School of Law

About the school

Founded more than 50 years ago, the University of California Davis – School of Law provides comprehensive legal education and promotes the values of equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. The school building is named after the world-famous civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Accredited by the American Bar Association, the school offers degrees like Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), as well as combined degrees and certificates. Areas of concentration include Business Law, Human Rights and Social Justice Law, Environmental and Natural Resources Law, Public Interest Law, Intellectual Property Law, and more.

According to 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the School of Law is recognised among the top 20 law schools in the USA. The school also boasts the 1st rank in California and 3rd rank in the United States when it comes to racial justice, as per PreLaw Magazine’s 2022 rankings.

Location of the school

The School of Law is located in the city of Davis, in California, and is close to parks, museums, gardens, and lakes.

Life at the School of Law

The School of Law ensures a vibrant life beyond the classroom for its students, boasting over 50 active student clubs. The Activities and Recreation Centre is an ideal choice for those whose passion lies in fitness. Alternatively, one can explore their creative side at the Craft Centre, where activities like paper making and glass blowing are on offer. The range of activities is extensive, encompassing everything from dancing, tennis, rock climbing, and jogging, to hiking, cycling, swimming, and bowling. This diversity allows individuals to engage in various pursuits while meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Sporting enthusiasts can also participate in events like baseball, football, and soccer. To unwind after a demanding day, the school arranges movie nights and musical performances. Students can also explore the city's beautiful and historic sites with like-minded peers or relax at the student-run campus café while enjoying their favourite beverages. The school organises special events and fairs, including the Whole Earth Festival, Picnic Day, Black Family Week, and Mixed Heritage Week. Furthermore, the vast Shields University Library serves as a crucial academic resource on campus. For those inclined towards research, writing, and contributing to the latest legal discussions and debates, there are six journals where publication opportunities exist.

On-campus housing options comprise apartments such as 8th & Wake, The Colleges at LaRue, Primero Grove, The Atriums at LaRue, and West Village. Priority is given to students with children, followed by married students, graduate students, and undergraduates. These accommodations come fully furnished and offer convenient access to lecture halls, libraries, and sports facilities. Gender-inclusive housing and accommodations for students with disabilities are also available. For students seeking off-campus housing, the classifieds in campus and community newspapers can be a valuable resource, as can the ASUCD Community Housing Listing Service. Additionally, numerous residential and campus dining options, including restaurants, cafes, bistros, grills, food trucks, and fresh produce markets, are available. The culinary offerings range from burgers and sandwiches to sushi, salads, noodles, and sweet treats, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Special dietary requests can also be accommodated. Various meal plans and dining programmes are offered at different price points to suit individual needs and budgets.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Law

The School of Law offers five clinics dedicated to serving indigent individuals and those in urgent need of assistance in various areas, including civil rights, immigration, family protection, Aoki water justice, and Aoki criminal justice. Students have the opportunity to contribute to the community through these clinics while enhancing their professional skills. Participation in negotiation, trial advocacy, and moot court competitions is encouraged to develop a competitive advantage for future job prospects. Additionally, students can engage in research and work at one of the law and policy centres, with the possibility of securing attractive scholarships.

For practical experience, both part-time and full-time externships are available at public policy organisations, government offices, and judicial chambers. These opportunities enable students to refine essential skills such as client communication, legal research and writing, and make informed career decisions. Another option is applying for the UCDC Law Programme, a collaborative externship based in Washington D.C., providing insights into federal regulations, policies, and statutes. The School also offers summer programmes tailored for international students, focusing on learning legal terminology in English and gaining orientation in U.S. law.

Admissions criteria

Usually, a prospective student's application should include the following documentation:

• Completed online application form
• LSAT/GRE: Requirement and minimum scores might vary
• Personal statement (covering background, academic information, commitment to the course, unusual achievements, any disadvantage etc.)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from previously attended institutions in English translation and native language
• Resume (covering employment details, other activities undertaken during academic year)
• Diversity statement (if required)
• Addenda (if required, covering explanation for low standardised scores or academic leaves)
• Minimum TOEFL scores for international students: 570 to 600 (paper-based)/250 (computerised)/88 to 100 (internet-based)
• Minimum IELTS score for international students: 6.5 (if required)
• Application fee: Depends on the programme and mode of application
  

Please check the school's relevant website pages for more details on admission and financial assistance.

Job placements

The Career Services Office, operating within the School of Law, takes an active role in supporting students on their professional journey. They regularly arrange job fairs and on-campus interviews to facilitate networking and job placement. In addition, they offer workshops to assist students in crafting persuasive cover letters, resumes, job applications, and professional emails. The office provides guidance for mock interviews and effective networking strategies. Moreover, they aid in securing externships, fellowships, clerkships, and even loans to support students in their career pursuits.

Based on the employment outcomes of the Class of 2022, the following noteworthy observations were made: Approximately 95% of the graduating class (comprising 216 students) successfully secured employment or opted to pursue advanced degrees. Of this group, over 190 individuals obtained positions requiring or anticipating bar admission, while 8 secured positions that leveraged their J.D. qualifications. The median starting salary for those entering the private sector was $140,000, while those in public interest roles had a median salary of $67,000. Those employed in government or military positions had a median salary of $84,000. For graduates who secured judicial clerkships, the median starting salary was $70,000, and those entering the industry earned a median salary of $90,000.