School of Law

About the school

The UCI School of Law is a top-ranked public law school founded in 2009 as California's first new public law school. The diverse student body and a variety of practical learning possibilities give students an opportunity to address real-life challenges. The school is ranked as the #1 law school for Asian students.

UCI Law has a strong alumni network that can help you secure employment after completing your degree. The school’s visionary curriculum is designed to prepare students for law practice in the 21st century.

Where is the school located?

The School of Law is situated in Irvine, California, USA, within the larger UCI campus. It is renowned for its contemporary amenities and dynamic scholarly atmosphere, offering a distinctive academic experience.

Life at School of Law

UCI Law students receive instruction from renowned scholars. The faculty represents a broad range of expertise, from antitrust to urban planning. With regards to extracurricular activities, the school has a dedicated centre for fitness, as well as a number of student organisations and clubs, such as the Cross-Cultural Center and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center for social causes and the protection of sexual rights on campus.

Cultural attractions such as Disneyland and California Adventure in southern California, are located nearby. Also within easy reach are shopping destinations like Campus Plaza and Destination Irvine. Irvine Woodbridge and Triangle Square Cinemas are famous theatres where UCI Law students can watch movies at discounted rates.

Additional benefits of studying at School of Law

• Holistic Support: Various student facilities are available, including the Anteater recreation centre, disability services, and women’s centres. For international students, the International Centre handles queries and provides academic support.

• Mental Health Services: UCI is partnered with Psychiatry Health Services, which offers off-campus therapy and psychiatric services to students at the School of Law.

• Career Support: The law school also offers various mentoring opportunities to expose students to experienced professionals. It also provides advice regarding their career goals.

Admissions criteria

Application requirements for US students:-

• LSAT or GRE Scores
• Resume/ CV
• Academic transcripts from every college or university attended (original and translated
• Statement of purpose
• 2-3 letters of recommendation

Please note that the rest of the application documentation is the same as for US applicants, and no application fee is required. To be eligible for the admission international students must provide the following documents additionally:

• International LL.M. applicants need a foreign LL.B. or LL.M. degree
• Visa clearance forms ( F-1 or J-1) and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that proves you will be able to fund your study and stay.
• Proof of English proficiency: You must submit the following: TOEFL Score, IELTS Score, IELTS Indicator Score, TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Score, Duolingo Exam Score.
• A US student visa application.

Job placements

UCI School of Law graduates have high employability, with an average starting salary of $170,000. According to the school, the graduate employment rate is 86.62%.

The following career services are available on-campus:

• Judicial Clerkship Programme (JCP): A three-day programmme by the school of law that introduces law students from diverse backgrounds to judges and law clerks. The JCP provides students an excellent opportunity to learn about the judicial clerkship process and network with numerous judges and clerks. This programme can also assist students in developing the skills and knowledge required for success in a judicial clerkship.

• The Technology Diversity Collaborative programme: This is a highly competitive programme with only a select number of students being chosen each year. It is a 10-week internship split between a renowned tech company and a prestigious law firm.

• The Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership. A three-year programme that provides permanent employment, training, and support to law school students. It is a highly competitive programme, with only a few selected students chosen each year.

• Legal Innovators: An alternative legal service provider programme that pairs graduates from diverse backgrounds with law firms and corporate legal departments. Successful applicants will work as part of a corporate deal or litigation team and receive ongoing training and mentorship. It also provides a pathway into BigLaw or corporate legal departments.

• Fall and spring interview programmes: These provide an excellent opportunity to meet and create professional connections with law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations that are hiring.

-Early Interview Week: This is an annual event hosted by UCI Law School that allows the graduating classes to interview with the top law firms nationwide. It is an excellent opportunity for students to get summer internships or full-time positions with these firms.