Justice is a Collective Effort
At the heart of UC Berkeley Law’s commitment to justice, the Clinical Program continues to stand out as a place where learning meets purpose. Over the past year, our 15 clinics — driven by the dedication and work of our students, faculty, and staff — deepened their impact in the East Bay, across the country, and around the world. In spring 2025, Alina Ball joined as director of the new Social Enterprise Clinic, Laurel Fletcher launched the new Global Rights Innovation Lab Clinic, and the Policy Advocacy Clinic began a new clinical offering specifically designed for 1Ls.
Amid this expansion, the year brought both significant challenges and renewed opportunities in fulfilling the Clinical Program’s mission to advance racial, economic, and social justice. Our work unfolds against a widening justice gap and growing threats to the rule of law. Clinics help narrow that gap by expanding access to legal representation and equipping the next generation of lawyers with the tools to advance social justice and serve the public interest. Our democracy depends on lawyers who will prioritize those most in need of legal protection — and who are prepared to challenge and dismantle the systemic barriers that gave rise to injustice in the first place.
Last year, our students challenged racial bias in capital punishment; secured clemency and resentencing victories; held the U.S. military accountable for contaminating Indigenous lands; achieved a landmark ruling against the U.S. Border Patrol’s excessive force; supported global investigations into the disappearance and murder of environmental defenders; advocated for reparations to communities affected by extractive projects; successfully obtained adjustment of immigration status for over 300 clients; ended youth restitution fines in California; fought exploitative criminal system fees nationwide (including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington); protected digital research freedoms; and defended affordable prison communications. From litigation and legislative advocacy to community education and academic reports with real-world impact, our work remains rooted in a commitment to client-centered advocacy and teaching students critical lawyering skills.
In a time of deepening inequality and instability in the rule of law, clinical legal education serves as both an urgent intervention and a long-term investment in justice. We are deeply proud of the work our students, faculty, staff, and partners have dedicated themselves to over the past year. We are prepared to continue the work of serving our communities and teaching our students, interrelated goals that advance justice. Thank you to all who participate in this collective effort.
In community,
Ty Alper, faculty co-director, Clinical Program
Roxanna Altholz, faculty co-director, Clinical Program
Rebecca Oyama, director, East Bay Community Law Center
Laura Riley, assistant dean, Clinical Program