UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law
Description
1. Introduction
UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law, officially known as the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, is one of the world’s leading public law schools, combining rigorous academic training with global impact and social justice advocacy. Established in 1912, it offers a diverse student body high-quality JD, LL.M., and doctoral legal programs. The school is renowned for its legal scholarship, specialty strengths in technology and environmental law, and commitment to public service.
2. Important Details and Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | University of California, Berkeley School of Law |
| Common Name | Berkeley Law |
| Founded | 1912 |
| Type | Public Law School |
| Location | Berkeley, California, USA |
| Dean | Erwin Chemerinsky |
| Student Body | 916 students |
| Faculty | 119 full- & part-time |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Global Reputation | Top-ranked law school worldwide |
| Bar Passage Rate | 95.5% (2021) |
| Employment Outcomes | High post-graduation employment |
| Top Strength Fields | IP, Environmental, Tech & Human Rights Law |
| Official Website | law.berkeley.edu |
Sources:
3. Law Courses / Study Programs & English Requirements
Berkeley Law does not offer 3-year integrated BA LLB, BBA LLB, or B.Com LLB programs (those are specific to India). Instead, it offers graduate and professional law programs:
| Program | Duration | Degree | English Tests | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | 3 years | JD | TOEFL / IELTS | TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7.0 (if primary language isn’t English) |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Traditional | 9 months | LL.M. | TOEFL / IELTS | TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7.0 |
| LL.M. – Executive (Two Summers) | 2 Summers | LL.M. | TOEFL / IELTS | TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7.0 |
| LL.M. – Exec (Remote + Summer) | 1 year | LL.M. | TOEFL / IELTS | TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7.0 |
| Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) | 3–5 years | J.S.D. | TOEFL / IELTS | TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7.0 |
Note: Berkeley Law uses LSAC CAS for JD and LL.M. applications; English score reports must be official and recent.
4. Name of Entrance Exam (If Required)
| Program | Exam Required |
|---|---|
| JD | LSAT or GRE* (*GMAT in limited circumstances) |
| LL.M. | No LSAT/GRE/GMAT required |
| J.S.D. | No standardized exam required |
5. Top 5 Reasons to Choose UC Berkeley Law
1. Global Prestige & Rankings
Berkeley Law is consistently ranked among the world’s top law schools, placing No. 6 globally in Law by Times Higher Education.
2. Specializations & Research Strengths
Leading programs in Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, Technology Law, and Public Interest offer a competitive edge.
3. Experiential Learning Opportunities
Robust clinical programs, externships, and real-world legal projects enhance practical training.
4. Diverse & Global Community
Students from 50+ countries create a rich, multicultural academic environment.
5. Excellent Career Outcomes
High employment and strong bar exam success reflect the value of a Berkeley Law degree.
6. Grade and Ranking of the University
| Ranking Body | Ranking Position |
|---|---|
| Times Higher Education – Law (World) | 6th in Law (2025) |
| U.S. News & World Report – Law (USA) | 13th (2025) |
| Public Law School Excellence | Top Public Law School (USA) |
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form | All Programs |
| Academic Transcripts | All Programs |
| English Proficiency Scores | If applicable |
| LSAT / GRE / GMAT Scores | JD only (as applicable) |
| Letters of Recommendation | All Programs |
| Personal Statement / Essays | All Programs |
| Resume / CV | All Programs |
| Application Fee | All Programs |
| LSAC CAS Report | JD & LL.M. Applicants |
Note: Additional documents may be requested based on the program.
8. How to Apply for Admission – Step by Step
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create LSAC account (for JD & LL.M.) |
| 2 | Prepare and submit application online |
| 3 | Submit transcripts & test scores |
| 4 | Send letters of recommendation |
| 5 | Upload personal statement & CV |
| 6 | Pay application fee |
| 7 | Track application via LSAC portal |
| 8 | Await decision & respond to offer |
LL.M. executive & traditional track applications also go through LSAC.
9. Contact Details – Berkeley Law
| Department | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| JD Admissions | +1 510-642-2274 | admissions@law.berkeley.edu |
| LL.M. & J.S.D. Admissions | +1 510-642-1476 | llm@law.berkeley.edu |
| General Law School Office | +1 510-642-6483 | info@law.berkeley.edu |
Source: Official Berkeley Academic Guide.
This college is also listed in our College Directory, where students can compare law colleges based on courses, location, and eligibility.
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