your key off to a colleague or leave it on your desk.

Need Help? For all access inquiries, email facilities@law.berkeley.edu