UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law, USA (2026): Courses, Fees, Admissions, Rankings & Eligibility Guide
Description
About the University and Faculty of Law
Reviewed and verified by Lawsection.in editorial team | Last Updated: June 13, 2026
UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law, officially known as the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, is one of the world’s most prestigious public law schools and a globally recognised centre for legal education, research, innovation, public policy, and social justice. Located in Berkeley, California, United States, Berkeley Law attracts students, researchers, judges, policymakers, and legal professionals from across the globe.
As one of the flagship institutions featured in our Law Colleges in USA hub, Berkeley Law is renowned for its excellence in constitutional law, technology law, intellectual property law, environmental law, international law, business law, human rights law, and public interest law. The law school combines rigorous academic training with interdisciplinary learning opportunities available across the broader University of California, Berkeley ecosystem.
Berkeley Law offers Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Juris Science Doctor (J.S.D.), and doctoral-level Jurisprudence and Social Policy (PhD) programs. Its graduates consistently secure positions in leading law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies, international organisations, judicial clerkships, academia, and public interest institutions worldwide.
UC Berkeley Snapshot
Institution Type
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is one of the world’s leading public research universities and a flagship institution within the University of California system founded in 1868.
American Bar Association Approval
UC Berkeley is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.
Institutional Accreditation
UC Berkeley is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Memberships
1 : Member of the Association of of American Universities (AAU)
2 : Member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
Global Ranking
1: QS World University Ranking 2027- Rank 20
2: QS World University Ranking by subject (law)2026- Rank 10
Location
San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley
1: Strategic Silicon Valley Advantage
2: One of the world’s most influential centres for technology, innovation, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property development.
3: Unique opportunities for students interested in technology law, startups, digital governance, and innovation policy.
Practical Exposure
1: Extensive practical learning opportunities
2: Legal Clinics, Field Placements
3: Externships
4: Simulation-based training like Policy Labs, Advocacy Programs, Public Service Initiatives to develop professional skills while addressing real-world legal and social challenges.
Legal Research Areas
1: Criminal Law & Justice Center
2: Consumer Law & Economic Justice
3: Tax Policy and Public Finance
4: Human Rights
5: Technology & Law
6: Law, Energy & the Environment
7: Public Law & Policy Program and more
Employment Reputation
98.94% Class of 2025 employed 10 months after graduation
Student Population
Berkeley Law attracts students, legal professionals, academics, judges, policymakers, and researchers from diverse legal systems worldwide.
International Student Community
Its globally connected academic environment welcomes students from India, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Alumni Network
Berkeley School of Law alumni works as
1:U.S. Supreme Court Justices & Notable Federal Judges
2:Cabinet Members & Heads of State
3:Business Executives & Partners at Leading Law Firms
4:legal scholars
5:U.S. Representative & Governor
6:Business Leaders
International Reputation & Academic Standing
Berkeley Law enjoys an outstanding reputation among employers, law firms, courts, government agencies, international organisations, multinational corporations, academic institutions, and policy think tanks. Graduates are highly sought after for leadership roles across legal practice, public service, academia, business, and international affairs.
Official Sources:
University of California, Berkeley Official Website
American Bar Association (ABA) – Approved Law Schools
Law Programs Offered at UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law (2026)
Explore Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Executive LL.M., Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.), Jurisprudence and Social Policy (PhD), interdisciplinary legal studies, joint-degree opportunities, advanced legal research pathways, and globally recognised legal education offered by UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law. Established in 1894, Berkeley Law is one of the world’s leading public law schools and is internationally renowned for excellence in Constitutional Law, Technology Law, Artificial Intelligence Law, Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Business Law, Public Interest Law, Criminal Justice, Health Law, and interdisciplinary legal scholarship. Located in Berkeley, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area and near Silicon Valley, Berkeley Law attracts students, lawyers, academics, judges, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and legal professionals from the United States, India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions worldwide.
Professional Law Degree Programs
Juris Doctor (JD)
Duration: 3 Years Full-Time
Approx Tuition Fee: Published annually by UC Berkeley. For the 2026 academic cycle, total tuition and mandatory fees generally exceed USD 69,000 for California residents and USD 84,000 for non-residents, excluding living expenses.
Eligibility: Recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution.
Additional Requirements: Academic transcripts, personal statement, résumé, recommendation letters, admissions essays, character and fitness disclosures, and holistic admissions review.
English Requirement: International applicants educated outside English-language institutions may be required to satisfy University of California English language requirements.
Campus: Berkeley Campus, California, USA
Available Intake: Fall Semester (August)
Program Highlights: Constitutional Law, Technology Law, Artificial Intelligence Law, Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Business Law, International Law, Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, Public Interest Law, Corporate Governance, Clinical Legal Education, Litigation, Trial Advocacy, Negotiation, Policy Research, and experiential legal training.
Official Program Source:
View Official JD Program
Postgraduate Law Programs
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Duration: Approximately 9 Months Full-Time
Approx Tuition Fee: Approximately USD 83,000+ including tuition and mandatory fees, subject to annual revision.
Eligibility: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), JD, Bachelor of Civil Law, or equivalent recognised first degree in law.
English Requirement: International applicants must satisfy Berkeley Law English language requirements where applicable.
Campus: Berkeley, California
Available Intake: Fall Semester
Study Areas: U.S. Legal System, International Law, Technology Law, Business Law, Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Commercial Law, Public Law, and interdisciplinary legal studies.
Official Program Source:
View Official LL.M. Program
Executive Track LL.M.
Duration: Flexible Executive Format (Approximately 12 Months)
Eligibility: Recognised law degree and relevant professional legal experience.
English Requirement: Applicable Berkeley Law admission requirements.
Campus: Berkeley Campus and Structured Executive Learning Format
Available Intake: Program-Specific Annual Intake
Program Highlights: Executive-Level Legal Education, International Business Law, Leadership, Corporate Governance, Global Regulation, Technology Law, Cross-Border Transactions, and advanced professional legal development.
Official Program Source:
View Official Executive LL.M.
Research & Doctoral Law Programs
Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.)
Duration: Typically 3–5 Years
Tuition & Funding: Funding opportunities, fellowships, scholarships, academic support, and research resources may be available subject to university policies and academic merit.
Eligibility: Exceptional academic record and normally completion of an LL.M. or equivalent advanced legal qualification.
English Requirement: Applicable Berkeley Law graduate admission requirements.
Campus: Berkeley, California
Available Intake: Annual Admission Cycle
Research Areas: Constitutional Law, International Law, Human Rights, Technology Law, Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, Criminal Justice, Corporate Law, Legal Theory, Public Law, Comparative Law, and interdisciplinary legal scholarship.
Official Program Source:
View Official J.S.D. Program
PhD in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP)
Duration: Typically 5–6 Years
Eligibility: Strong academic record, research potential, and demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary legal and socio-legal studies.
English Requirement: University of California graduate admission requirements.
Campus: Berkeley, California
Available Intake: Annual Admission Cycle
Research Areas: Law and Society, Public Policy, Constitutional Governance, Legal Institutions, Human Rights, Criminal Justice, Technology Regulation, Social Justice, Legal History, Comparative Law, and empirical legal studies.
Official Program Source:
View Official JSP PhD Program
Joint Degrees, Interdisciplinary Study & Global Opportunities
Joint Degrees, Certificates & Global Academic Opportunities
Program Type: Joint Degree, Dual Degree, Certificate, Interdisciplinary and International Academic Opportunities
Duration: Varies by Program Structure
Eligibility: Program-specific academic and faculty requirements.
Campus: UC Berkeley and participating academic departments.
Available Intake: Program Dependent
Highlights: JD/MBA, JD/MPP, JD/MPH, JD/PhD pathways, Berkeley Center for Law & Technology opportunities, Environmental and Energy Law programs, Human Rights initiatives, International Exchange Opportunities, Public Policy collaborations, and interdisciplinary engagement across one of the world’s leading research universities.
Official Program Source:
View Official Academic Programs
Important Note for International Students
Program availability, tuition fees, scholarships, financial aid, admission requirements, English language standards, U.S. immigration regulations, professional licensing rules, bar admission eligibility requirements, and visa policies may change periodically. International applicants should always verify the latest information directly through official UC Berkeley and Berkeley Law sources before making any admission, immigration, licensing, financial, or career decision.
Official University Website:
University of California, Berkeley
Official Law School Website:
Berkeley Law
Official Academic Programs Directory:
View All Official Law Programs
Why Choose UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law?
UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law is consistently chosen by ambitious law students seeking world-class legal education, influential faculty, interdisciplinary opportunities, and strong global career outcomes.
Documents Required for Admission at Berkeley Law School
Applicants should prepare academic, identity, and supporting documentation well in advance of application deadlines.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Valid passport identification page.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or professional résumé.
- Personal statement or statement of purpose.
- Letters of recommendation.
- English language proficiency test results (if required).
- LSAT score (JD applicants where applicable).
- Writing samples (doctoral applicants where required).
- Research proposal (J.S.D./PhD applicants where required).
- Financial documentation for visa and funding purposes.
- Application fee payment confirmation.
- Additional supporting documents requested by Berkeley Law.
How to Apply
The Berkeley Law admissions process is competitive and requires careful preparation of academic and supporting materials.
- Select the desired law program.
- Review official eligibility and admission requirements.
- Create an online application account.
- Complete the official application form.
- Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Arrange recommendation letters.
- Submit English proficiency scores where applicable.
- Submit LSAT or other required admission credentials where relevant.
- Pay the official application fee.
- Track application status through the admissions portal.Receive admission decision.
- Accept admission offer and complete enrollment procedures.
- Apply for student visa (international students).
- Arrange housing, health insurance, and travel plans.
Other Relevant Law Schools in Berkeley and Nearby San Francisco Bay Area
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
Located in San Francisco, this institution is one of California’s oldest law schools and offers JD, LLM, and specialised legal education programs.
Stanford Law School
Located in Stanford, California, Stanford Law is internationally recognised for legal scholarship, innovation, entrepreneurship, constitutional law, and interdisciplinary education.
Santa Clara University School of Law
Known for strong programs in intellectual property, technology law, privacy law, and business law due to its Silicon Valley location.
University of San Francisco School of Law
Offers JD, LLM, and practical legal training opportunities with strong connections to California’s legal market.
Golden Gate University School of Law
Provides professional legal education with strengths in taxation, litigation, and flexible learning pathways.
These institutions collectively make the San Francisco Bay Area one of the strongest legal education ecosystems in the world.
Editorial Review Statement – This listing has been independently researched, reviewed, and prepared by the Lawsection.in Editorial Team using official UC Berkeley – Berkeley Law sources, admissions publications, academic program materials, tuition and financial information, accreditation records, institutional reports, and other primary university resources available as of June 2026.
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