Spotlights

California’s climate policies are benefiting the San Joaquin Valley far more than expected, according to a new economic study co-authored by Ethan Elkind. The trio’s op-ed explains how the state’s energy efficiency, renewable and carbon cap-and-trade programs are creating jobs and boosting economic activity.

Interim Dean Melissa Murray predicts major shifts in how Americans structure their intimate lives under a Trump presidency. Her article lays out likely state and federal steps to restrict reproductive rights; why unwanted pregnancies may rise if Obamacare is repealed; and how bigotry against LGBTQ people may intensify.

Forbes named Sonya Passi ’13 to its annual 30 Under 30 list in Law & Policy. Passi is the founder of FreeFrom, a national nonprofit that combats economic barriers to domestic violence justice. In law school, she co-founded the Family Violence Appellate Project, which mobilizes pro bono representation for California survivors. 

Thank you to all donors whose generosity helped support Berkeley Law programs that benefit our remarkable students, faculty and global community. Your financial gifts fortified our foundation and validated our purpose: educating talented students from all backgrounds who are committed to making the world a better place.

A ruling by the Calif. Supreme Court in People v. Macabeo strengthens privacy rights and curtails unlawful police searches. The Samuelson Clinic served as co-counsel and Prof. Weisselberg argued the case before the court. He said the decision can help police rebuild trust in communities they serve. Read more here.

As Berkeley Law’s 1L students gear up for their first law school finals, it’s worth a glance back at the remarkable diversity and distinction of this entering class. Among the 301 students are a formerly ordained Buddhist monk, an Emmy Award winner, a ballet dancer and three military veterans. Read more here.

Professor Holly Doremus ’91 was named a fellow of the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science. The honor hails her contributions to innovation, education and scientific leadership, “particularly involving the complex interactions among natural science, social science and policy.”

Zehra Betul Ayranci ’15 LL.M. has received a global scholarship from the International Bar Association IP, Communications & Technology Law section. Currently legal counsel at the top entertainment TV company in her native Turkey, Ayranci wrote her winning paper on the fate of digital assets after the account holder dies.

The East Bay Community Law Center and a coalition of advocates have sued the Department of Motor Vehicles for suspending driver’s licenses of low-income Californians. The coalition says the inability to pay hefty fines for routine traffic violations unfairly affects the state’s poor and people of color.